This release presents Irish fiddle music performed by musical virtuoso Florie Brown, a fiddle player who has toured the world and cultivated her own flair and unique playing style. She performs Celtic, Bluegrass, Cajun, Country, Blues and Swing. Here she presents traditional Irish classics that will be loved by all fiddle music fans. After successfully begging her parents to allow her to play the violin, Florie Brown began her studies. Years were spent in private study working on technical skill and gaining performance experience. First travels as a musician began at 15 years of age with her local Youth Symphony, an award-winning group who traveled to Mexico, Germany, and Japan under the direction of Eugene Stoia. Celtic fiddling was the first departure from her classical path. Many albums and years later, Florie now has a family of her own and teaches fiddle.

Classical Music

In the spirit of Paul Simon’s epic, this new release from ARC features a collection of African songs. A potpourri of music has been chosen, from a capella to instrumentals, these songs hail from all over the great continent, including tunes from Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, and more. The songs are sung in a variety of native African languages, showing the immense diversity that exists throughout the African countries.

This is an album of some of the best and most passionate songs of Esma Redžepova, whose expressive and emotional voice has earned her the title of “Queen of Gypsy Music”. + Ms. Redžepova was born in Skopje, Macedonia. + At the age of fourteen she was discovered by bandleader Stevo Teodosievski, who furthered her talent and educated her voice. + The Stevo and Esma Ensemble soon became one of the most successful ensembles in the whole Balkan region. + Born in Shtip, a small town in eastern Macedonia, master of the Gypsy saxophone King Ferus Mustafov is one of the greats of today’s Balkan popular folk music.

‘La Docta’ is the nickname of the city of Cordoba, the geographical heart of Argentina. The album was recorded ‘a la parrilla’ – ‘on the spot.’ Here is an evolved way of playing ‘a la parrilla’ that incorporates all the influences that made modern Tango, and coupled with the strong and emotional vocal performance by Juanjo Lopez Vidal, Tango de la Docta captures the spirit with which tango was born in the patios of the old tenement houses of Buenos Aires. Juanjo is a singer/producer from Argentina who has worked with many of the legendary tango directors and singers from Buenos Aires. He now brings his unique blend of knowledge, energy and musicality to a brand-new album. “Juanjo is a wonderful singer who sings for the dancers. Not only that, he also has a breadth of knowledge about his songs which he passes on to his audience. I thoroughly recommend him to you.” (El Amanecer Tango Club)

Hanitra is a true icon in Madagascar- following her debut with the band Lol Sy Ny Tariny, Hanitra was chosen to represent her country abroad. Invited to many festivals around the world, Hanitra found the recipe for a world-refined and catchy music that sails between edgy folk and more rhythmic pieces. Her third album, Lasa, is a tribute to the singer Lhasa De Sala. Born in Fianarantsoa (Madagascar), Hanitra began singing and playing guitar at the age of seven. In 1979, in the Madagascan capital, she took part in a competition in which her talent was recognized. That year, among the competitors, she met a group that had become very famous: Lolo Sy Ny Tariny. Together, they began a long period of sold-our concerts. Underpinning her tunes with the charming essence of the “Red Island’s” rhythms (with hints of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian percussion), Hanitra draws from traditional songs to dynamically embody the new Madagascan generation. Her boice, both deep and sensual, leads us on the way to the most authentic roots, in a land of harmony, made of sun and beauty.

Viguela have been dedicated to traditional music from the center of the Iberian Peninsula for thirty years. In 2014 Viguela began reviewing their own approach to the interpretation of traditional music, taking a step further in recovering their archaic musical language- focusing on the person's interpretation and musicality rather than techniques taught at academies. They perform not only at renowned festivals such as WOMAD in 2017 but also on the streets of Spain. As a 100% acoustic band, Viguela can bring their street "ronda" to any place and sing to your public face to face. "... one of the greatest folk groups from the heart of Spain... " (World Music Central) "... Filled with creativity, optimism and joy." (Folkways) "... Full of reality, human presence, intensity- musically and technically perfect." (Mazurkas of the World Festival)

One of ARC Music's most successful fusion collaborations is that of world renowned Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramzy, Jose Luis Monton and Spanish guitarist Rafa El Tachuela. The result of their work is a captivating, fiery, and romantic Spanish/Arabian album. The music on this release is a perfect synergy of Arabian and Spanish melodies and rhythms, the two musical genres inspiring each other to create a colorful adventure of sounds and flavors. Arabian dance rhythms meet zapateados (Flamenco 'stepdance'), fiery guitar complemented by sinuous Egyptian violin... it's a feast for the ears! "... a treasure. From the splendors of the Alhambra palace in Granada fusing wonderfully with Arabic cultures." (L. Anderson) "Excellent world-class acoustic fusion... truly captures Andalusian-Arabic synergies." (Rave Magazine India) "Heartfelt and spacious, Hossam's sea of percussion allows the music to soar, providing a bedrock for the elegant acoustic guitar lines... " (Living Tradition)

Hossein Farjami has long been one of the most respected and best-loved Iranian musicians. He combines natural talent with rigorous discipline, and musicianship with professional ethics. Born in Teheran, Iran, in 1944, he started his musical studies at the age of 13, and his life has been devoted to music ever since. For the past five decades he has been based in London, where he has achieved a high reputation, not only among the large Iranian community living in the West, but throughout the Middle East. Anxious to pass on his skills and experiences to the next generation, Farjami is also an inspiring teacher, at once patient and rigorous. Apart from santur, ud and percussion he teaches classical Iranian singing and musical theory, while still finding time for composing, arranging, and recording. The present album is dedicated to Iranian traditional folk music. The simple, soulful melodies are rich in emotional nuances which Farjami conveys with his subtle arrangements and masterly playing. Like all genuine folk music these tunes have a universal appeal- to the heart, which is our natural home.

The music of the British Isles has been charming audiences for centuries. This beautiful collection of Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and Brittany features famous Celtic artists such as Cunla, Colm O Foghlu, Noel McLoughlin, Clannad, and many more. The songs presented are a shimmering array of the most wistful and beautiful songs and instrumental pieces, which are in a similar vein as the “Titanic” soundtrack, or the ever-popular “Riverdance.” Folk songs are presented here in their most authentic forms, as well as several more recent compositions inspired by these roots. This is true cornucopia of Celtic jewels!

Discover the music of Hungary with this bouncy and upbeat collection of Hungarian music, both instrumental and sung pieces. Hungary is a country with a great love for music. + With its incredibly rich tradition of folk, classical, opera, jazz and Romani music, Hungary’s musical legacy is so much greater than one would expect from a country of just 10 million people. + Played on a wide variety of traditional and contemporary instruments, this collection highlights traditional forms of Hungarian music, focusing mainly on its folk and Romani repertoire. + Details of the albums from which these songs are taken, as well as brief synopses of the songs and artists are to be found in the booklet liner notes.

This exciting collection contains tracks from Brazil. Covering all the bases, this release features samba, bossa, MPB, gaucho music, and folk music. The included booklet contains information about each of the pieces.

In the tradition of the West Africa griots and the ancient Greek epic poets / storytellers, calypso music has long provided a form of social commentary for the Trinidadian and Tobagonian peoples. • Originating from the kaiso music of Western Africa and evolving with various influences over time, calypso is to Trinidad and Tobago as reggae is to Jamaica and samba is to Brazil. • Despite tackling often-serious subject matter, a calypsonian conveys it all in a humorous – sometimes bawdy – but always inherently enjoyable manner. • This collection highlights a selection of classic and modern calypsos.

Baluji Schrivastav presents classical Indian ragas played on the dilruba, an ancient Indian bowed string instrument, accompanied by tablas, tanpura (drone) and swarmandal (autoharp).

From Danza Fuego comes this exciting album of flamenco music. The nineteen fast, furious, and hot tracks laden with astounding guitar fireworks brilliantly display this beloved Spanish artform. Danza Fuego is a flamenco group which plays traditional flamenco instruments such as guitars, bandoneon, percussion, timbales, castanets, flute, cello, and more. This release was recorded at Danza Fuego Studio in Weinheim, Germany, and is dedicated to the memory of Frederico Garcia Lorca.