Producer Joji Hirota writes: “The Italian taiko group KyoShinDo is very unique in their approach to taiko music. They are not only taiko drummers, but also karate experts. Their mentor, former karate champion Luciano Parisi, has influenced them enormously. I met the group in 2003 when they came to see my concert at Genoa’s Mediterranean Music Festival. They were fascinated by taiko music as an ensemble, both its sound and its movements. I have been teaching them for over ten years in the techniques of both traditional and contemporary Japanese taiko music. Their skills as karate experts adds a unique flavour to the technique I teach: taiko with a martial arts touch. I trust that their drive and ambition to develop further makes them one of the great and most unique taiko groups. I am proud to present KyoShinDo to the world.”

Forrester’s Cape Breton Scottish Dance Company is the performing group of the Forrester School of Celtic Dance established in 1965 under the direction of artistic director Eileen (Pottie) Forrester of Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The dance company has been invited to represent Canada and their province at many international festivals. They have performed all over the world including Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. One of the highlights was their participation in the World Folklore & Folk Game Festival in Taiwan in 1997 with 300,000 spectators and twenty other countries represented. Another festival that ranks among their favorites was Rhythms of the World at Epcot Centre, Walt Disney World, Florida, in which they represented Canada and performed in twenty-one shows at the America Gardens Theatre by the Shore. Forrester’s musical ensemble consists of award-winning highland bagpipers, drummers, bodhrán players and fiddlers. They all work together to provide their audiences with a varied repertoire of Celtic music with a mix of both traditional and contemporary works of music and dance. Their mandate is to continue to share the Celtic culture of their ancestors with many diverse audiences locally, nationally and internationally. This is evident in the fact that the director has three daughters who perform Scottish dance, and Eileen herself was first introduced to this culture by her two older sisters.

This release features newly composed Greek songs from the pen of Michalis Terzis, one of Greece's most prolific and distinguished composers. Sung by the prominent Cretan singer Vasilis Skoulas, the songs create a warm and pleasant atmosphere. Michalis Terzis studied piano and music theory at the Macedonian Conservatory in Thessaloniki and in Athens with A. Ainian and K. Chronopoulos. He started his music career in 1973, performing in music theatres in the historic part of Athens beneath the Acropolis. He recorded his first piece in 1976. His works have since been performed and recorded by the most famous Greek singers, and he has won awards at many Greek and international film festivals for his music. As Michalis Terzis continues his very successful music career, he maintains the strong belief that music is the most important, direct and creative way to communicate with people of different cultures and languages.

From the producers: "There's a lot of great Jewish holiday music out there, and we were listening to one of our favorite world music programs during the holidays. That's when it occurred to us that we could do our own Khanike album, one that reflects our interests and highlights Yale's extraordinary arrangements and compositions, with music that could be enjoyed by a wide range of listeners, from little kids to serious music appreciators. And it provided a perfect opportunity for an idea that we had been discussing for some time- an entire album arranged for vocals and strings. It also gave us a perfect opportunity to join forces with Sara and David, whom we met through the Mark O'Conner Strings Camps; Amos; and Alex from the Hausmann Quartet. We wanted the repertoire to present a sense of how Khanike was and is celebrated by different cultures around the world. The Ladino songs were traditionally sung by women in the kitchen as they prepared for the holiday. There is a particular feeling of intimacy, comfort and family that was true of how we musicians felt about each other, both musically and personally, and that is really satisfying. When you listen to these songs, you'll hear the musicians thinking out loud and sharing inspiring thoughts and ideas with each other. Each of us has our own personal references, ranging from classical to jazz and blues, to Middle Eastern, klezmer, bluegrass, and Texas Swing. You'll hear all of this as we fuse seamlessly with each other."

Hilda Bronstein’s passionate dedication to Yiddish Song stems from her close connection to the language that she learned as a child. She sees these songs as a cultural storehouse of Jewish history and identity. Her early training as a singer at the Royal College of Music in London, and her later work as an academic in English Language and Literature together inform her expressive interpretation of the music and words of these evocative songs. Since 2004, when she made her tentative return to the music of her childhood, she has become one of Europe’s leading interpreters of Yiddish Song. After the success of her previous album, Yiddish Songs Old and New, she competed in the International Jewish Music Festival at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw in 2008 and was awarded the Mira Rafalowicz Prize for the ‘Best Interpretation of Yiddish Song’. For this album, Hilda has joined forces with a group of talented instrumentalists who share her love of Yiddish song as well as the exciting sounds of klezmer and swing. The collaboration has enabled Hilda to expand her repertoire of beautiful traditional Yiddish melodies and new songs from Eastern Europe. She has also added a number of exuberant up-beat numbers from the days of New York Yiddish Theatre, and demonstrates the resilience of Yiddish song by bringing this album firmly into the twenty-first century with the cool beat of ‘Yener Langer Zumertog’. As on her previous album, Hilda uses her original Polish dialect on some tracks and the standard ‘Litvish’ or Lithuanian dialect on others. While her natural tendency is to the native Polish Yiddish of her childhood, she prefers the Litvish in those songs where the meaning and rhymes of the lyrics seem to demand it.

Son Real is one of London’s most innovative and contemporary Latin bands today. Founded in January 2006 by Latin Touch Entertainments, Son Real aim to create a fresh sound representative of the UK’s love affair with the “Latin spirit”. Musically, Son Real Orchestra is a collaboration between British and Colombian musicians. Their style is modern yet remains true to traditional tropical roots: salsa in all of its variations, traditional folk rhythms like cumbia and plena, the infectious sounds of merengue and urban Latin beats like reggaeton. Son Real’s seven- to fourteen-piece bands are comprised of a Latin Rhythms section: piano, bass and traditional Latin percussion, and the all-important brass section. Vocally they are fronted by three female singers, engaging audiences with their own unique vocal stylings and harmonies as well as vibrant and dynamic stage performances. Their presence on the scene offers a much-needed female perspective in Latin music today. Son Real’s charm lies in its enthralling rhythms which capture their audiences leaving them yearning for more.

On Mexico's west coast, inland from the tourist zone of Acapulco and Huatulco, the Costa Chica is an isolated region of towns and villages in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. It is a region known, from the outside, for violence and poverty, but, as the boleros in this album reveal, has a deep feeling for poetry, a love of music and constant parties where it all comes together far from the recording studios and the concert halls of Mexico City. In 2016, after several journeys to the area, these five remarkable bands were recorded. The groups, each in their own way, are masters of the bolero tradition, inherited from the local musician and composer Alvaro Carrillo. This collection includes very well known boleros like 'Sabor a mi' and 'Luz de luna' as well as contemporary boleros from the Costa Chica, recorded for the very first time.

'Daa Dee' is the first groove a baby learns in Ethiopia as it takes it's first steps. It is the sound the mother makes to help her baby in it's first attempt into independence. Minyeshu explores her own upbringing and the resulting positive changes in this uplifting album of strength, vulnerability, faith and doubts overcome. Daa Dee is Minyeshu's fourth album, a collection of dance songs exalting love, spiritualism, and what it means to be a woman- especially a mother and daughter- in today's times. Drawing from her cultural life experiences in Africa and Europe, Minyeshu has sculpted her signature tone- a hypnotic and modern hybrid of Ethiopian grooves and melodies, delicately mixed with Western instruments and styles. "Minyeshu manages to sound both accessible to a wider audience yet still authentically and proudly Ethiopian at the same time." (Songlines) "... brave and new musically stimulating and exciting experience." (NetRhythms UK)

This new release features fifteen rousing and very danceable Cuban songs in the best tradition of ‘Buena Vista’ with some of the old guard as well as the younger generation of ‘post Buena Vista’ Cuba. Artists include Luis Frank, Soneros de Verdad, Mayito Rivera, Rudy Calzado, Cesar Pedroso, and more. The Buena Vista Social Club was a members’ only club in Havana, Cuba that operated until the 1940s. The club was so widely known, that it inspired a 1990s band, a popular album, a late-nineties film, and a brand name. The spirit of the club is evident in this release as well. These songs have been handpicked and remastered by celebrated sound engineer Diz Heller.

A gorgeous album with a brilliant collection of passionate Tango. 18 elegant Tangos, Milongas and Valses, almost a full hour of stylish music, from the very traditional to today's modern renditions, presented by some of the finest exponents in the genre.

The tracks that make up this release are songs that were made famous by the Queen of Fado herself, Amalia Rodrigues. Up and coming fado starlet Matilde Larguinho sings these traditional songs, accompanied by Antonio Carvalho on the Portuguese lute and Alfredo Pena on the guitar. Included in the booklet are the original Portuguese lyrics, as well as descriptions of the songs in English and biographies of the musicians.

Classical Music

This new release features Russian music in all its wide variety, representing the many different peoples living in that continent-wide country. From fiery Gypsy music, early Orthodox choral music, tinkling balalaikas, Cossack songs, a cappella choirs (including the renowned Red Army Choir) as well as modern renditions of traditional music.Other ensembles include the St. Petersburg Instrumental Ensemble ‘Carousel’, Balalaika Ensemble ‘Wolga’, Talisman, Valentina Ponomareva, The Stars of St. Petersburg, Yale Strom, Arinushka, and more. All talented groups are skilled in their adaptations of this music of their mother country.

Capoeira is a Brazilian cultural expression that mixes martial art, sport, music and popular culture. Developed in Brazil, mainly by descendants of African slaves with some Indian influence, it is characterized by agile, complex movements. One feature that distinguishes the Capoeira from most other martial arts is it's musicality. Practitioners of this Brazilian martial art not only learn to fight and play, but also to play the typical instruments and sing. An experienced capoeirista who ignores the musicianship is considered incomplete. The present release is filled with the best Capoeira songs and rhythms for both the experienced and novice Capoeirista, or just to listen to and enjoy.

The Latin Sextet was founded in the 1990s. It's members, all of them seasoned musicians, hail from Brazil, Chile and Germany. In their music, they combine Latin American tradition with European and American styles. The six-piece band present folkloristic melodies from Brazil or Cuba, driven by Brazilian/Cuban rhythms fused with jazzy harmonies. The sizzling hot result could be called "Latin Jazz." The Latin Sextet is Gerd Marino, Jonas Mo, Carsten Ulbricht, Mauricio Calquin, and Rogerio Jardim. The group is joined for these recordings by some of the most talented Latin and jazz musicians on the scene today, including Victor Hugo Ormeno, Griselle Colon, and Geppino Guadagno.

Qawwali literally means ‘utterance’ and qawwali is the mouthpiece of Divine Power. This art form is the devotional music of the Sufis- the mystical sect of Islam, intended to elevate the spirit and bring both performer and listener closer to God. Qawwali originated with the foundation of the Chishti order of the Sufis in Khorasan (Persia) in the early 10th century and was brought to the Indian subcontinent in the 12th century. At the heart of Sufism is the heart itself: devotional love of God (Allah), his prophet (Mohammed) and his friend (Ali). Music is the vehicle to reach the heart and attain a state of grace or enlightenment, a ‘stateless state’ or ‘Ma’rifat’- the inner knowledge. Traditionally a qawwali performance is heard at the shrine of a saint or a gathering of the brotherhoods. Today the qawwal, as the qawwali singer is called, will sing at all the major events such as marriages and religious festivals, and, increasingly, in a number of secular contexts. It still remains one of the most popular forms of musical expression in the subcontinent. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was born in 1948 shortly after the independence of India and Pakistan. He comes from a distinguished family of musicians steeped in classical and mystical Islamic tradition. His ancestors were great practitioners of qawwali. Today Nusrat is considered the greatest exponent of qawwali. His art has transcended all boundaries of language and religion and has popularized this beautiful and inspirational music to audiences worldwide.

Former Syrian television and radio start, Zein Al-Jundi brings the music of Syria to life on this recording. Al-Jundi was born in Homs, Syria and grew up in the capital city of Damascus. She began singing professionally at a young age and became a household name quickly. Discovering that in spite of not singing for years, her passion for music did not die. She decided to go back to her music, which has since taken more of a centre stage in her life and occupies more of her time. From the beginning and for many centures, music has been at the heart of Syrian culture and formed an integral part of every aspect of it. Whatever the occasion, a wedding or an engagement, a child birth, a religious festival, it is always celebrated with a song.

Former Spanish National Champion accorionist Enrique Ugarte, presents this new release, Classics on the Accordion. Ugarte displays perfect command of his instrument, as her performs classic and folk pieces that he has arranged. Works included are favorites like Ravel's Bolero, Mozart's Eine Kleine Nacht musik, and the Sabre Dance.

Egyptian master percussionist Hossam Ramzy presents this album of Egyptian rhythmic dance. The first part of the album explains the Egyptian dance rhythms, and gives examples of each, such as the Masmoudi, Maqsoum, and Saaidi. From track 25 on, Hossam presents a drumming workshop. He explains the drums, which include the table, darabuka, mazhar, and duf, then plays simple examples as well as how the drums fit into a full percussion section.

The Art Of The Chinese Lute MIAO XIAOTYUN Ms Miao Xiaoyun is a virtuoso player of various Chinese lutes. Here she presents a fascinating array of Chinese traditional and ancient pieces. On some of the pieces she is accompanied by her husband, the internationally acclaimed Chinese dulcimer player Professor Xu Pingxin. The Art of the Chinese Flute

Afrika Mamas return with their fifth release Ilanga (The Sun). A stunning album of a cappella music. Their take on John Lennon's Imagine, rearranged with Zulu vocal accompaniment, is something to behold. The album also includes songs written with the sons of the late Joseph Shabalala – the founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. As ever, the ladies deliver a powerful album addressing community issues in South Africa and a hopeful message for the future. “Astounding Zulu singers” (Songlines magazine) Afrika Mamas are a folk-tale group with a vision to promote African culture through music and theatre. They further aim to develop an ‘edutainment‘ approach, in which they educate while entertaining their audiences on various African tales, breaking stereotypes that are held on some African cultural traits. They are all single mothers with eleven children between them. They have a solid friendship and deep trust in each other, which elevates the bond they have maintained over the years. They were founded by their band leader, Ntombifuthi Lushaba, in 1998, while the other group members were working as backing singers for various artists including Tu Nokwe, Brenda Fassie and Steve Kekana. Since their formation as Afrika Mamas they have collaborated with an array of South African and Afrikaans musicians including Janni Moolman, Amanda Strydom and Dozi,to name a few.

Del Canto Gitano portrays the unique, historic blend of Greek, Roman, Arabic, Sephardic, Indian and Castilian traditions, that create the mystical symbiosis of Ancient Andalusia. Arranged for flamenco guitar, with baroque guitar, Greek violin and original Iberian rhythmic interactions, combined with the vocals of Victoria Couper and Hindustani tenor Rupesh Gawas. This is music of great resonance and feeling. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, into an Argentinian/Italian family, Ignacio started playing the guitar aged six. Inspired by his cultural surroundings, he played with his siblings as a family pastime, learning Argentinian folk songs and tango music. His passion for flamenco started, aged 9, when he discovered the works of the Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia. His desire to pursue the flamenco genre eventually took him to London in 2013, where he became musically connected with Spain and the rest of the world. Ignacio is now an acclaimed London-based flamenco guitarist, producer and recording engineer. He graduated as a choir master at Buenos Aires Conservatoire in 2013, and has since collaborated with a number of performers including Ahmed Mukhtar, Baluji Shrivastav OBE and Eduardo Niebla.

TOUR D'AFRIQUE

This album begins its journey in Egypt, where the music has a distinctly Middle Eastern and Arabic influence, being at the crossroads of Africa and Asia. These influences stretch across much of the Sahara, through Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. The call-and-response style, as is found in much of the gnawa music of Morocco, begins to introduce to the listener something more familiar to Western ears. As the album approaches Western Africa we uncover the ancestry of blues music, which became the foundation of most Western popular music. The Western African influences in blues music are unmistakable and are explored enthusiastically by these West African artists. Along the southern coast of Western Africa, and heading into central Africa, a noticeable percussive style takes over. Drumming in these parts of Africa is an ancient, often tribal, tradition that continues to this day. We travel next to Eastern Africa and Sudan, a country with a long and turbulent history that has seen its religion and politics influence its music in many ways. Sudanese music went through something of a renaissance in the early-mid 20th century and the song included here is from that period. Lastly, moving south, we hear guitar music, percussion, and above all vocals taking center stage.

With Summer around the corner, ARC Music has taken one of their strongest selling genres and compiled an album especially designed to appeal to summer lovers with music sourced from the most popular vacation destination on Earth- The Caribbean. This release features music from Trinidad, Martinique, Costa Rica, and more. The islands that make up the Caribbean archipelago are among the most beautiful in the world, sharing many similarities between them, but each with a character and charm all of their own. Much like the islands themselves, there is a familiar uniqueness about the music of the Caribbean. Many Afro-Caribbean styles are instantly distinguishable from each other but share a rhythmic palette and boast a style that is undeniably Caribbean. Authentic Caribbean performers are featured, including Rafael & Energia Dominicana, Mandigo y su Son, King Selewa & His Calypsonians Calypso Invasion, Pablo Carcamo, and many more. In the words of a reviewer, "If you've been there, it takes you back. If you've never been, you'll want to go."