This good collection goes some way to serving its title well. More workhorse than speeding stallion, it covers many of the contemporary artists mining the seams of West and North African music (whether it truly covers the Middle East is a matter of definition; there's nothing from Iraq or Iran, for example). That caveat made, there's a strong selection of music, and it's good to see artists like Mariem Hassan and Malik getting exposure next to such giants as Baaba Maal and King Sunny Ade. There's a token nod to the south of ...
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This good collection goes some way to serving its title well. More workhorse than speeding stallion, it covers many of the contemporary artists mining the seams of West and North African music (whether it truly covers the Middle East is a matter of definition; there's nothing from Iraq or Iran, for example). That caveat made, there's a strong selection of music, and it's good to see artists like Mariem Hassan and Malik getting exposure next to such giants as Baaba Maal and King Sunny Ade. There's a token nod to the south of the continent with Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukuzi, with Egypt represented by Mahmoud Fadl (whose roots are really Nubian) and teen idol Amr Diab, while Israel offers a vintage Ofra Haza track. So there's nothing to fault on the music, although, with the exception of Gigi and Masanka Sankayi, there's not a great edge to it -- a number of these cuts are several years old. Still, for those seeking an introduction, this is a fair start, a way into a number of styles, from kora to Congolese rhumba, from desert blues to Afro-beat. And in that, it's a success. ~ Chris Nickson, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
