Customer Reviews

Global Minstrels: Voices of World Music

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What is not world music? If a Greek musician performs rap or mainstream jazz, is it world music? Elijah Wald, the author, musician, and globetrotter who interviewed these many musicians, provides us with much more than what appears in album press releases or liner notes. His insightful commentaries within each profile, in addition to the regional introductions, are excellent and give the reader a greater understanding of what is regarded as world music and how such musicians balance their traditions and roots with modern audience expectations and desires. Some 65 artists from around the planet are profiled. Even the United States is included, as Hawai'ian and Native American indigenous musicians certainly meet the criteria. Selection is, of course, a personal and pragmatic decision, but I find myself in large agreement and would have included nearly all the representatives. The quality of each section varies with the artist, owing to their own analyses and, I assume, familiarity with English, but even the popular, well-interviewed musicians offer new observations about their art and industry. This, therefore, is a fine book (think gift!) for the world music aficionado and ethnomusicologist. This grand survey will also enrich the curious listener who desires to learn about different world musics and musicians.