Antibalas Get Back to Basics on ‘Hourglass’
Hourglass is Antibalas through and through: no novelties, no gimmicks, all consummate professionalism. That is a comfort.
afrobeat
Los Cinco Cardones’ Debut Shows Their Versatility
Los Cinco Cardones’ El Quinto Cardón is an impressive show of the jazz quartet’s range, and the musicianship throughout is unquestionable.
Mádé Kuti Discovers New Clarity with ‘Chapter 1’
Mádé Kuti’s Chapter 1 shows that he’s here to make his own sonorous mark on the world, and it’s going to be a worthwhile one.
Francis Bebey’s Remarkable Legacy Shines on New Compilation
Francis Bebey made music that was traditional and future-facing, synthesized and acoustic: worldly music, in tune with both past and present, yet never nostalgic.
Sacred Paws’ Bright, Upbeat Rock Is Back in Action
Sacred Paws are defined by Ray Aggs’ always-in-motion guitar lines and Eilidh Rodgers’ hyperactive snare drum rolls. Here, they add banjo, and synths to their sound.
Raúl Monsalve Explores Vibrant Afro-Venezuelan Connections
With Sol, Raúl Monsalve y Los Forajidos add their soulful illumination to a world in which there are always bright and beautiful moments and music like this.
Sparks Fly on Jupiter and Okwess’ Thrilling ‘Ekoya’
Jupiter and Okwess make bold music that moves the body and mind. They are expert at making history and social commentary exciting.
Vampisoul Reissues Violeta Parra’s Brilliant Final LP
It’s always a good time to revisit music taking a stand against fascism, and Violeta Parra’s Las Últimas Composiciones has some of South America’s best.
Legendary Ebo Taylor Creates a ‘Jazz Is Dead’ Album
In this ‘Jazz Is Dead’ celebration of highlife legend, Ebo Taylor, a genuinely appreciative team revels in everything he’s done in the past six decades.
Aboubakar Traoré and Balima Are Irresistible on ‘Sababu’
Sababu is a decisive step forward for Aboubakar Traoré and Balima, moving them toward becoming internationally focused West African folk-pop standouts.
Afro Celt Sound System End a Chapter with ‘OVA’
With OVA, Afro Celt Sound System’s eighth LP, the long-running story comes to what seems to be its coda with the death of Simon Emmerson last year from cancer.
São Paulo’s Nomade Orquestra Sounds a Brassy Revolution
São Paulo band Nomade Orquestra’s ‘Terceiro Mundo’ is a shining example of a group capable of being original, inventive, and nonetheless broadly appealing.