An exciting and vibrant cross-section of Brazilian classics presented in today's arrangements. Excellent new and modern versions of songs that most will recognize.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 10 CDS: DE

From the swirling mists at the dawn of time come the ancient hymns of the Veda, and the spirituality of Africa. “Gondwana Dawn” combines an African youth choir and music with Indian songs, traditional instruments and voice. This album takes us into a unique new world of spirituality, music and rhythm: India and Africa united in music.

This release includes lively and vibrant traditional songs and instrumental pieces from Northern Cyprus, the Turkish part of this beautiful Mediterranean island. A biography of the group and short descriptions of each piece is included in the liner notes.

Hanitra is a major celebrity in Madagascar. Known as a 'number one' artist in her home country some of her music made it into the Top 40 in the US African Music charts, and No. 18 in Canada. She was elected Best New Artist at the Jazz and World Music Festival, Cannes 2000, France. Her music covers a wide spectrum from traditional, with traditional instruments to modern.

"•Celebrate Brazil features songs from Brazilian hotspots Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Porto Alegre, and more. • These pulsating, celebratory rhythms offer endless excitement and are thrilling to listen or dance to. • Contemporary audiences will appreciate the exciting new arrangements; what you'll hear is how these songs are played today."

‘Coimbra Fado’, the new album from the Ricardo Dias Ensemble features – apart from the traditional Fado instrumentation of voice, guitarra portuguesa, guitar – piano, accordion, double bass and trumpet, adding extra life and scope to the music. Pianist and composer Ricardo J. Dias, Cristina Branco’s musical director, has produced several CDs that were awarded the José Afonso Prize. “The Ricardo Dias Ensemble renovates and re-invents the Fado / Canção de Coimbra (Fado/Song of Coimbra), with their roots in the Coimbra Fado and the students’ ballads. ” – Domingos Morais

Zohreh Jooya and other luminaries of Iranian music and instruments, weave a richly textured carpet of Eastern sounds. Extensive information about artists, musical instruments and each of the pieces in English and German.

Divan & Divine is a synthesis of western tones and Turkish-Anatolian motifs that communicates issues of great ethical significance. Inspired by a selection of 14th to 16th century troubadour poems about historical injustice, Zeyn’el carries forward the messages of his much-honoured ancestors, alongside some of his own original compositions reflecting similar issues still seen today.

Traditional flute performer and educator Joel Francisco Perri presents a lovely collection of flute music from the Andes bringing to light a wealth of flute sounds of the region. Kena (shepherd's flute) zampoas (panflutes) and rondador (Ecuadorian panflute) make appearances. Additionally each flute is presented and discussed in detail in the booklet.

Mbeng-Ntam presents vibrant, powerful, ethnic, tribal songs from Gabon (equatorial Africa). Mbeng-Ntam are 30 musicians, singers and dancers, all from one family. This CD includes information about the group as well as stunning photos of authentic costumes, instruments, dances.

After 6 years, Re-Orient have reunited to bring US Undiscovered Time. This album is something new, more reflective, embracing electronics and technology a little, but maintaining that unmistakable gift for melody and arrangements with Re-Orient's unique sound being as strong as ever.

Best of Flamenco

In celebration of their 30th anniversary Black Umfolosi present a collection of their most beautiful and inspiring traditional songs from their native southern Africa. They perform in the popular Imbube gospel style and regularly tour the world with a success rivaled only by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who popularized the style.

Tradition 2.1