World Pulse

Rebel Woman

Chiwoniso | Cumbancha, 2008 | Zimbabwe

“Music was around all the time; it became like breathing.”

It’s midmorning and Chiwoniso is running late for a round of interviews to support her new album, Rebel Woman. She apologizes, explaining that she was rehearsing with her new band until 3 a.m. “It’s a beautiful band,” she says.…Read More »

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Plegaria del Árbol negro

Tonolec | Independent Production, 2008 | Argentina

With the release of their new album, Plegaria del Árbol Negro, this entrancing Argentinian duo has sealed their destiny as a force of musical genuis. Intent on conserving the voice of Argentina’s indigenous Toba culture, Tonolec plants electronic beats in native prayers, seeding a fertile landscape of rhythms.…Read More »

Plateau

Soname Yangchen | World Music, 2009 | Tibet

Soname Yangchen’s voice—and story—soars in her new album, Plateau. A singer/songwriter of contemporary Tibetan mountain songs, she uses spirited, free-flowing lyrics and sounds to reflect on her lost homeland.…Read More »

Tchamantche

Rokia Traoré | Nonesuch Records, 2008 | Mali

The much celebrated Malian singer, songwriter, and musician Rokia Traoré has received global praise for her fourth and latest album, Tchamantche. Here, her voice beautifully bears lyrics in French, English, and Bambara, a Malian language.…Read More »

Morabeza

Maria de Barros | Sheer Sound, 2009 | Cape Verde

An exploration of time, space, and style, Maria de Barros’ newest album combines Cape Verdean traditional Morna and Coladeira beats with a rich frappé of global rhythm and melody.…Read More »

The Beauty and the Sea

Mor Karbasi | Mintaka Music, 2008 | Israel/UK

Mor Karbasi’s debut album, The Beauty and the Sea, is a brave new contribution to Sephardic music. Here, Karbasi, an Israeli-born descendent of Moroccan and Persian Jews, now based in London, performs traditional Ladino songs and her own Ladino-inspired compositions.…Read More »

Middle Cyclone

Neko Case | Anti Records, 2009 | USA

Neko Case is an awesome force to be reckoned with, disarming us completely with her fifth studio album, Middle Cyclone. In a clear, husky voice she moves through alternative country and gospel vibes sung with gripping, often comical, lyrics about life and love, especially.…Read More »