PUTUMAYO - PRESENTS WORLD REGGAE

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Putumayo Presents: World Reggae CD


TRACKLIST


1. Pas de Problemes - Kana
2. Om Numah Shivaya - Apache Indian
3. Notre Devoir - Intik
4. African Unity - Majek Fashek
5. Riberonzinha - Maria de Barros
6. Ya Laymi - Gnawa Diffusion
7. Maguinha Do Sa Viana - Ale Muniz
8. Agua - Mas Y Mas
9. Babylone Buildings - Chris Combette
10. Lalogo - Alpha Blondy
11. Rawagu - Bernard Uedre
12. O Si Keka - Kaissa


Reggae's infectious and adaptable one-drop shuffle rhythm, coupled with the music's tendency to deal with social and political issues, has made it a popular genre for musicians worldwide, and when combined with pop and hip-hop elements, has made for some fascinating hybrids. This Putumayo collection reflects both the diversity and the unified cohesiveness of these reggae-based forms, and makes a fascinating introduction to reggae in the 21st century. The disc opens with the bright-sounding "Pas de Problemes" by the French group Kana, which features some solid and efficient Jamaican-inspired horn work. Nigeria's Majek Fashek drops bits of highlife into the reggae stew with the Bob Marley-like "African Unity," while the French group Gnawa Diffusion fuses rap, rai, reggae, jazz, and funk into a patchwork quilt version of "Ya Laymi." The Welsh/Spanish conglomeration known as Mas y Mas adds a dose of Celtic fiddles to the mix on "Agua." French Guiana's Chris Combette (who sings "it's a rastaphobe world" in his selection, "Babylone Buildings") draws on East Indian elements, including an impressive sitar break, played here by Mungel Patasar. Perhaps the biggest name on this compilation, the Ivory Coast's Alpha Blondy, sings "Lalogo" in the Bambara language, a track that was recorded at the legendary Tuff Gong studio in Jamaica. As a sampler of the ever evolving international reggae community, World Reggae opens a wide window into some fascinating new music. ~ Steve Leggett


French singer Kana "Pas de Problemes", Nigerian Majek Fashek "African Unity", Anglo-Hispanic Band Mas y Mas "Agua", etc.


Liner Note Author: Jacob Edgar.


Illustrator: Nicola Heindl.


Photographers: Susan Bulkin; Bob Gruen; Eric Aubry; Bobby Holland.


Label Putumayo
Orig Year 2004
Discs 1
Release Date Feb 24, 2004
Studio/Live Studio
Mono/Stereo Stereo