One of the most compelling Bill Laswell productions of the 90s – partly because the work of Maleem Mahmoud Ghania is so great – and also because tenor genius Pharoah Sanders turns in some great work on the set! The core sound comes from Ghania's roots in gnawa – vocals and guimbri from the leader, mixed with rising voices and percussion from a larger ensemble – the topped with the sorts of searing solos that only Pharoah can deliver – usually at a level that's a lot more outside than most of his other recordings of the period! Unlike some other Laswell records, Bill doesn't seem to be involved at all in the music – and instead really just steps back and lets Sanders and Ghania really work magic together with the rest of the ensemble – on titles that include "Bala Moussaka", "Peace In Essaouria", "Salat Anbi", "Mahraba", "Casa Casa Atougra", "Boulandi Samawi", and "Hamdouchi". CD

A rich tapestry of Afro-Caribbean rhythms – and one of the most compelling albums we've heard in years from David Murray! The set features an expanded group of percussionists, vocalists, and other instrumentalists – fronted by lead solo stars David Murray and Pharoah Sanders – all jamming freely in styles that bring together bits of African, Haitian, and Cuban rhythms – forging them into a bold new sound for the project! Tracks are all quite longish, and given the previous skills that both Murray and Sanders have exhibited in such settings, they're more than up for the challenge of working with such a heady group of players! Titles include "Go To Jazz", "Gwotet", "Djolla Feeling", "La Jwa", "O Leonso", and "Ovwa". (Jazz, Global Grooves) CD

Features Bill Laswell, Philip Glass, Pharoah Sanders, Mandingo, and others. CD

A pretty compelling batch of tracks, featuring the guitar, trumpet, and vocals of Olu Dara – a rootsy player who'd first come to fame in the avant scene of the 80s, but who also has undergone an incredible transformation over the past few years. Although the album is only the 2nd to be released under Dara's own name, he's had over 20 years of experience in the music business – as you'll clearly hear in the record's unique blend of New Orleans funk, delta blues, and African rhythms. It's hard to pinpoint this one exactly – but it's sure to be a favorite with the world music crossover scene. Guests include Dr John and Cassandra Wilson – and titles include "Massamba", "I See The Light", "Out On The Rolling Sea", "Strange Things Happen Every Day", and "Bell & Ponce". CD