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 Fusion
SOMI
If the Rains Come First
James Taylor Quartet
New World
Yelena Eckemoff Quintet
In The Shadow Of A Cloud
JEFF HEALEY & THE JAZZ WIZARDS
Its Tight Like That
THE DYNAMITES FEATURING CHARLES WALKER
KABOOM
Jay Geils, Duke Robillard and Gerry Beaudoin
New Guitar Summit
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.