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 FusionSOMI
If the Rains Come First
MIKE LONGO TRIO + 2
To My Surprise
SONNY FORTUNE
You and the Night and the Music
FOUR FINGER FIVE
Enormous Pocket
DIZZY GILLESPIE ALL STAR BIG BAND
I'm BeBoppin' Too
THE JODI PROZNICK QUARTER
Foundations
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