Latest Reviews: P-R

Paddy Keenan & Tommy O'Sullivan: The Long Grazing Acre

Compass

Superb disc from the former Bothy Band founder, who's lost none of his touch. Guitarist O'Sullivan is an excellent foil, unobtrusive but always there, subtle - as are the bass and percussion. An eminently brilliant selection of tunes and songs, and the players so sure of themselves that there's little need for flagrant displays of virtuosity, although Keenan is a giant among pipers and whistle players. Only on the final live track (a bonus) do they really let go. Marvelous Irish music.

Paolo Conte: Rêveries

Nonesuch

Italy's answer to Leonard Cohen is remarkably prolific in Europe, but in the U.S. not much of his work finds release. On the basis of this, you have to wonder why. Fabulous songs (the title cut is in French), with arrangements that run from jazz-influenced to the circus mind of a Fellini, topped by the artful, cracked voice of Conte. After a singing carer of almost 30 years he's developed a style that's part depth, part studied insouciance, and it works perfectly - and he knows how to write to his vocal strengths.

Papa Susso: Sotuma-Sere

Traditional Crossroads

Named for his village in Guinea, Susso offers some wonderful solo kora work on this disc. Not as flashy as some of the Malian players, he's more thoughtful and traditional in his approach - but equally magnificent as a player. A mix of grand old pieces, with a few more modern, some stunning tonal switches within the two tunings he uses here. You don't hear playing like this often - be thankful this has been captured on CD. A lesson in Guinean kora, rippling, muscular, and beautiful.

Paula Morelenbaum: Berimbaum

Universal

One of the great contemporary Brazilian singers pays tribute to one of her country's classic songwriters - Vinicius de Moraes. But Morelenbaum never limits her interpretations, going for subtle beats and samples in with the live instruments for an intriguing mix that ends up sounding timeless - a very neat trick indeed. This is more a labor of love than anything, but all performed with a tender, cool passion.

Peter Puma Helund & Company: Another Way

RPM

After a completely solo disc, Nyckelharap player Hedlund comes back with full accompaniment, and a great deal of sweet material, old and new. The instrumental mix might seem odd, including uillean pipes, cello, recorder, and clarinet, but it works, and not because of novelty, with the distinctive myckelharpa given plenty of chance to shine. The man's a master on his instrument.

Radio Tarifa: Fiebre

Nonesuch/World Circuit

Remarkable live album from one of Spain's very best bands, who combine their roots with an eclectic Mediterranean mix on a highly individual style. While rooted in tradition, they use that as a springboard to explore all kinds of music cultures, from flamenco outwards. Superb playing and singing, and a constant sense of adventure and surprise make for a beautiful mix, and a band obviously to be relished in concert.

Reptile Palace Orchestra: We Know You Know

Omnium

Minnesota's mad men and women of world music return with a satisfying, and marvelously goofy set. From revving up the jazz rock classic "Vehicle" to putting is as many odd beats as possible, and even some loop experiments, this is simply glorious, a grab bag of music styles that dowplays just how skilled these people are. One of those records it's impossible to dislike, and by the end you'll be grinning like a loon.

Rory Block: From the Dust

Telarc

America's leading blueswoman, a remarkable guitar player and singer, with a good dollop of original material mixed in with a strong smattering of interpretations of Delta music. Does it work? Absolutely. Give her a guitar and a slide and she can create magic. She's developed into a very good blues writer, too, and her voice is majestic - she's unstoppable. To say she delivers again might not be much, but if you've heard her, you know what it means. Andif you haven't heard her yet - do.

Roscoe Holcomb: An Untamed Sense of Control

Smithsonian Folkways

Music coursed through Roscoe Holcomb - it was as if he was a singing, playing piece of the Appalachians. Superb on banjo, guitar, and harmonica (as he demonstrates here), his singing style was arresting - pure high lonesome. This mix of studio and live recordings, some of which are previously unreleased, offer a fairly comprehensive portrait of one of the giants of American roots music. His performances were never staid - instead he always pushed for the edge, and often achieved it. To hear him is to go for a white-knuckle ride - in the best way.

Ry Cooder and Manuel Galban: Mambo Sinuendo

Nonesuch

A remarkable pairing of Cooder with Buena Vista and Los Zafiros guitar.keyboard player Galban on a trip through an imaginary Cuba, with lush melodies are sketched, then colored with twang. The surf influence is apparent in Galban's playing, but it's really just one of many from Cuba's best guitarist. Cooder acts as foil and support, happy in the background, adding color, texture, and support, while the rhythm section understand less is more. Some extra percussion on "Los Twangueros," a touch of backing vocal and trumpet, but it's guitar front and center - a little reminiscent, in fact, of Mrac Ribot's Cuban work. Without a doubt, a superior listening experience.

Latest Reviews: P-R

Paddy Keenan & Tommy O'Sullivan: The Long Grazing Acre

Paolo Conte: Rêveries

Papa Susso: Sotuma-Sere

Paula Morelenbaum: Berimbaum

Peter Puma Helund & Company: Another Way

Radio Tarifa: Fiebre

Reptile Palace Orchestra: We Know You Know

Rory Block: From the Dust

Roscoe Holcomb: An Untamed Sense of Control

Ry Cooder and Manuel Galban: Mambo Sinuendo

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