2008-03-14
Markus James has been dubbed "The Unofficial Dean of the Roots-World-Blues Movement." This disc makes him official. Recorded in Mali, the Mississippi Delta and California, James teams with Malian musicians such as Vieux Farka Toure, Tamashek women vocalists from Timbuktu and delta drummer Calvin Jackson to merge American blues with African roots music. The lines are so blurred that you can play this CD as either blues or worldbeat. "Weather Vane" (#7), "O.M. Boogie" (#8) and "Soon" (#15) are examples of brilliant merging of the genres. A remarkable effort that shows the seamlessness of Mali and Mississippi music. MJVD 03/08 B-Roots (or W-Fusion depending on your ears)TORONZO CANNON
Leaving Mood
Robin McKelle
HEART OF MEMPHIS
DONA OXFORD
Step Up
Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King
Fat Man's Shine Parlor
Various Artists
Soulsville Sings Hitsviile
SHAUN MURPHY
TROUBLE WITH LOVIN'
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