2012-02-02
The Sultans of String are four Canadian string players (violin, two guitarists, bass) of diverse cultures with a Cuban percussionist keeping the beat. The band plays a global jazz gumbo that's part flamenco, gypsy, Celtic and swing. All are instrumentals, except the cover of fellow Canadian Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" (the female duo Dala handles the vocals) and the original "To You," a rumba-jazz number. This is a highly-skilled ensemble and the variety of their ethnic origins gives the record a refreshing diversity of approaches from song to song--Spain, Native Canada, Lebanon, Cuba, Brazil. The final tune, "Nacimiento," about the journey of pregnancy and birth, features the sounds of a baby's heartbeat. 02/12 Michael J. J-Global Fusion3 COHENS
Braid
DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO
The 11th Gate
NOAH BAERMAN, WAYNE ESCOFFERY, AMANDA MONACO, VINNIE SPERRAZZA, HENRY LUGO
Playdate
Catina DeLuna
Lado B Brazilian Project
THE IAN CAREY QUINTET +1
Roads & Codes
MAUREEN CHOI QUARTET
Maureen Choi Quartet
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.