Classical Music

Classical Music

Salma Al Aasal: Music From the Blue Nile

Classical Music

Irish Folk: Adieu to Old Ireland

World Travel: Caribbean Steeldrums

Rosanegra: Fado Ladino

Music of Tunisia

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

"The performer, Marco Tamayo, does an excellent job. His recorded technique is flawless, both when using the traditional European style of picking and strumming, and the more Spanish and Caribbean influenced techniques... The recording itself is very well done, and does a nice job of highlighting his technique... highly recommended. Much of the work may be unfamiliar, but none of it will be unapproachable. Each piece is a gem, wonderfully written, performed, and recorded. The album is suitable for background or mood music, but excels when scrutinized and given active attention. Short of buying a ticket for a weekend excursion to Havana, this is certainly one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the musical traditions of Cuba that this reviewer has come across. -- Patrick Gary, musicweb.uk.net

"A fascinating insight into the influences on Cuban guitar music...Marco Tamayo proves himself to be a fine guitarist. His playing is rather understated which seems to assist the mood of the music, with more subtlety than flamboyance, more sensitivity than grit; unaffected rather than pretentious. Tamayo leaves the listener with a real sense of 'a soloist at one' with this repertoire from his homeland... moody, reflective and accessible... No problem with the sound quality here and the release has interesting and informative annotation. An exceedingly well performed release from Naxos." -- Michael Cookson, musicweb.uk.net

Ancient Civilisations of Southern Africa - Bushman, Zulu, Ve

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Best of Greece, Vol. 1

Although peaceful international dialogue may seem as elusive as ever, the shining exceptions are all the more heart-warming. Two Syrian and Chinese musicians met in Minnesota. The rest is history. Both artists came from lands going through political strife- Issam Rafea living through the recent war in Syria, and Gao Hong growing up during the Cultural Revolution. Now, they continue to pursue their musical visions in the United States. They both are performers and composers and love to improvise, just like they have had to navigate their lives to survive. They both use their hearts to play music, and both believe that music needs to come from their souls and deepest feelings. Life As Is is a reflection of both of their lives. It is their life stories, as reflected in the track titles. Both of them "Walking the Distance" to America to follow their dreams. They recorded the music on a rainy summer day, and even though they didn't talk about what "Summer Rain" should sound like, they shared the exact same feelings. Their lives have not always been easy, and that is expressed in "Undercurrent" and the uncertainty of their lives in "Up and Down." But even in their darkest hours, they still remained optimistic and hopeful, as if there were a "Hidden Dance" soon to appear. Sometimes, living so far away, they get "Homesick" and have a "Heavy Heart" as they miss their homelands and families, but they keep working hard and chasing their dreams as in "Chasing Butterflies."And they are thankful for the music they have made together in their "Chance Encounter." They share their happy "Childhood" stories in their music. So many wonderful stories, but they realize life is so short, just like a "Short Film." This is their life, these their tales- "Life As Is!"

Rafa El Tachliela: Flamenco Romantico

Routes To Roots (Yoruba Drums From Nigeria)

Kinross and District Pipe Band: Pipes and Drums of Scotland