Author Archives: Graham Radley

Madera Limpia is Yasel Gonzalez Rivera and Gerald Thomas Collymore, their first album was released as the soundtrack to the 2004 documentary Paraiso which was about their life in their home of Guantánamo, Cuba.. On La Corona they blend local acoustic traditional music especially Changui with the music of urban youth in Cuba. Driving percussion driven rap, reggae and reggaeton underpinned by the roots of their homeland. Highly recommended.

Chiwoniso: Rebel Woman [Cumbancha]

Terrific line up including Louis Mhlanga and Sam Matuare for this excellent CD from Zimbabwe’s Chiwoniso her first internationally released album in over ten years, A strong supporter of human rights and social justice she uses her soulful voice to enrich the mbira driven melodies with songs that evolve from traditional to contemporary. Superb.

Spam Allstars: Introducing Spam Allstars [Introducing]

This CD takes material from the Miami bands’ earlier CDs and introduces them to a hopefully wider audience. The band state their mission is to ‘blend improvisational electronic elements and turntables with Latin, funk, hip-hop and dub to create a sound that is unique – an electronic descarga.’ Excellent musicians combined with a love of playing live give them a real chilled buzz. Very much one to discover, if you’ve not already of course.

Tupiniquin: Made In Sao Paulo [Curve Music]

Debut CD from Tupiniquin and already he’s credited with helping restart the tropicália movement, one of the most important styles in Brazilian music from the late 60’s and 70’s. You get here the sounds of the city of San Paulo and all its influences so we get afro-samba, tropicalia, bossa with beats and rock to stir the mix. Superb.

Matt Andersen: Something In Between [Stubby Fingers]

Hard working musician on the live circuit ( last seen in UK as part of a package with Jessica Rhaye and Dave Gunning), this first studio CD gives Matt the chance to explore his songwriting. This is country style blues with a terrific studio band that includes Henry Spinetti and Dave Markee. Good stuff.

Clive Hunt & The Dub Dancers: Clive Hunt & The Dub Dancers [Makafresh]

Love this, the man has dub flowing through him and lets all his studio skills fill the CD with a wide range of dub influences from the safe to the adventurous. There’s a conscious sprit flowing through as well, evident especially on my pick of the tracks ‘Baghdad In Dub’. Highly recommended.

Colm O Snodaigh: Giving [Kila Records]

From Kila, this is his second solo release (although you have to go back to 1994 for the first!) and very good it is too. My favourite track ‘Uaireannta’ has Lisa Hannigan on backing vocals with the Gaelic lyrics bringing a little magic all of their own.

Marsha Swanson: Sentient Stardust [Mostly Music]

Good thought provoking lyrics, which are delivered in catchy songs, that stand well alongside others at the top of the female singer songwriter genre with influences ranging from Kate Bush to Carol King.

Kanda Bongo Man: Soukous Time [Gallo]

Sometimes you forget how uplifting soukous is but just a few seconds of those twinkling guitar ripples soon brings a smile and the need to dance. Over the years KBM has brought in a few other subtle and related influences like zouk but it’s when he hits the groove of ‘Amani’ that troubles can take a back seat and the musical sun shines. Very good.

Donnie Munro: An Turas [Greentrax]

Recorded live at 2008’s Celtic Connections, the title translates to The Journey and is based on emigration from Scotland to America. ‘Heart Of America’ evolved from a 2004 trip to the US where a visit to Ellis Island was very significant and proved to be the catalyst for the project. Donnie’s band is joined by guests like Fraser Fifield, Sandy Brechin and the Glasgow Islay Choir plus strings from RSAMD Glasgow. Rousing.