A really compelling set from trombonist Roswell Rudd – one of our favorite players of the 60s avant garde, and an artist who's started to grow tremendously since coming out of his recent retirement! The set is a brilliant criss-crossing of styles – as Rudd's working here with Mali-based musicians led by kora player Toumani Diabate, in a set of post-colonial world jazz that recalls some of the best Paris-based experiments in the genre during the 70s. Rudd's tone is darkly evocative – juxtaposed nicely against the percussion and stringed instruments of the ensemble – and the album makes for a really striking new chapter in his long career! Titles include "Hank", "Johanna", "Malijam", "Sena Et Mariam", "Bamako", "Rosmani", and "Jakie-ing". (Jazz, Global Grooves) CD

A stunning blend of soul, Latin, jazz, and Brazilian numbers – and a set that may well be our favorite entry in the Mr Bongo Record Club so far! If you know the Mr Bongo label, you'll know that for decades, they've turned us on to the sort of rare gems we might not have heard otherwise – especially Brazilian, Global, and Latin bits – and the way they intersect with American grooves of the 60s and 70s – an intersection that's explored heavily here in a really fantastic assortment of tunes! Titles include "Talkin" by Vee Gees, "Africa Bossa" by The Drive, "Okosa Bushi" by Chiemi Eri, "Japao" by Dora Morelenbaum, "Bakom Glaset" by Dina Ogon, "Copa Sete No Samba" by Copa 7, "Estrada" by Hareton Salvanini, "Ye Me Le" by Hazel Scott, "I Do Love You" by Ash Soul Inc, "Eternal Life" by Shira Small, "A Volta" by Mirna, "I'll Keep My Light In My Window" by New York Community Choir, and "Um Amor Para Toda A Vida" by Ines Soares, and "Easy Going" by Sven Wunder. (Funky Compilations, Global Grooves) CD