February is Black History Month, and March just happens to be a time when we try and recall the best of Irish heritage. Although drinking green beer and belching after cabbage may be a lot of fun, it doesn't seem to be the best or only way to honor the fine contributions of the Irish. Putumayo World Music has developed an "odyssey" series, to depict the migration of musical styles between cultures (a fascinating concept given the geographic disparity of the groups featured.) This is the fourth in the series. Earlier in Sound Waves, Mali to Memphis was reviewed, and it was reviewed favorably. Unquestionably, this disk is in the same flava!
The disk begins with an inspirational fuse between Breton Celtic harpist Alan Stivell and the famliar Youssou N'Dour. Their song, "A United Earth I" illustrates the nature of this disk: uplifting, weaving music that fits in nicely in front of a fireplace or in the background of meal preparation. In succession, the disk takes you from the African-Celt group Baka Beyond, to Algerian rai legend, Cheb Mami, who is joined by the French Celtic bagpipe band Bagad Kemper on the Arabic anthem "Azwaw 2."
Yeah, Putumayo's mission statement for their releases are simple and direct: Guaranteed to Make You Feel Good! This disk does not detour from the mission. Totally enjoyable, unpredictable, rarely repetitive compilations from artists that one would never perceive synergy. It is diversity at its musical best.
This is a disk that will be welcome, extremely welcome, on March 17th. The warm toastiness of Guinness, along with a wild Irish lass, will be very enhanced by this superb release.
- SABA
****