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 FusionDIGITAL PRIMITIVES
Hum, Crackle, and Pop
MICROSCOPIC SEPTET
Surrealistic Swing
Joel Frahm with Brad Mehldau
Don't Explain
Cilantro Boombox
Shine
THE SECTION QUARTET
Fuzzbox
DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS
BLACK CLOUD
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