MAY 1 2007Ibrahim Ferrer "Mi Sueno"
(Nonesuch Records / Cuba)
When Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social club lead vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer died in August 2005 at the age of 78, he was within a few weeks of accomplishing a lifelong ambition: to record an album of suave, sexy, elegant Cuban boleros. The singer's reedy tenor, in some cases rescued from high-quality demos with instrumentals recorded posthumously, touches places in a listener's soul that no power-popster with an umpteen-octave range and mud-slides of melisma could remotely approach. AMAZON.COM
The Toasters "One More Bullet"
(Stomp Records / USA)
Ska is definitely back and there is no better proponent than icons of the scene The Toasters! One More Bullet...(features) eleven huge tracks of trademark Toasters ska, the album also features guest appearances from Greg Robinson (Mephiskapheles), Bufford O'Sullivan (Slackers, Easy Star Allstars), Claude Robillard (Daze of Dawn) and various yet-to-be-identified members of Los Skarnales. Hard-hitting, catchy as hell, and upbeat, One More Bullet is proof positive that America's longest running ska band can kick out the jams like no other. AMAZON.COM
Various Artists "Cult Cargo: Grand Bahama Goombay"
(Oz Records / Bahamas)
From 1969-1976 Frank Penn’s GBI studio and label cranked out a dozen LPs and twice as many singles infected with the Miami sounds drifting in over the 100 mile strait. The catalog is a fruity blend of rake and scrape, bush, junkanoo, calypso, reggae, and of course, goombay, with a twist of American soul.
IndiaLucia "IndiaLucia"
(Rasa Records / India & Spain)
This musical project fuses Indian and flamenco music. Produced by Miguel Czachowski and recorded mostly in India and Spain with great artists from both countries, including Avaneedra Sheolikar, Sandesh Popatkar, and Prasad Khaparde. The result demonstrates the common elements of flamenco and its Indian roots fused into one art form. The rhythmically driving chords of the flamenco guitar are perfectly balanced with the soothing, more soulful melodies of the Indian vocals and sitar. A unique listening experience. AMAZON.COM
Somi "Red Soil In My Eyes"
(World Village Records / Africa & USA)
Born in Illinois to East African parents, Somi and her six siblings began to shuffle through the life of a diplomatic family. Thus exposing Somi to stories and music from all over the world. Her lyrically magnificent new project Red Soil In My Eyes is a resonant and soulful celebration of her Rwandese and Ugandan heritage that fantastically speaks of returning Home.