The islands of the Caribbean archipelago share many similarities, yet each retains a character and charm all their own. • Much like the islands themselves, there is a familiar uniqueness about Caribbean music. • Many Afro-Caribbean styles are instantly distinguishable from each other but share a rhythmic palette and boast a style that is undeniably Caribbean. • This collection takes you on an island hop around the Caribbean Sea, with ports-of-call in Cuba, Trinidad, Martinique, Haïti, the DR, and even Costa Rica, Colombia and Venezuela, which share Caribbean coastline and musical ancestry.

Classical Music

The songs on this album are from a period in Sudan’s history called Hoqbah. + Female singing, as a tradition, started in Sudan a very long time ago, when women sang patriotic songs called hakamat. + After Sudanese independence, these songs developed into a special style called Al Sabata. + Singers began to sing about various subjects of modern daily life such as cigarettes, cars, houses and even mobile phones. + The sabata style of singing has developed with the modernization of Sudanese society; however, it has kept its basic form and tradition despite incorporating modern elements.

Classical Music

Spanish singer Josefina Gomez Llorente (better known as La Jose) has been recognized as one of the leading contemporary female flamenco singers. • She is a lyricist, composer and singer with a versatile and authentic voice. La Jose has gone through many transformations as a soloist and collaborator, being influenced by her travels around the world. • These influences are revealed in highly personal compositions on her new release for Arc Music, “Espiral”, on which she sings of Gypsy journeys, human fraternity, regional homage, resilience, patience, faith and love. • “Emotion, reflection and vitality in abundance… La Jose is a woman who is going to give a lot to the world of music.” (Radio 3 Nacional, Spain)

- a selection of old and contemporary Japanese chamber music performed by the Yamato Ensemble, consisting of Aiko Hasegawa, Kikuko Satoh, Richard Stagg and Makoto Hasegawa. - Info about the artists, the instruments and each of the pieces, including lyrics. - Total playing time: 75:30 min.

An intoxicating album with a riveting collection of Gypsy music. 16 pieces from Hungary, Russia, Central Asia, Romania and the Balkans, over an hour of music, from the very traditional to today's modern renditions, presented by some of the finest exponents in the genre.

Michalis Terzis, one of Greece's most important contemporary composers, started his musical career in 1973, playing his own and other's songs (Theodorakis, Hatzidakis, etc... ) at music theatres in the historic part of Athens beneath the Acropolis. His works have been performed and recorded by the most famous Greek singers. +"Greek Moods: Aphrodite Era" is atmospheric music, featuring traditional violin, santuri, lutes and tzoura, but also including clarinet, saxophone, guitars and English horn. "Soundscapes... awakening memories and dreams leading on a trip through time. " (Michalis Terzis)

These live recordings were performed on traditional Indian instruments, capturing local field recordings of ceremonies, praying recitals and other unique sounds of the holy city of Varanasi in India. + The character of the city is reflected in the authentic, colorful sonic combination of Sanskrit recitals, sounds of streets and animals, ceremonial bells and drums, composed and improvised music, as well as traditional and classical Indian music. + ‘The Sounds of Varanasi’ is a unique story about the intimate atmosphere of Varanasi, about the sounds and the music that is born and lives there.

The Basque native accordion virtuoso Enrique Ugarte (b. 1957) has been the receipient of many international awards, including "Premio de Artistas Noveles", Spain; Nationalen Akkordeonpreis, Spain and the title of Vice-World Champion in Recanati, Italy. Here he presents the most famous Musette waltzes, typical French “café music” which first arose to prominence in late 19th century France. “Mr. Ugarte’s is a name to remember…remarkable, fresh playing.” – In Tune Int’l

Performed with uncontainable energy by world renowned Korean Drumming ensemble, the explosive thunder and gripping rhythms of Dulsori comes complete with beautiful and contemplative music on traditional Korean instruments.

Tibetan songs (featuring Keb' Mo' on track 15) about longing to return to the home country, traditional songs from Tibetan provinces and from the capital, Lhasa, songs about the fight for freedom, love songs as well as songs about the beauty of nature in Spring. Played on traditional and modern instruments, described in the 20 page booklet.

Classical Music

This heady, brand new collection, the fourth Sabla Tolo release, features hip-swaying, high-energy percussion compositions with full arrangements for Oriental dance. It’s Egyptian percussion with an African feel, peppered with hot, driving Brazilian Samba and a hint of Indian spice mixing it up with Moroccan Shaaby and Flamenco. Noted the world over for his percussion talents, arranging and musical diversity, Hossam Ramzy is Arc Music’s best-selling artist.

On this recording, the London All Stars present favorite Latin songs including Lambada, Say so so, Silencio, Cielito Lindo, Nobody's Business, El Cumbanchero, Francilia Teresa, Quando Quando, Guantanamera, Malditos Selos, and more! London All Stars have an international reputation as the undefeated British National Steel band Champions and one of Europe's leading steel bands.