Highlife World Music

1)  NIYAZ - ‘NINE HEAVENS’ - The second release from this superb Persian electronica group offers 2 discs of acoustic and electronic versions of Persian, Indian and Turkish sufi songs.  Mesmerisingly beautiful!

2)  SEUN KUTI & FELA’S EGYPT 80 - Son of the late, great Fela Kuti, who created ‘afrobeat’ music in the 60’s and 70’s, hooks up with his dad’s amazing band as he channels his father’s musical and political incitefulness.  As his recent impressive Commodore show demonstrated, Seun is keeping a great tradition alive as he leads the premier afrobeat outfit in convincing fashion.

3)  AL GREEN - ‘LAY IT DOWN’ - One of the great soul voices, who’s early 70’s classics will live on forever, recaptures much of the magic on his latest offering.  Co-produced by ?uestlove of The Roots and utilizing the superb Dap Kings horn section, this is further proof that the soul revival is not slowing down.

4)  RUPA & THE APRIL FISHES - ‘EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION’ - Echoing Lhasa’s multicultural musical approach, Rupa sings in French, Spanish, Hindi and English as her band brings together chanson, balkan, tango and Indian musical strains on their highly satisfying debut.  Another home run from the label that  brought us Ska Cubano and Andy Palacio.

5)  EMMYLOU HARRIS - ‘ALL i INTENDED TO BE’ - On her latest recording, the Americana icon teams up with long-time friends such as Dolly Parton and the McGarrigles (who co-wrote 2 of the best songs) and re-connects with the producer of her early classic albums, Brian Ahern.  The folk, country and bluegrass strands are seamlessly woven on these covers and originals that are a showcase for Harris’ strengths.

6)  SIGUR ROS - ‘MED SUD I EYRUM VID SPILUM ENDALAUST’ - The epic, ethereal, psychedelic Icelandic folk music phenomenon, whose concerts and recordings and amazing DVD have justifiably thrilled many these last few years, are back with a lovely brand new album.  Written, recorded and released this year, this manages to update their sound while retaining some of their trademark qualities.

7)  THE LIONS - ‘JUNGLE STRUTTIN’ - This San Francisco based collective has produced a wide ranging album featuring dynamic horns and plenty of Jamaica-inspired grooves.  If you’ve been enjoying ‘10 Foot Ganja Plant’ and ‘The Dynamics’ this great album should be next on your list.