Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Omar Akram - Secret Journey
Omar AkramSecret Journey
Label: Real Music
This son of a UN diplomat brings us an infusion of world flecked jazz instrumentals set in melodic new age atmospheres. Piano is the dominant but not overpowering motivator here, complimented by violin, guitar, drums and keyboard.
• Omar Akram Website • Omar Akram WikiLadysmith Black Mambazo - Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black MambazoIlembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu
Label: Heads Up Africa
Taking a break from their usual heavy handed Christian focused acapella, this Grammy award winning African singing group pays homage to Shaka Zulu, one of the greatest leaders in African history. Amazing harmonies as always.
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo Website • Ladysmith Black Mambazo WikiPutumayo Presents - Latin Reggae
Putumayo PresentsLatin Reggae
Label: Putumayo World Music
I love reggae and Putumayo has managed to thrust a whole bunch of wonderful established as well as newcomer Spanish singing reggae based artists (largely from Spain) into the spotlight with this release. Ya mon!
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiPutumayo Presents - Tango Around The World
Putumayo PresentsTango Around The World
Label: Putumayo World Music
Musically touring the tantalizing Tango hotbeds around the world including Finland, Senegal, Portugal and most notably Argentina. Here we are shown the fancy footwork (and musicianship) of 11 internationally renowned artists.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiSequoia Groove Presents - Angels Voices
Sequoia Groove PresentsAngels Voices
Label: Sequoia Records
Compiled by Yogafit founder Beth Shaw and mixed by the Gordon Brothers, this compilation focuses on female voices and consists of remixes of about 5 different bands. Blissful but limited.
• Sequoia Groove Presents WebsiteChip Raman - Edge Of A Song
Chip RamanEdge Of A Song
Label: Rosebud Records
This talented singer/songwriter has packaged art, heart and musical revelry into one cohesive package bearing his name and providing a nice platform for spreading his thought provoking, easy going compositions.
• Chip Raman WebsiteHermano - Into the Exam Room
HermanoInto the Exam Room
Label: Regain Records
Mega groovy hard rock and acoustic rock congealed from members of several stoner rock outfits and put together over long distances. At the helm is former Kyuss vocalist, John Garcia, guiding this herd to great heights.
• Hermano Website • Hermano WikiPutumayo Presents - African Party
Putumayo PresentsAfrican Party
Label: Putumayo World Music
Celebrating Putumayo’s 15th Anniversary with a great compilation that pays tribute to the spirit of the music that inspired the label’s inception. With 20 million CDs sold, Putumayo’s world music party has been a global hit and “African Party” is another to add their list of success.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiTurbine - Reward
TurbineReward
Label: Roofland Records
Melting catchy inflections of bluegrass, Americana and jam rock into a fun and furious spectacular of momentous proportions. The harmonious harmonica packs their sultry rhythms with an air of delicacy and intricacy as do the harmonic vocals.
• Turbine WebsiteDavid & Steve Gordon - Earth Drum: The 25th Anniversary Collection, Vol. 1
David & Steve GordonEarth Drum: The 25th Anniversary Collection, Vol. 1
Label: Sequoia Records
A collection of this famous duo’s favorite global drum fusions from their past 25 years. Beautiful, serene and trance-invoking drum visions. With bonus DVD of music and landscape visuals.
• David & Steve Gordon Website • David & Steve Gordon WikiJaya Lakshmi - Sublime
Jaya LakshmiSublime
Label: Sequoia Records
Continuing on with her tradition of utilizing top talent and great producers to produce a very NOW direction to her offerings of Bhakti yoga. This Kirtan themed voyage of chant, chill and grace will carry the listener to alcoves of serenity and blissful platitudes.
• Jaya Lakshmi WebsiteBeefus - Manpanzee
BeefusManpanzee
Label: Self Released
This Madison based hurdy-gurdy of frenzied bass and electric banjo funkified rock have evolved to produce clever, witty lyrics with a platitude of poignant samples. Favorable vocal and rhythmic comparisons to Primus are unavoidable.
• Beefus WebsiteView More
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