Classical Music

Ayako Hotta-Lister presents exquisite and enchanting Japanese Koto music by Yatsuhashi Kengyo (1614-1685), Michio Miyagi (1884-1956), Rentaro Taki (1879-1903) and Mitsuzaki Kengyo (Edo Era 17th-19th Century).

Originating from Afro-American rhythms of the Caribbean and Latin America, salsa has become one of the world's most popular dance forms. This 'sauce' is hot and spicy, a mixture of ingredients which gives it great versatility. Salsa is an ever-changing sound that adapts to, but also creates, new fashionable styles. Elements of jazz, funk, rap, as well as further Caribbean influences such as soca and merengue, have recently been included, forming a newly distinctive and further adaptively resilient salsa. This collection highlights salsa music in some of it's most popular forms.

Fiesta Filipina is an album of traditional music from the various regions of the Philippines features music that accompanies ritual and ceremonial dances of the mountain dwellers of Luzon and the remote hinterland of Mindanao played with hand-held gongs, bamboo flutes, clappers and drums.Spanish influenced music with small mandolins and guitars rubs shoulders with the music of Filipino Muslims and their markedly different musical traditions.

An elegant selection of Tango masterpieces, from Piazzolla to the fiery fiddles of Gypsy tango, from Argentinean Milongas and Waltzes to modern Finnish Tango - some of the world's finest!

This new release features a wide and varied collection of Klezmer music, gathered from across the Americas and Europe. These songs represent a kaleidoscope of styles and instrumentations, from ethnic to jazzy and everything in between. The music exudes a special kind of charm, and a kind of melancholic exuberance, at once happy and sad, a kind of feel that only Klezmer can bring. Featured ensembles on this release include The Burning Bush, who specialize in music of the Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions, London-based ensemble She’koyokh, Canadian trio From Both Ends of the Earth, and many more. This release was compiled by world music specialist Diz Heller.

• This 2 CD set from Arc Music contains a collection of Irish Music. • The 28 pieces range from the very traditional to today’s modern renditions, and they are presented by some of the finest exponents in the genre.

Golden Bough celebrates its 36th Anniversary as a Celtic Music trio this year. rooted in the traditional music of the seven Celtic nations (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, The Isle of Man, French Brittany and Spanish Galicia), Golden Bough has become a popular and in-demand group on both sides of the Atlantic. Since their formation in 1980, this trio of modern day minstrels has travelled great distances to numerous countries to bring their music to enthusiastic folk fans the world over. Bakcing themselves on an array of acoustic instruments - Celtic harp, guitar, octave-mandolin, mandolin, accordion, violin, penny-whistle and bodhran, they blend their voices in the pristine harmonies that have become a Golden Bough trademark. In the recording studio, as well as on stage, Golden Bough captures the essence and joy of traditional music. "The group has made a name for itself...Thus the two concerts on the weekend were sold out...They create, in a wonderful way, the connection between the old and the new world, not only musically, but also the spirit. Once in stride, they heated up the public and didn't get away without four encores." - Holsteinischer Courier, Germany

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

Raga Nova: A cross-cultural blend of sitar and saxophone

Marrabenta is music from the beautiful country of Mozambique, situated on the African east coast. Mozambique was a Portuguese colony from 1505 to 1975, and its music reflects many cultures. It also reflects the struggle for independence, the ravages of a long war, and portrays the many faces of this beautiful country, from its spectacular coastline on the Indian Ocean, to its rugged and evocative mountains and countryside. The present release is a dazzling representation of Mozambique’s very own musical tradition. A dash of exotic fun, and the heady spirit of Mozambique’s nightlife. These are exciting songs with lyrics in Shangaan, Ronga, and Portuguese. Travel to the sunny southeast of the African continent for this enjoyable summer music.

The Kinross & District Pipe Band was formed in the summer of 1946 to play at local galas, festival events and pipe band competitions. During its long history the band has been awarded at World Championships and ceremony galas. A truly Scottish, beautiful album of pipes and drums.

These masterful oud performances highlight the unrivalled brilliance of Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian. Including folk music from Armenia, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East, beautifully accompanied on piano, accordion, violin, guitar, bass and percussion. “If you are looking for an overview of the oud, you can't do much better than this album.” – 4* AllMusic.com

Ravi: Ravi's Afro-Indian Project

Master of the Bandoneon: Tango Argentino and Baroque Classic

Vocal Baobab: Afro-Cuban Chants - Yorbua Dream

Adzido: Ritual Songs and Dances From Africa

AFRICA TODAY! BEST OF CONTEMPO

Modern Bellydance from Lebanon

New belly dance music from Bashir Abdel 'Aal to follow his very successful VOL. 1 OF ARABIAN.

Shimal: Turkey Modern Tradition

This release features authentic recordings from powwows in the United States and Canada. These ceremonial dances and secular music selections come from various tribes of native American Indians. Accompanied by singing in native tongues, these tracks are performed on ceremonial drums, water drums, rattles, and jingles. The field recordings make this one of the most genuine native American music listening experiences on the market today. Featured artists on this release include Northern Wind from Ontario Canada, and Eyabay from Red Lake, Minnesota, who are regarded as kings of the pow wow trail.

This new release is an entertaining display of exciting Yiddish songs and klezmer music. The album features a mix of jazzy arrangements of traditional songs, vivacious instrumental works, and a capella pieces. Booklet notes include information about each of the songs.

•A selection of the Best Of Buena Vista, including tracks such as “El gallo de morón” and “Sonero de verdad” performed by old and new, featuring Pío Leyva, Rudy Calzado, Raúl Planas and original members of the Buena Vista Social Club.