Sound Of The World

Here’s what the label Universal Music, 2008, has to say about the release of the CD “The Sound Of The World” CD compiled by Charlie Gillett: “It is the consummate collection of what is happening now in World Music and what is about to happen, compiled by the most respected World Music DJ, Charlie Gillett. As such it is regarded as “The World Music Compilation of the year” Most of these 33 songs from 28 different countries defy categorization – they don’t belong in a particular genre, as each track starts, you can’t immediately guess what will happen next. Contributing to that sense of unpredictability are the arrangements – the way the instruments and voices relate to each other, enabling the singers to jump the language fence that so often forms an invisible barrier to music not sung in English. Compared to musicians who sing to an audience that speaks the same language, the artists here face a bigger challenge, needing to beguile us with irresistible and unforgettable melodies, and to present them in arresting frameworks. And so we have the finest artists with their finest new songs including Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate, Mariza, Seu Jorge, Camille, Lhasa, Yasmin Levy, Youssou N’Dour, Amadou and Miriam, Oliver Mtukudzi, Chango Spasiuk, Think Of One to give the perfect overview. If you only stock one World Music Collection then this is it.”

To be sure this is indeed a very fine collection of diverse styles of music, though I take exception to the notion that it’s the most or best representative compilation recording to add to your personal collection. There are without argument, many, many others within the genre of world music. That said, do indeed get this one for your library. Now, if I can only find my copy, I’d air more tracks from it on Higher Ground. It probably sits on my study desk along with a number of other celebrated recordings. While I do some digging trying to unearth the recording, here’s a list of the ordered tracks, titles and artists on this 2 CD collection. –Jonathan

• CD1: 1. Daby Balde – Sora
• CD1: 2. Sissy Atanassova – Chaje Shukarije
• CD1: 3. Ivan Kupala – Geo
• CD1: 4 Amadou & Mariam – Coulibaly
• CD1: 5. Camille – Au Port
• CD1: 6. Mei Tei Sho – Lambi Golo Part 1
• CD1: 7. Lhasa – La Frontera
• CD1: 8. Chango Spasiuk – Tarefero de Mis Pagos
• CD1: 9. Darko Rundek & Cargo Orkestar Ista – Slika
• CD1: 10. Oliver Mtukudzi – Vanereva Nepasipo
• CD1: 11 The Chehade Brothers – Niyal Albou
• CD1: 12. Volga – Verejushki
• CD1: 13. Nairobi Yetu – Nijenge
• CD1: 14. State of Bengal vs Paban Das Baul – Padma Nodi
• CD1: 15. Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate
• CD1: 16. DJ Fitchie & Joe Dukie – Midnight Marauders
• CD2: 1. Issa Bagayogo – Dya Bana
• CD2: 2. Shiyani Ngcobo – uDadewetha
• CD2: 3. Seu Jorge Mania de Peitao
• CD2: 4. Shukar Collective – Calling Tamango
• CD2: 5. Yasmin Levy – Naci en Alamo
• CD2: 6 Okna tsahan Zam – Edjin Duun
• CD2: 7. Laye Sow – Boonoo
• CD2: 8. mariza – transparente
• CD2: 9. Julia Vorontsova – Older
• CD2: 10. Youssou N’Dour – Tijaniyya
• CD2: 11. Ana Salazar – El Accordeonista
• CD2: 12. Malouma – Tuyur El Wad
• CD2: 13. Dead Combo – Rumbero
• CD2: 14 Julien Jacob feat. Rachid Taha – Jacob
• CD2: 15. Clotaire K – Beyrouth Ecoeuree
• CD2: 16. Tokyo-chutei-iki – Otome Sankanbi
• CD2: 17. Think of One – Moana