cdRoots favorites: a small, changing list personal picks by the proprietor.

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The Henrys - Is This Tomorrow (2 discs) - $15.99
(cdRoots# henrys-tomorrow)
The new CD/DVD combo from this most eclectic band is coming in late June, 2009. This is not just a CD, it is a CD/DVD package. 2-disc set is about 2 hours of music, copious photography, home theatre (5.1) sound, a pdf file with song info, and the tactile kicks of the 3x2 panel recycled paper digipak packaging. Highly Recommended

Rail Band w/Salif Keita and Mory Kanté - Volume 2: Mansa - $15.99
(cdRoots# st-railband2)
The Malian National Railways formed the Rail Band du Buffet Hôtel de la Gare de Bamako to entertain guests at the hotel adjacent to the central train station in Bamako, but that unpromising origin belied how excellent a band it was and what an impact it made right from the get-go in 1970. The lead singer was a young man named Salif Keita. The band's dynamic fusion of jeliya and other traditional Malian forms with rock, blues and Latin music was audacious and brilliant. Salif Keita went on to start his own band, Les Ambassadeurs, in 1972, but by then another talented singer, Mory Kanté (who really was a jeli and not only sang but also played balafon) had joined the Rail Band. Around the same time the band hired a new guitarist, Djelimady Tounkara. Tounkara now leads the Super Rail Band. The three-volume Rail Band retrospective (compiled by Ibrahima Sylla) is not organized chronologically. Each 2-CD volume includes recordings from the 14-year span of 1970 to1983. Volume 2: Mansa includes five tracks with Salif Keita, five with Mory Kanté (including the title track, a 12-minute epic recorded in 1975), and eight others featuring singers Magan Ganessy or Djelimady Sissoko. Highly recommended!

Leroy Young: The Grandmaster - Just Like That... - $14.99
(cdRoots# tree-grand)
Somewhere in the continuum between the Lost Poets and contemporary hiphop, Young and his rock solid, unmachined ensemble crank out hard, heavy rhythms, intense melodies and a stream of consiousness verbal onslaught of political, social and instrospective poetry from Belize. Highly Recommended!

Bidaia - Duo - $13.99
(cdRoots# bid-1)
Basque composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Mixel Ducau and Californian singer-songwriter and hurdy-gurdy player Caroline Phillips come back for their second recording as Bidaia, now a duo, with a repertoire that includes original compositions and traditional Basque songs. The Basque alboka and ttun-ttun are combined with acoustic guitar, hurdy-gurdy and bamboo clarinet to offer a strong second look at their original approach to the tradition.

Youssou N'Dour - Special fin d'annee plus - $22.99
(cdRoots# yy-ndourfin)
Out of print classc by Youssou N'Dour and his band in 1999 with pure mbalax straight from Dakar. No special guests, no Euro-pop, just a driving, hard senegalese sound. highly recommended

Mimmo Epifani - Zucchini Flowers - $18.99
(cdRoots# rd-ft48)
The Salentine mandolinist's newest take on taranta is global I scope, yet deeply rooted in local traditions. Highly recommended.

Omar Sosa - Across the Divide - $15.99
(cdRoots# sst-sosa09)
Pianist composer Sosa presents A Tale of Rhythm and Ancestry that merges North America, Africa and the Caribbean in a song cylcle unlike anything I have heard. Guest vocalist Tim Eriksen offers up deep rooted American folk vocals against an Afro-jazz tapestry. Highly recommended. Listen

Aly Bain and Ale Moller - Beyond the Stacks - $12.99
(cdRoots# ns-6094)
Scottish fiddle master Bain and Swedish multi-instrumentalist Möller have been exploring the Nordic roots of Scottish music together for over ten years, and this is the second CD to come from this collaboration. Mostly fiddle/mandola duets are a culmination of Bain's extensive research into the Scandinavian history behind so much of the traditional music of his native Shetland Islands, and Möller's creative arrangements. It is a masterpiece of understatement, a relaxed session between friends who anticipate oneanother's every phrase and respond with passion. Highly recommended.

Leonard Cohen - Live in London - $21.95
(cdRoots# sst-cohenlive)
2 CDs, 25 songs - recorded live at London's O2 Arena in July 2008. "Dance Me to the End of Love," "Bird on the Wire," "Suzanne," "First We Take Manhattan," "Sisters of Mercy" and more. Highly recommended

Banda Olifante - Banda Olifante - $18.99
(cdRoots# rd-7030)
Somewhere between an Italian municipal brass band and The Thndering Herd you will find the music of Olifante.. At home with Mediterranean tradition and jazz, Afrobeat and klezmer. Guests include horn player Frank London, accordionist Simone Zanchini, Senegalese drummer As Niang and French tuba player Michel Godard. Thoroughly unique, highly recommended.

Rail Band - Volume 3: Dioba - $19.99
(cdRoots# st-railband3)
2 CD set: The third and best of the Rail Band series features some fo the band's best work from 1970 to 1983 and includes performances by Salif Keita, Mory Kante, Makan Ganesy, Lanfia Diabate, Sekou Kouyate and Sekou Kante - highly recommended! Listen

Dazibao - E40 - $19.99
(cdRoots# hrbe-039)
The second release by this wonderful Belgian ensemble will surely garner as much acclaim as their previous CD, Alma. The diatonic accordions of Sophie Cavez and Jonathan de Neck are still in the forefront, musically and compositionally, but this 2007 release offers a more confident ensemble sound, a little richer in jazz roots while still solidly enthralled the folk roots of their region. Exceptional music from an exceptional ensemble, once again.

Didier Francois and Gilles Chabenat / D. François and Gabriel Yacoub - Brand new world / Dans l'oubli du sommeil - $23.99
(cdRoots# hrbe-033)
Two complete recordings on 2 CDs in one package, both essential works of new central European folk music. On one, the passionate dialogue of two symbols of the French and Swedish traditions: vielle a roue (hurdy-gurdy) and nyckelharpa. Music that is popular and erudite, terrestrial and celestial. The second celebrates the violin and nyckelharpa in union with the human voice, with one of France's great singers at the lead, joined by Sylvie Berger and Tom Theuns. It is flawless and visceral; highly recommended.

H3FK - Nubiska Natter - $17.99
(cdRoots# cda-h3fk)
Mixing influences from the likes of John Coltrane and Anouar Brahem with their own unique style, this ensemble offers an unorthodox vision. The group started out as a double trio mixing modern jazz with Arabic folk music, but have now reached a point where the borders are blurred and the feeling is completely natural and original. The compositions are written for the whole ensemble, but also includes trio and quartet pieces, with elements of Arabic, Middle-Eastern, Gypsy and Swedish folk and pop.

Ale Moller Band - Bodjal - $18.99
(cdRoots# amigo-bodjal)
Ale Möller comes full circle. From the bouzoukispellman who learned Swedish folk music on a Greek instrument so many years ago comes a stunning new album of music that leans heavily on those Greek roots, and then explodes across the continents. With Maria Stellas and Mamadou Sene on vocals, a core band of Moller's strings, accordion, flutes and voice, Magnus Stinnerbom (fiddles, mandolin), Sebatian Dube (bass) and Rafael Sida Hulzar (percussion). My 'Record of the Year' for 2004. Highly recommended

QQQ - Unpacking The Trailer - $14.99
(cdRoots# na-qqq1)
QQQ unspools folk music from a place where bluegrass, Norwegian wedding marches, progressive rock, and post-minimalism have merged into a funky, engaging hybrid. Dan Trueman plays the Hardanger fiddle, Monica Mugan is on classical guitar, Beth Meyers on viola and Jason Treuting does the drums and percussion.It is a wild and decidedly non-traditional mix, yet the music still sounds ancient and rooted.

Ry-Co Jazz - Bon Voyage! 1963-1977 - $18.99
(cdRoots# st-retro22)
13 great tracks of classic Congolese music. Founded in the late 50s in Congo, the band refined it's rumba sound, and then moved in 1967 to Antilles where they fused the local music into what would eventually morph into zouk. Listen

The Cultural Music Club of Zanzibar - Shime - $18.99
(cdRoots# hm-wv468080)
They began life as part of the youth organization of the Afro Shirazi Party during Zanzibar's struggle for independence back in 1956. Today it is not only the largest, but also one of the most prolific and successful orchestras of Zanzibar as they present taarab music. They perform new compositions and have developed a distinct and uniquely Swahili style. Listen 1 - Listen 2

Calicanto - 25 anni Calicanto (2 CDs) - $25.99
(cdRoots# rd-cal14)
Calicanto is one of the most important bands in the northern Italian folk musicscene. This double CD is an anthology of this amazing group, born in Padova 25 years ago. All the tunes in CD 1 were recorded live in 2006 and present favorites form the repetoire as well as songs never before recorded by the ensemble. The tunes in CD 2 are all original versions taken from the 12 CDs published by Calicanto, most of which are no longer in print or readily available. Highly recommended

Amestoy Trio - Sport et Couture - $temp out of stock-19.99
(cdRoots# hm-daq2035)
This unique French trio's second recording. As the review says: "You listen to this disc of musette jazz manouche with accordion, guitar and bass and gradually somethinghappens to you ears ... a singular, warm universe, a jubilant and playful music, light and full of happiness. It sounds like you are encountering an orchestra... but one that snores and purrs a happy tune... it envelops the listener and you are into a strange jubilation. A triple treat for the ears." - Etienne Bours

Miquel Gil with Savinna Yannatou - En Concert (CD and DVD) - $20.99
(cdRoots# gal-gil07)
An epic event: the meeting of two great European singers, and backed by an incredible ensemble made of Primavera en Salonico and Orqestra Arabe de Barcelona. CD and DVD (PAL format, playable on computers and most DVD players). Highly recommended.

Anabel Santiago - ...Canta a Diamantina Rodriguez - $17.99
(cdRoots# gal-anabel)
This young Spanish folk singer from Asturias takes on the daunting challenge of singing the works of the octogenarian tonada singer Diamantina Rodríguez, accompanied by jazz pianist Jacobo de Miguel, accompanied by guitars, button accordion and some remarkable percussionists. The CD is produced by Lee Wolfe (Asturiana Mining Company) and provides a powerful crossover that takes this music back to its folk roots.

Haugaard and Hoirup - Rejsedage/Travelling (CD/DVD) (allow 10 days for shipment) - $19.99
(cdRoots# go-hh5)
The 7th album of the Danish violin-guitar duo of Harald Haugaard and Morten Alfred Høirup is a celebtation of their 10th anniversary of working together, a CD and DVD set that is as wonderful as anything they have done. They are my friends as well as great musicians, and so I am highly biased, but nonetheless, this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. (DVD is NTSC/North America format)

Sofia Karlsson - Svarta Ballader - $17.99
(cdRoots# amigo-black)
'Black Ballads' by one of Sweden's finest young singers, accompanied by a stellar group of musicians including Ale Moller, Lena Willemark, Sara Isaksson, Esbjörn Hazelius, Leo Svensson, Lisa Rydberg and Sofie Livebrant. The recording explores the poetry of early 20th century writer Dan Andersson. Highly recommended.

Amadou Sodia - Ça va se savoir - $18.99
(cdRoots# st-sodia1)
Amadou Sodia is a central figure in the vibrant music-scene of modern Guinea. Son of a poet, Amadou was born in the town of Fadama, close to the centre of present-day Guinea. He was born Amadou Doumbouya and it was as a Doumbouya that he joined the Horoya-Band, one of the most popular groups in Guinea in the 70s and 80s. While in demand for his mastery of the bolon (a 4-string harp), it is as a singer and composer that he’s really made his mark. And on this recording, you get a telented backing worthy of greatness: Kante Manfila and Ousmane Kouyate on guitar, Djeli Moussa Diawara on kora, and Kerfala Kante and Sekouba Bambino on additional vocals. With its multi-layered arrangements that sensitively balance the electric with the acoustic, it is the perfect vehicle for a singer who is rooted in the past, yet singing for the present while looking to the future. Highly recommended.

Uxia - Eterno Navegar - $17.99
(cdRoots# hm-wv498024)
The 2008 release by the remarkble Galician singer Uxía is rooted in her native Galicia's tradition, but pulls together the music of Portugal, Brazil and Cape Verde and making them her own. Produced by Uxía and Paulo Borges, the Portuguese pianist and composer from Azores Islands, these tracks showcase Uxía's melodious and intimate voice in a perfect set of 15 settings. The Lusophone musicians who contribute to this exploration include Sara Tavares, Tito Paris, Jon Luz, Zeca Medeiros, Julio Pereira, João Afonso, Paulo de Carvalho and Ruben Santos, Anxo Quinto Pinto and Quim Farinha. Highly recommended.

Melonious Quartet - En Forme De Poire - $18.99
(cdRoots# rien-51)
The Melonious Quartet, four musicians led by Patrick Vaillant, make an unseemly postulate: the mandolin and Satie. Practising the art of what if, the mandolin quartet has taken on in the painstaking work of transcription of Erik Satie. Completely original and unique. Highly recommended!

Riccardo Tesi - PresenteRemoto - $18.99
(cdRoots# cni-tesi08)
A full blown ensemble release by the master organetto player from Italy. A great ensemble that includes Stefano Bollani, Elena Ledda, Ginevra Di Marco, Gianmaria Testa, Daniele Sepe, Gavino Murgia, Patrick Vaillant, Gabriele Mirabassi and of course, Tesi's Banditaliana. Highly recommended, like everything Tesi does.

Les Amazones de Guinee - Wamato - $17.99
(cdRoots# st-wamato)
Les Amazones de Guinée are a unique and quite amazing institution within African music. Since the early 60s they have criss-crossed the continent, with only occasional forays beyond, to help bring their particular brand of joy to the cause of women’s emancipation. Yet this is only their 2nd album, tight yet fluid, with the loping rhythms so particular to Guinea, bitter-sweet harmonies and vocals full of conviction. As the cry of “Retour en force des Amazones!” at the beginning of this album attests, these women demand to be heard. The Amazones are back with a vengeance. This is the gold-standard for female (or any other) bands in Africa and an enduring symbol of African women’s emancipation. Highly recommended. Listen

Riccardo Tesi - Accordeon Diatonique - $17.99
(cdRoots# cp-09381)
The master of Italian accordion offers a completely solo recording that shows the breadth and depth of his skills, talents and interests in the music of the instrument. Highly recommended

Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara - Soul Science - $17.99
(cdRoots# hm-wv468076)
Buzzing bass lines, no-holds-barred guitar licks, tough but playful rhythms, searing fiddle riffs, percussive groundswells and ancient-rooted vocals, Soul Science is less of a cross-cultural collaboration than a fascinating dispatch from an entirely new nation.Evoking the blues from several continents, American rock 'n' roll, a hot Sahel afternoon and desert evenings, Justin Adams (electric and acoustic guitars, Tamashek lute, percussion, banjo, vocals) and Juldeh Camara (lead vocals, one-string fiddle, West African banjo, percussion) and the tight rhythm section of Salah Dawson Miller (percussion) and Billy Fuller (bass), have achieved a synthesis instigated by centuries of history refracted through the kaleidoscope of the information age. Already an international sensation, Soul Science was nominated for "best album" in the "Culture Crossing" category at the annual BBC World Music Awards, and was selected among the "top 100 albums of the year" by both fRoots and Songlines magazines. Highly Recommended

The Garifuna Women's Project - Umalali - $16.99
(cdRoots# sst-umal)
Blending the vocal textures of women from the Garifuna communities of Central America with echoes of rock, blues, funk, African, Latin and Caribbean music, Umalali is a journey into the heart of a unique culture. Raw, rootsy and full of vibrant energy, and highly recommended.

Ammaraciccappa - Al Qantarah - $18.99
(cdRoots# cni-qant)
This Salentine ensemble have a lot of phrases for their music: "electro-world+salento+maghrebi, ecstatic rhythms of south Italy, desert voices and metropolitan sounds." They make thoroughly modern Italian music, completely rooted in the ancient past, and totally beyond classification or pigeon-holes. Highly recommended.

Lucilla Galeazzi, Marco Beasley,L'Arpeggiata and Christina Pluhar - La Tarantella: Antidotum Tarantulae (SACD) - $(temp out of stock)17.99
(cdRoots# alp-503)
A fascinating, original crossover of folk and classical, with the musicians of the Renaissance ensemble L'Arpeggiata joining the illustrious singers Galeazzi and Beasley, performed on modern and ancient instruments including chitarra battente, lutes, harp, psaltry. With Alfio Antico, Eero Palviainen, Marcello Vitale and many other fine musicians.

Berit Opheim, Nils Okland and Bjorn Kjellemyr - BNB - ein song frå dei utsungne stunder - $temp out of stock-17.99
(cdRoots# 2l-bnb)
Berit Opheim, Nils Økland and Bjørn Kjellemyr are inspired by a wide variet y of classic styles but find common ground in the field of improvisation.Berit Opheim has won the traditional Landskappleiken with her shining vocal. Nils Økland is an extraordinary music who plays fiddle, hardanger fiddle and viola d 'amore. Bjørn Kjellemyr's double bass and his recent fondness of the colascione, a bass lute from the Renaissance, adds the appropriate gravity to this recording, performed live in the Ullensvang church in Norway. There is a deep tradition here, but also an untamed avant garde, and together they make BNB a highly recommended CD.

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