Brief Reviews: M-O

Marina Rossell: Cap El Cel

World Village

An interesting project, rescuing forgotten songs of Catalonia from a century of so ago. The parlor music - often sentimental or patriotic - is given a lovingly sympathetic treatment, and Rossell's classically inflected voice is never too formal. Nice arrangements, but all too often the songs themselves don't warrant this kind of attention.

Milagro Acu Stico: I Storie a Cafe Di Lu Fure Stiero

Tinder

Interesting concept, based around the tales of travelers in an imaginairy Sicilian cafe. The music, a mix of Mediterranean cultures, works well, with some light touches of jazz here and there. Leader Bob Salmieri has plenty of talent as a composer, although this seems more like a beginning than an end in itself.

Morgan Heritage: Three In One

A family group that gives a contemporary edge to roots reggae, while keeping it conscious. Some excellent material, including a tribute to Marvin Gaye on "What's Going On" (not a cover). Curiously, the band they most bring to mind is Third World, bubbly but with no real edge.

Moving Cloud: Sweet Nyaa

Go! Danish Folk Music

Irish music from Denmark, played by a mostly Danish band plus Donal Lunny (who must be everywhere). It's excellent stuff, lovingly performed, with some strong instrumental sets, too, and well worth the time to track down and hear.

Mylene Pires: Mylene

Fast Horse

A new Brazilian MPB vocalist who's okay, if not especially outstanding. A nice version of "Eleanor Rigby," but she's yet to develop a truly distinctive voice.

Nassima: Andalusian Music from Algiers

Institut du Monde Arabe

A fasinating journey into the world of the san'a, made up of the vocal and instrumental suites called nubas - an ancient tradition that joins North Africa and Europe. Beautifully crafted music, and some inspired singing from Nassima should help this move beyond ethnomusicological status.

Niall & Cillian Vallely: Callan Bridge

Compass

Wonderful fraternal pairing on concertina and uillean pipes from two of the strongest players in Ireland. Nothing to prove, just the sheer joy of the music and the family heritage, balanced with six originals. Some of the stronest Irish music to come down the pike this year, a true instrumental delight.

Nickel Creek: This Side

Sugar Hill

Shock horror, young bluegrass stars go acoustic alt. pop. Actually, they do it very well, but the quality of the album's only traditional track - a version of "The House Carpenter" that seems to owe a lot to Cordelia's Dad - makes you long for more. Still, it's hard not to enjoy "Smoothie Song" and "Hanging By A Thread."

Niyaz: Niyaz

Six Degrees

Memembers of Vas and Axiom of Choice come together to make an album that sounds pretty, with elements from India and the middle East, but curiously lacking in personality. Kind of high quality New Age music, sadly.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: The Early Years Vol. II

Narada

Double CD epic Nusrat, simply one of the great voices, and the years covered by this compilation - 1983-84 - were something of a peak for him artistically and vocally. Mesmerizing, utterly brilliant, but not yet a global star, he sings his heart out on music that's truly transcendent.

Odetta: Lookin for a Home

M.C. Records

Odetta covers Leadbelly is such a natural match that the wonder is it's never happened before. But all things come to those who wait, and this is definitely worth the wait, since Odetta can still sing circles around most of the competition, and provide an deep, emotive reservoir on some remarkable songs.

Omar Sosa: Prietos

OTA

The Cuban pianist might have his roots, but he definitely follows his own, idiosyncratic path, taking in jazz, Yoruba chants, and the sound of hip-hop, melding it all together in his unique vision. Sometimes extremely dark, sometimes wildly celebratory, it's certainly a sonic adventure.

Oojami: Bellydancing Breakbeats

Mondo Rhythmica

Lots of beats, and the ney and oud get a workout, but pity any bellydancer starting at these BPMs. Turkish club music in London, although the rapper on "Chicky" makes you think it's a piss-take with his cliches (more Ali G than NWA). Potential, but a long way to go.

Ozomatli: Street Signs

Concord

Ozomatli have acquired a fearsome reputation for being at a hip junction in music, where Latin mixes with everything else. But apart from the first cut here, "Believe," there's very little distinguishing about this album. The ideas might be there, but much of the execution is lacking in imagination, sadly.