2012-02-02
The Sultans of String are four Canadian string players (violin, two guitarists, bass) of diverse cultures with a Cuban percussionist keeping the beat. The band plays a global jazz gumbo that's part flamenco, gypsy, Celtic and swing. All are instrumentals, except the cover of fellow Canadian Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" (the female duo Dala handles the vocals) and the original "To You," a rumba-jazz number. This is a highly-skilled ensemble and the variety of their ethnic origins gives the record a refreshing diversity of approaches from song to song--Spain, Native Canada, Lebanon, Cuba, Brazil. The final tune, "Nacimiento," about the journey of pregnancy and birth, features the sounds of a baby's heartbeat. 02/12 Michael J. J-Global FusionDR. LONNIE SMITH
SPIRAL
Spencer A. Barefield
After The End
VARIOUS
Rumble In the Great Lakes (Best of the Detroit Jazz Fest 2007)
DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS
BLACK CLOUD
GIA NOTTE
Shades
BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA
SONGS FROM LONELY AVENUE
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.