coming spring 2001...

BONGA KWENDA "Semba N'Gola" The first release of new BONGA KWENDA material in the US since 1991... If you only heard his early recordings on "Angola '72" and Angola '74", you are in for a treat. He's only improved with age! The most diverse and innovative work yet from the leading proponent of "Semba N'Gola". A clever and multi-leveled lyricist and social critic of the highest order with a hauntingly sweet gravelly voice unlike any other. His 26 recordings in a 28-year career have made him a super-star in Europa and the African continent. Hear why, and become a BONGA convert. As Peter Watrous said in the New York Times: "BONGA, (is) a charismatic performer...(who has fused) different worlds...to create a distinct product...that (keeps) the party going."

...click on album for more info and to listen to exerpts in streaming audio format

JUNGULAR GROOVES "Caribbean Blues" A wonderful new release from the critically acclaimed JUNGULAR GROOVES ... Auteur Reggie Benn and company are back. His worm, dusky, bluesy baritone vocals, tasty blues-tinged guitar, and evocative songwriting are teamed with Robert James Havens' searing sax in a stunningly original synthesizer-free blend of Reggae, Calypso, and Blues, or-"Caribbean Blues". Featuring unissued tracks plus never-before commercially available singles and radio edits. Every tune is a winner. Here why Joathan E. writing in BAM Magazine was moved to say: "Imagination and grace abundant on every track."

...click on album for more info and to listen to exerpts in streaming audio format

COOL BREEZE™ "New Orleans Tropical" The first US CD by 20-piece World Music pioneers COOL BREEZE... The one, true,COOL BREEZE is still alive and kicking after 22 years on the cutting edge. They celebrate the commonality between New Orleans, Caribbean, Latin, and African musics, or-"New Orleans Tropical". A classic five-man vocal quintet, a powerful six-piece horn section, and a nine-piece rhythm/percussion section. Infectious melodies and vivid lyrics with the type of wry observations of contemporary life present in only the best music in the world. As Tom Cheyney in The Beat Magazine noted: "Few other golbally-influenced bands have blazed such a progressive path (as) tropical big-band COOL BREEZE."

...click on album for more info and to listen to exerpts in streaming audio format

coming summer 2001...

HILARION NGUEMA "Rhumba Gabón" The first US release by Gabón's Rhumba master... After nearly a dozen recordings, NGUEMA's melodic, sweet and swaying African Rhumbas finally make it to our shores with a sound that will drag you out to bouger on the dance floor or the livingroom floor. A perfect alternative to the pounding sameness often found in Soukous. NGUEMA's memorable tenor vocals are supported by tasty guitar work, horns, and a female chorus. Very hook-laden. Discover the joy of well-done Rhumba Africain, or simply discover that discoveries still exist in the Global Village!

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BONGA KWENDA "Magia N'Gola" Our second volume of new BONGA material... Continuing with more of the diverse and innovative work heard on our first BONGA volume, Semba N'Gola, the leading proponent of Semba N'Gola remains dazzling. A clever and multi-leveled lyricist and social critic of the highest order with a hauntingly sweet gravelly voice unlike any other. 26 recordings in a 28-year career have made him a super-star in Europa and Africa. Said Natasha Stovell in the San Francisco Chronicle: Afro-Pop superstar BONGA doesn't need English to communicate with American audiences... BONGA's scratchy, soulful voice fills the music with meaning.

...click on album for more info and to listen to exerpts in streaming audio format

coming fall 2001...

Sonacay "Rumba Gitana" A delightful first release by this Gitano guitar Rumba band from España... An alternative to highly produced Gitano pop and Nuevo Flamenco. With just guitars, percussion, and impassioned vocals, this recording has the earthy, gritty, feeling of a night in a smokey club in España. With memorable songs and an extremely listenable sound, SONACAY has its sights set on becoming a regular on your CD tray.

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