Category Archives: World Music Reviews

Hackett, Steve – Under a Mediterranean Sky

Posted on February 3, 2021 by WalkerWords

We may not be able to travel the Mediterranean at the moment, but Hackett gives us an impressionistic tour with this acoustic-and-strings project as he continues to broaden his scope. I often find it fascinating to hear an artist’s work … Continue reading →

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Speechless 2

Posted on March 4, 2019 by WalkerWords

It has been a few months since my “Speechless” round up of notable 2018 instrumental releases, and they have kept coming, pouring into 2019. Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita – Soar (Bendigedig ) 8 tracks /45 minutes This beautiful release … Continue reading →

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Angélique Kidjo – Remain in Light

Posted on July 22, 2018 by WalkerWords

For Angélique Kidjo – probably Africa’s best-known female singer – to record a version of Talking Heads’ classic art-rock masterwork Remain in Light is both an obvious choice and a strange one.

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Anouar Brahem – Blue Maqams

Posted on December 25, 2017 by WalkerWords

(ECM) There is something tantalising about Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem’s restraint. The tentative playing on his previous release – the excellent double disc Souvenance – seemed to reflect the political uncertainty of his Tunisian homeland in the wake of … Continue reading →

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Afro-Celt Sound System – The Source

Posted on June 8, 2016 by WalkerWords

There are few bands whose names are as appropriate as Afro Celt Sound System. It feels a bit tacky to do so, but you could describe them crudely as ‘Riverdance on safari’, so well do they blend the Celtic and … Continue reading →

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Saffron – Dawning (Palmetto Records)

Posted on March 30, 2013 by WalkerWords

Gorgeously sensual, this lush world- jazz is so global that it connects 13th century Persian poetry with the Rolling Stones 4 Stars 7 Tracks / 70 Minutes Often a release reinforces the feeling that corporate music is ridiculously over-valued and … Continue reading →

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Tinariwen: Imidiwan:Companions (World Village)

Posted on July 20, 2012 by WalkerWords

Desert bluesmen follow up a global success with quantity as well as quality 4 Stars Time: CD  14 Tracks / 60 minutes Time: DVD 30 minutes It was never going to be easy following the sensational Aman Iman, the desert … Continue reading →

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Ballaké Sissoko and Vincent Segal: Chamber Music (Six Degrees)

Posted on July 2, 2012 by WalkerWords

These interweaving strings are as warm and relaxed as late evenings in Mali… 4.5 Stars Time: 10 Tracks / 55 minutes As a partnership principally between two solo strings players, this may fall into the love-it-or-hate-it category. With only one … Continue reading →

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo: And Friends (Razor and Tie)

Posted on June 11, 2012 by WalkerWords

Probably the best way we will ever hear this unique outfit. Shabalala Doobedoo. 4.5 Stars 30 tracks / 133 Minutes Along with Manfred Mann, Hugh Masekela and Dave Matthews, Ladysmith Black Mambazo (LBM) must be South Africa’s leading cultural exporters. … Continue reading →

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