Customer Reviews

Blues Around the World

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wheather you're a "seasoned" blues veteran or not, you need this disc for your collection. This compilation has an excellent listening flow. Taj Mahal's version of "Catfish Blues" is a personal favorite. Bottom line on this CD.... You can pop this in your player while you're entertaining guests and let it roll. If your friends can't find any jams on the disc that are appealing.....That's just a shamefull lack of "Taste"....... a fellow blues fan

If you love the blues, you must add this to your collection. It's fascinating and fun to hear how the blues have spread - and been adapted - around the world.

Most of us here in America have heard the bluesy beats of British acts like the Yardbirds or early Van Morrison. But this collection demonstrates that the blues is truly transnational. This CD contains eleven tracks, five in English and six in other languages. It's fascinating to hear how the blues merges with the sounds of other nations to create something new.

Consider the opening track by the Unseen Guest. I've heard blues from Ireland, and I knew there was Indian blues, but when the two bring the mandolin and the tabla together in the same song, it's not quite like anything I've heard before now. Or when Jarabe de Palo adapts blues to Spanish, which has a completely different vocal rhythm than English, it seems to fit the guitar-driven shuffle precisely, but it creates an entirely new sound at the same time. And then there's Long-ge. I had no idea there even WAS such a thing as Taiwanese blues, and now I know how much I've missed out on!

There are tracks in this predominantly acoustic set from every inhabited continent except Australia. (Come on, down under, you're letting down the team!) Most are from the last ten years or so, though there's one classic track from Otis Spann, one of the luminaries from the heyday of the Chicago blues. And, although each brings something unique and distinct to the mix, there isn't even one weak song on the whole disk. This is one you can listen to time and time again without getting weary of it.

Recommended for blues fans, lovers of world music, and those who are simply curious. Sure to please nearly everybody, this is a CD that is likely to enjoy a place of pride in your musical rotation.

The music included in this CD has so much variety. It was used as a background CD for a dinner party. Very enjoyable!

This is by far one of my favorite albums to listen to, even after 5 years of owning it. It really sets an atmosphere and is just an all-around good collection. La Flaca and Catfish Blues are probably my favorites.

this is a great cd! i first borrowed it from the local library, then i knew it was one i wanted to own. putumayo always has diverse, interesting music. add this one to your collection!

After hearing about this CD from another vendor, since both my husband and I love blues music and he plays a 'mean' blues harmonica, I thought I would take a chance and buy it for my him for a Christmas gift and he downloaded it to his iPod and told me he loves it so much he has been listening to it every day! He hasn't even wanted to share it with me yet but have listened to a couple tunes already which sound wonderful!

I bought this CD before taking a road trip and it made the driving so much better. It's blues but is by no means a downer. I especially love the Taj Mahal piece at the end. The only problem: It seems short.

This is such a nice mix of talent. Very diverse & intriguing.