Rating:
Genre:
World
Release Date: 05/01/2007
In 2006
World Circuit released a sampler celebrating its 20th anniversary. Apparently, it worked because
World Circuit Presents is another overview of the astonishing array of artists it brings to the general public. We in the United States benefit because its production and distribution deal is with
Nonesuch, a label that is part of the
Warner-Elektra-Atlantic family and was with
Ryko before that. This double-disc is an excellent way for the listener -- novice or connoisseur -- to get saturated in some of the best music the world has to offer.
World Circuit brought Yankees
the Buena Vista Social Club and all of its stars, from
Ibrahim Ferrer and
Rubén González to
Compay Segundo (all of whom have since passed away) and
Omara Portuondo. They brought us offerings from
Radio Tarifa and
Sierra Maestra and
Oumou Sangare, as well as amazing reissues by the Cuban electric guitar
doo wop group
Los Zafiros and the truly exotic
Orchestra Baobab, as well as the griot master
Toumani Diabaté. They offer a cut from
Ry Cooder and the late
Ali Farka Touré, as well as
jazz from
Anga Diaz covering
John Coltrane's
"A Love Supreme," with a completely different take on the tune. These are only a few of the offerings on this treasure trove compiled by label boss
Nick Gold, which is sold at a budget price and whose handsome booklet is packed with information. This is one of those sets that can be played almost anytime and offers a glimpse into the magical sounds that are created daily outside America's borderline -- and narrow -- vision of itself and its culture.
~Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
;)
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