Search - Dhol Foundation :: Global Rhythm Presents: Edge of the World

Hard to classify this appealing collection but I like it!!

Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 03/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Edge of the World" bills itself as "Cross-cultural vibes, where roots, rock and dance music connect." That's just right, but until you listen to the CD, what does this mean? "Edge" offers pop music from Cameroon, Mexico, London, India, Spain, the Middle East, all with a dance-beat that is jazzy and definitely not strange to the ear. I liked nearly every cut, but some notes on the ones that really pleased my ear:#4, from Los de Abajo (Those From Below) "El Loco" is is a rock/ska/reggae/ blend with political overtones to the lyrics. #6 Terry Hall and Mustaq mixes Klezmer with something like Algerian Rai and Gypsy music. This is a gem--fusion that makes crazy sense.#8 Blues guitarist Justin Adams played with Sinead O'Connor among others. He goes to Mali, that hotbed of delicious African music, for inspiration in bluesy, moody "Out of the Woods." #9 Peret & Mauel Malou & Nilo mix Rhumba and African rhythms. If you like Nuevo Flamenco or that African-Latin fusion, this is a fine example.And .....#10, my absolute favorite on the album, "Distance!" an addictive march with lead by Chinese Pipa lute player Wu Man, who blends in the digeridoo and (take a deep breath) the banjo. Does that sound weird? Trust me, It rocks! Worth the entire album for this crazy-Chinese-American-Australian mix that even has (I think) some Tuva or Mongolian type overtone singing thrown in for texture. Pipa artist Wu Man has recorded with Philip Glass, Yo-Yo Ma and the Kronos Quartet. More of this, please!All in all, a stunning collection for the world music and fusion afficionado. Highly recommended!!"