A long-overdue follow up to the legendary first Ghana Special collection – and one that presents a second chapter of work – not just from the regional scene, but from a time when some of its best artists were also recording in other nations too! The result is a more powerful, soulful style than before – not in a too-commercial "world music" way, but instead blended with elements of soul, funk, and newer club styles to really kick up the groove a bit more – while still keeping all the best elements of the 70s groove intact! There's definitely some drum machine rhythms along the way, but the overall vibe is still nice and warm – and very different than more electro-styled work from the South African scene of the time – and as always with Soundway, the notes and track selection are superb. Titles include "Ebe Ye Yie Ni" by The Godfathers, "Obiara Bewu" by Rex Gyamfi, "Kaakyire Nua" by George Darko, "Adjoa Amisa" by Andy Vans, "Barima Nsu" by Kwasi Afari Minta, "Mumude" by Nan Mayen, "Sii Nana" by Bessa Simons, "New Dance" by Ernest Honny, "Fre Me" by Charles Amoah, "Jigi Jigi" by Dadadi, "Apple" by Gyedu Blay Ambolley, "Alaiye" by Abdul Raheem, "Gye Wani" by Pat Thomas, and "MC Mambo" by Pepper Onion Ginger & Salt. CD

A long-overdue follow up to the legendary first Ghana Special collection – and one that presents a second chapter of work – not just from the regional scene, but from a time when some of its best artists were also recording in other nations too! The result is a more powerful, soulful style than before – not in a too-commercial "world music" way, but instead blended with elements of soul, funk, and newer club styles to really kick up the groove a bit more – while still keeping all the best elements of the 70s groove intact! There's definitely some drum machine rhythms along the way, but the overall vibe is still nice and warm – and very different than more electro-styled work from the South African scene of the time – and as always with Soundway, the notes and track selection are superb. Titles include "Ebe Ye Yie Ni" by The Godfathers, "Obiara Bewu" by Rex Gyamfi, "Kaakyire Nua" by George Darko, "Adjoa Amisa" by Andy Vans, "Barima Nsu" by Kwasi Afari Minta, "Mumude" by Nan Mayen, "Sii Nana" by Bessa Simons, "New Dance" by Ernest Honny, "Fre Me" by Charles Amoah, "Jigi Jigi" by Dadadi, "Apple" by Gyedu Blay Ambolley, "Alaiye" by Abdul Raheem, "Gye Wani" by Pat Thomas, and "MC Mambo" by Pepper Onion Ginger & Salt. LP, Vinyl record album

A stunning selection of highlife material from the Nigerian scene – a huge double-length collection that really offers up a vivid example of the music that was in place before the big wave of 70s Afro Funk and other new styles! The work here is different than some of the more commercial highlife recordings you might know – especially those from the big 80s years of world music – as the recording quality is often nice and raw, and the focus is mostly on acoustic percussion, electric guitar, and jazzier horn lines next to the vocals – with grooves usually moving at a mighty nice clip in a bold explosion of color! The bulk of the work on the 19 track set is from the 50s through the early 70s – and titles include "Yei Ngebewoh" by ET Menseh & The Tempos, "Akwanoma Hiahii" by Rambler Dance Band, "Muntie (Highlife Charanga)" by Ramblers International, "Eyaa Dudm" by Professional Uhuru Band, "Ogiobo" by Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Titibitis Of Africa, "Osondi Owendi" by Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, and "Koko Ahataw Kur" by George Williams Aingo. CD

Timeless sounds from Lewlewal – a contemporary group from Senegal, and part of a vanishing culture in the city of Podor! The tracks were recorded recently, but have a feel that goes back decades – mostly acoustic instrumentation on percussion and guitar, played with an intimate approach that draws strongly on tradition – but which also allows for some personal inflections from the group members too. The vocals – sung by Demba Doka Barry – are especially nice – with this hauntingly soulful feel that really grabs us, even over the space of a language difference. Titles include "Ziarre", "Patrimonie", "Jaanfa", "Diaraby", "Yela", and "Almamy". LP, Vinyl record album

Wonderful explorations of the sound of the didjeridu – done at a level that's quite different than any other use of the instrument we've ever heard – no surprise, given that the music here is all created by AACM legend Douglas Ewart! The performances bridge Ewart's two worlds of organic improvisation and more serious tonal composition – both of which prove to be perfect settings for the instrument – which is used here at a level that's completely respectful, and without any sense of gimmick at all. Different variations on the didjeridu are used on different tracks – mostly solo in the lead, but with occasional accompaniment on string bass, bells, and electronics. Titles include "Walk & Drop", "Ginep", "Seeds Of War", "Mud Bath III", and "Dancing Inside Of Soul". (Jazz, Global Grooves) CD