If you've ever been to a restaurant and ended up ordering several of the appetizers instead of dinner, and came away satisfied & full, then you have experienced the sensations this album provokes. Putumayo has released a great Sunday afternoon CD. I often review the Putumayo disks on Fridays because of the party atmosphere, and this one could also be shared at a party – an afternoon party that allows some moments for reflection. For example,
Les Orientales presents Alger, Alger with a good tango beat with some flamenco thrown in to stop and pay attention to (“Algiers has a beauty that makes us insane”). As usual, the world music in Putumayo is a focus on one culture who has willingly accepted the sounds of other cultures into their pop music. Fine collection of many flavors, including jazz, accordions, and many more to have your palette enthralled for a full hour. This eartaster is completely satisfied. Shoutouts for the performances of Jamal Porto (“sing for everlasting happiness”),
Rasha ("Does my love recall the past we shared?”),
Charbel Rouhana and Hani Siblini, and an old favorite,
Souad Massi (“that’s life – bitter and sweet”). Many albums here that will be sought out for my collection due to the appetizers offered here.
Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Arabia
Putumayo on Eartaste
Learn about folk music from North Africa
