Customer Reviews

Putumayo Presents: Jazz Around the World

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

 

 

Another fine CD from Putumayo, best known for its CD compilations of "world music". Most of their releases emphasize a specific geographical region or country, while some are by "style".

While the homelands of the artists included on this disc range from New Zealand to Mexico to Cameroon to Canada the emphasis seems to be on African beats with Cuban/Mexican rhythms.

Hugh Masekela - who had hits in the US in the 1960s ("Grazin' in the Grass" hit #1 on the pop charts), he is now back in South Africa. US drummer Billy Cobham mixes his band with Cuban musicians. Katarina Pipi lives in New Zealand (not a country with an identifiable music style) but her Maori music echoes Hawaiian singing. And the oddest combination here is the band Sherele, a Klezmer band from Mexico.

There's no one here playing in the Traditional Jazz style and no one using bebop or, thank you Putumayo, "smooth jazz". The sole American singer is Heather Rigdon, an independent label artist. Masakela is probably the only easily recognizable name. But, then again, Putumayo wants to introduce listeners to artists that are new to them. They accomplish this with this album, with selections taken from 2004-2008 releases.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

This CD is great for lovers of jazz with an International flare. It's a great 'mood lifter,' It's very nice as background music while entertaining or for just easy listening.

This was an awesome buy, cd was in top shape and exactly as described. Excellent seller with prompt delivery. :)

We heard this first music when we received it in a gift basket from Whole Foods. It is such an engaging arrangement of songs that friends are often asking for the name. It's a CD everyone would enjoy. We don't like all of the CDs put together by Putumayo, but this one is a real winner.

I love this CD, great music and a great buy!!! I have and would recommend this CD to any jazz fan!