The music of Lebanon never got much global exposure during the 70s – but it's clear that Ferkat Al Ard was bringing plenty of the globe's influences to play on this amazing record – mixing together bits of electric funk, Brazilian jazz, and soulful strings at a level that completely transcends the boundaries of language! The set's a bit like the classic self-titled set by Arthur Verocai from the 70s – music that's completely in a space that's all its own, and which has legendary properties, but also opens up to the listener with charms of its own that require no history or introduction at all – a set that's both personal and majestic at the same time, and which has charms that are impossible to put in words, but which grab you the moment you first give the set a listen. Titles include "Matar Naem", "Juma'A 6 Hziran", "Oghneya", "Matar Al Sabah", "Entazerni", and "Lahnon Lemra'Ati Wa Beladi". CD

A strangely beautiful set of African-tinged folksy soul – with a sound that's pretty darn tough to describe! Birigwa plays guitar and sings – and he's got a breezy style that sounds a bit like Letta Mbulu on some tracks – but a bit more folksy on others, given the largely acoustic setting of the album. The rest of the instrumentation here includes a range of percussionists, plus flute, tenor, piano, flugelhorn, and bass – the last of which is played by Phil Morrison of Stark Reality. Many of the tracks are short, personal, and poetic – but the album also features one longer cut titled – "Yelewa" – which has a jamming Afro jazz sort of groove! Other tracks include "Lule Lule", "Okusosla", "Njabala", and "Obugumba". CD

Killer work from this funky Finnish combo – a group who celebrate a strong decade in music with this really wonderful set! The Blassics bring in all the right sort of influences from African funk of years back, especially Ethiopian music – and they spin out tracks that are often nice and long, and which feature some tremendous jazzy solos from the horn section – players stepping out from the ensemble for individual expressions, and not just vamping with the rhythms! The rest of the instrumentation is great too – well-crafted, and shaded with all sorts of tones that really deepen the music in personal ways, and don't just echo styles of the past. Titles include "Afrohustler", "Special Occasion", "Ruff Strut", "West Side Glory", "Swazi Funk", "Yeketema Set", and "Hagerun Geleba". (Deep Funk, Global Grooves) CD