Can't lose on these world music albums: From Cuba, Juan Carlos Formell's "Stories from a Little Blue House" is a great Sunday afternoon relaxer; Putumayo's Brasiliero is a hands downer; If you like African music: Salief Keita's "Mansa of Mali" or Habib Koite's "Muso Ko" (also available on Putumayo record label. If your down for that funky Afro-beat of the late 70's try Fela Kuti and the Africa seventy (listen to all African music before you buy it as it is one of those things not everyone may like). Also his son, Femi Kuti is pretty hot on the world music scene right now and is more suited to western tastes. Of course, I'm sure that you have The Buena Vista Social Club album, but I think that the other album called "The Afro-Cuban Allstars--Todo Cuba La Gusta" is a better album overall. Of course, from the Buena Vista Social Club is pianist Ruben Gonzales who I think may be the best jazz/folk pianist I've ever heard besides Ellington--He has his own disc. On the Brazilian front check out Gilberto Gil or Joao Gilberto. Lots of people know Gilberto Gil from his collaborations with Stan Getz on Girl from Ipanema, but I prefer his solo stuff. From Cape Verde, there is Cesaria Evora if you really like Ella Fitzgerald, you'll like her too. But try to get her recordings before Cafe Atlantico...they do her voice much more justice. Then there's Ladysmith Black Mambazo (known for their stuff on Paul Simon's "Graceland" album) that have that kind of South Africa choral gospel thing goin on. From India, check out Ravi Shankar or if you like the wierd trance "ala Dead can Dance" music thing, Talvin Singh. Celtic...Loreena McKennitt is just beautiful...you might remember her well known song "mummer's dance" from the album "Book of Secrets"...also no matter how many have been sold, I think Enya's "Watermark" is one of the most beautiful albums ever made. Really, the best way to do this is either to go to one of those shops where you can listen before you buy or download what you can from Napster to see if you like it before sinking the money in. Putumayo has a range of world music sampler albums that are really pretty good if you don't know many artists and you want to sample the music before hand. Best albums from them are Africa, Brasilerio, Cubano, Mo Vida. Opt for the more recent albums rather than their earlier creations...they've learned alot since starting in the early nineties. Also, good world music on Peter Gabriel's real world label. Let me know what you think.
