2011-02-13
Given Shawn Lee’s use of such instruments as tabla and sitar (India), bouzouki and hurdy-gurdy (Europe), balaphone (Africa), churango (Bolivia), and gu-zheng (China), “World of Funk” has a world feel to it. That’s not so unusual for this multi-instrumentalist. What makes this seventh Ping Pong Orchestra album unusual, is the use of vocalists. Cambodian,Chhom Nimol of Dengue Fever guests on “Ghost In the Rain”, Natacha Atlas, of Egyptian decent, is featured on “Cairo, Cairo” and “The Mighty Atlas”. Bardo Martinez of Chicano Batman lends his vocals to “La Eterna Felicidad”; and Curumin sings on “Nao Vacila” adding a funky Brazilian element to the mix. Mr. Lee even has his mother-in-law (“Nanny Jee”) on here as a guest! “World of Funk” is simply more great stuff from Shawn Lee. Rebecca RuthALOE BLACC
Shine Through
SILA AND THE AFROFUNK EXPERIENCE
Black President
The Reptile Palace Orchestra
We Know You Know
The Triplets of Belleville
Original Soundtrack
Liz Carroll and John Doyle
Double Play
Symbolic Olives
The Scene That Celebrates Itself
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.