2004-11-23
Such brilliant harmonic and rhythmic stylings from this, Rokia Traore’s third release. Bowmboi turns Malian folk melodies and traditional instruments on its head with classical string arrangements from the likes of Kronos Quartet and modern lyricism. Traore, 30, is a daughter of a diplomat and spent her childhood moving about and as such, had difficulty forming lasting friendships. She turned to music, started her career in France, but later returned to her native Mali to polish her craft and sift some West African earth. (steLLa)
CRAIC WISELY
First Cuts First
The Dears
Times Infinity Volume One
Mishka
Above the Bones
OZOMATLI
Don’t Mess with the Dragon
John Brown’s Body
- Amplify
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Ayombe: The Heart of Columbia's Musica Vallenata
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.