Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers International Music Editor, Karen Karleski FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: Taj Mahal * New and Notable: Cesaria Evora, Rabih Abou-Khalil, Estrellas de Areito, Rizwan-Muazam Qawwali, Sorten Muld * Get Started in International: Brazil's Os Mutantes * Artist Essentials: Beausoleil * Rai Rebels: An introduction to the socially charged music of North Africa WORD FOR WORD ************* "I've always been searching for the American music that still has its connection with the African tradition, a tradition that's been unbroken for 71 generations. This album is a real connection with my ancestors. We've been gone from their midst for 500 years, and we've created our own music that has stood the test of time. Now we're relinking with one another. These are relatives coming home." --Bluesman Taj Mahal on "Kulanjan," his collaboration with African kora master Toumani Diabate Read more of our article on Taj Mahal at International NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "Cafe Atlantico" Cesaria Evora http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JMG1/entertainmentsit Cesaria Evora's new album pays sensuous tribute to the Brazilian and Cuban music born from the singer's hometown of Mindelo, Cape Verde. Evora's velvety alto richly seduces the listener once again in this remarkable collection of romantic, yearning music. One of the best albums of 1999. "Yara" Rabih Abou-Khalil http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JJK3/entertainmentsit Over the years Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou-Khalil has collaborated with several jazz greats for spirited improvisation that blended sounds of East and West. His new release, "Yara," a soundtrack to the film of the same name, has a gentler, at times even classical, feel that mixes oud, cello, and violin for a melancholy Arabic music. Brilliant and highly recommended. "Los Heroes" Estrellas de Areito http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JG3D/entertainmentsit A gathering of pianist Ruben Gonzalez, singer Pio Leyva, and other veteran Cuban musicians might sound like the makings of another "Buena Vista Social Club," but in fact this new double-CD release offers even more. Recorded in Havana in just five days during 1979, "Los Heroes" captures more than 30 of Cuba's premier musicians in traditional songs of lush romanticism and red-hot jams. "Sacrifice to Love" Rizwan-Muazam Qawwali http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JMXX/entertainmentsit This debut from the nephews of the late, great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan adds an energetic dimension to the ancient Sufi tradition of qawwali singing. Nusrat had intense command of his voice, and his accompanying party brought forth burning ecstasy in their songs of praise. Rizwan and Muazam simply burst with wild joy, which for two young Pakistani singers in their late teens is a fine start. "Mark II" Sorten Muld http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JRLA/entertainmentsit Danish trio Sorten Muld meld traditional Nordic folk with electronic sounds for an engaging music that flows beautifully, like an ancient ballad tucked within a bed of trip-hop beats and shuffling synth. Ulla Bendixsen's lucid voice flows in and out of softened bagpipes, techno sequences, and dabs of piano and fiddle for a sumptuously enticing musical experiment. Check out this exciting album that won two Danish Grammy Awards and went gold in Denmark. GET STARTED IN INTERNATIONAL: OS MUTANTES ***************************************** If the words Brazil and psychedelia seem to contradict each other, you probably haven't heard Os Mutantes. Leaders of the country's late-'60s Tropicalia movement, they blended bossa nova with the Beatles, samba with wild guitar solos. Explore "Everything Is Possible!," a collection of material that has influenced Beck and Cibo Matto, in Get Started in International. International ARTIST ESSENTIALS: BEAUSOLEIL ***************************** Fiddler Michael Doucet and Beausoleil have kept traditional Cajun, French, and Creole music vibrantly alive since the group's formation in the mid-1970s. More than a dozen albums later, these high-spirited virtuosos are still cooking up music as tasty as a plate of red beans and rice. Here are their essential recordings. International RAI REBELS ********** Rooted in traditional Arabic folk music and laced with modern dance beats, the musical form known as rai offers an intriguing snapshot of the music scene in North Africa. Upsetting to Muslim extremists for its sensual lyrical content, rai gives voice to issues of Algerian life while creating an exciting dance experience to boot. Amazon.com writer Lois Maffeo sketches out the rai artists of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. International ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's International Music section at International
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