2019: A Year in World Music

Some of my favorite world music records released in 2019:

La Dotu Lado

Coladera

A celebration of the Portuguese language, culture and rhythm. Threads of Bossa Nova mixed with more native sounds. Great vinyl to spin on Sunday mornings or late nights on the couch unless, like me, you drop the record hard and put a giant gouge across one of the best tracks.

Ep

Tres Souls

I fell head over heels for Bolero music in 2018. Just as 2019 was dawning, I was pointed to this incredible homage to the music that so enveloped me last year. You can tell that the band is passionate about preserving the heritage and spirit of Bolero music. The track "La Luna Eres Tu" was a shelter song for me in 2019.

Almadura

iLE

Immaculately produce, powerful protest record from Puerto Rican phenom iLe. If you have been following any of Puerto Rico's plight over the last few years you can understand iLE's angst. About half way through the record you will find Eddie Palmieri's stunningly beautiful "Mi Novia". Palmieri is a personal musical hero of mine and to hear this track embedded on such a great record was a highlight of 2019 for me.

Bahir

Dexter Story

Dexter intermingles the modern and traditional and runs it through the whole musical landscape of Africa. Very well produced record from the talented Story. Excellent record.

Onda

Jambinai

Traditional South Korean instruments mixed with a heavy dose of post-metal decadence. Rich, big and unique enough to warrant a listen.

 
Shlon

Omar Souleyman

Being a ardent fan of the Sublime Frequency music label I have been listening to the prolific Souleyman for a few years now. "Shlon" is his newest record and it falls in line with rest of his work: energetic grooves mixed with traditional instrumentation and Casio like club beats. Distinctively Syrian.