Eclipse
Artist: Hamza el Din
Community Score: 9.00

These meditatively paced traditional songs are by a master of Sudanese music. Hamza's deep, smoky voice is accompanied by the oud -- a precursor to the lute -- and by compelling use of a simple Nubian frame drum called the tar. This is a beautiful, even lush recording of El Din's latest oud mastery. ~ Bob Tarte & Myles Boisen, All Music Guide Read More

Worldes Blysse
Artist: The Mediæval Bæbes
Community Score: 10.00

The 12-member vocal group Mediaeval Baebes make their US debut with Worldes Blysse, a collection of ethereal, haunting music that bridges the gaps between pop, new age, and classical music. Songs like "Kinderly" reveal why the group performed at the 1999 Lillith Fair. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide Read More

Canzoni a Raccolta
Artist: Ivano Fossati
Sabsylma
Artist: Zap Mama

On their second release, Sabsylma, the all-female band Zap Mama offers more of their original sound -- a cappella vocals joined by exotic and worldly rhythms. Although they've been compared to Bobby McFerrin in the past, there is really no one out there today who sounds the way Zap Mama does. By bridging the tribal sounds of Africa with more... Read More

Adventures in Afropea, Vol. 1
Artist: Zap Mama

Warner Brothers presents this exciting, innovative, dynamic group of five women from Brussels. They are new to the States, but already extremely well-received in Europe. Led by Marie Daulne, they weave their polyphonic, polyrhythmic harmonies displaying the strength and brilliance of unaccompanied voices. The songs, inspired by traditional... Read More

Dori Caymmi
Artist: Dori Caymmi

If you like Brasilian Serenata, you'll want this one too. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide Read More

A Ma Zone
Artist: Zap Mama

Zap Mama's last album was the first one to incorporate instrumental sounds into the group's six-voice a cappella mix; it was also the first to include male voices. On A Ma Zone, group leader Marie Daulne has expanded the exploration of American R&B and hip-hop that she began with Seven. Breakbeats, jazzy upright bass, and turntable manipulation... Read More