Amazon.com Delivers International Music

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC


Word for Word Afro Celt Sound System's Iarla O'Lionaird New and Notable The Chieftains, Djivan Gasparyan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Led Kaapana Artist Spotlight New Zealand's Oceania	Customer Favorites Burning Spear Digital Downloads Bebel Gilberto From Africa to Havana Omara Portuondo, Patato, Cheikh Lo, King Sunny Ade

WORD FOR WORD
"A guy called Steve Pyke took photos for my first solo album. He'd just done a book with Timothy O'Grady called "I Could Read the Sky," sort of bio-fiction with photos tracking the memory of an Irish emigrant in Britain. Steve's wife, Nichola Bruce, decided to make a movie out of the book and she approached me. Originally, I was asked to just contribute to the movie, but I offered to do all the music. I thought, 'This is what I need to test myself.'" --Iarla O'Lionaird
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NEW AND NOTABLE
"Chieftains 1"
The Chieftains
This reissue from 1965 showcases the early Chieftains stoking the high-energy fire they'd later wow traditional Irish-music lovers with. Paddy Maloney's tin whistle swoops and soars over the group's solid foundation of jigs, reels, and airs. Read more

"Armenian Fantasies"
Djivan Gasparyan
Famed duduk player Djivan Gasparyan invited 10 of the best Armenian virtuosos to accompany him on this album of traditional folk music. The result is a collection that is dark and melancholy with Gasparyan's duduk and spirited with the ensemble's lute, fiddle, and zither.

"Dust to Gold"
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
This posthumous release from the Real World archives features the immortal qawwali singer booming and chanting with red-hot fervor from start to finish. On this finely recorded album, Nusrat and party build the rhythmic pyramid of fiery Islamic praise they were best known for. Outstanding.

"Black Sand"
Led Kaapana
Following up his collaborative effort with country music stars Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss, Hawaiian slack key guitarist Led Kaapana releases this solo collection of enveloping instrumentals, rich with Kaapana's gentle touch and emotive feel.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: OCEANIA
"Oceania"
Oceania
The new self-titled release from Oceania melds ancient Maori culture with modern electronic music. A collaboration between New Zealand singer Hinewehi Mohi and the finest native musicians, Oceania's traditional sounds and modern rhythms come together for a collection that's both substantive and lovely. Learn more about Hine and her unique culture in our Artist Spotlight.

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CUSTOMER FAVORITES
"Social Living"
Burning Spear
A music fan from San Diego, California, says this about Burning Spear's 1978 album "Social Living": "This work is Winston Rodney's masterpiece! This CD is a true work of art. It contains enchanting beats in true Spear fashion. These songs will allow you to recall a captivating stage presence and true reggae ambasador. I always include tracks from this CD on tapes for friends!" Read more

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DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
"Tanto Tempo"
Bebel Gilberto
Daughter of bossa nova master João Gilberto ("The Girl from Ipanema"), Bebel Gilberto offers a familiar yet unique take on the music with "Tanto Tempo." Mostly acoustic-based with occasional lush orchestrations and a couple of nods to current electronic styles, the album is a sensual triumph. Download "August Day Song" and "So Nice (Summer Samba)" for free now, exclusively at Amazon.com. Go to download

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FROM AFRICA TO HAVANA
"Buena Vista Social Club Presents Omara Portuondo"
Omara Portuondo
If you were fortunate enough to see Ibrahim Ferrer and his orchestra live in 1999, you know that the vibrant woman who stole the show was 69-year-old singer Omara Portuondo. She has been known in Cuba for decades for her rich, distinct voice, and this romantic collection highlights the emotive power of the smoky veteran singer. Read more

"The Legend of Cuban Percussion"
Patato
Fans of the Buena Vista releases will love this album from Carlos "Patato" Valdes, the legendary percussionist whose work in the 1950s with Herbie Mann and Tito Puente remains a mainstay of great Cuban music throughout the world. Check out this CD compiled from two earlier releases that showcase some extraordinary son and Latin jazz.

"Bambay Gueej"
Cheikh Lo
Cheikh Lo's 1997 debut, "Ne La Thiass," blew listeners away. "Bambay Gueej" will do the same, percolating Latin-tinged rhythms, funky horn riffs, and Lo's slightly grit-textured vocals. It's another gem from the Senegalese master of multiple musical worlds.

"Seven Degrees North"
King Sunny Ade
King Sunny Ade returns with an album that harks back to his beloved classic "Juju Music." With thick layers of Yoruba-influenced percussion and a reposed, laid-back sensibility, "Seven Degrees" proves this Nigerian legend has lots of creative juice left.

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You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's International Music section.