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 Fusion
DON BRADEN & KARL LATHAM
Big Fun(k) Live
BRIA SKONBERG
So Is the Day
SONNY FORTUNE
You and the Night and the Music
THE JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET
New World
MAUREEN CHOI QUARTET
Maureen Choi Quartet
HENRY BUTLER, STEVE BERNSTEIN AND THE HOT 9
VIPER'S DRAG
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