Customer Reviews

Rough Guide Music Sampler

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Released in 1999, this Rough Guide sampler record (World Music Network, total playing time 71:38) turns out to be not really that dated, since while some of the musicians have faded into relative obscurity, many of the featured artists are still recording vital world music. I evoke the mix tape concept of song sequencing, as this sampler disc lends itself very well to the listener who wants to download some quality music that touches upon at least 13 geographical regions and 16 distinct music styles. Rough Guide Music Sampler is divided into 4 blocks of songs. Tracks 1-4 showcase African musicians from the Nubian jazz of Egypt's Ali Hassan Kubab, to the chimurenga protest music of Zimbabwe's Thomas Mapfumo, to the mbaqanga rhythms of South Africa's Soul Brothers, and to the benga pop of Kenya's Henry Makobi (see if you recognize the rhythmic guitar chords of Fleetwood Mac's "Never Going Back Again" on this one!). Tracks 5 through 10 highlight Latin musicians and styles such as son, salsa, tango, and flamenco from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Spain. Tracks 11-13 showcase some lesser known artists from England, Ireland and Scotland exploring English folk, Gaelic and Celtic music roots and styles. Finally tracks 14-16 feature artists from North America including Cajun guitarist David Doucet, reggae stylists The Congos and the legendary jazz blues diva, Bessie Smith. All of these songs have appeared on other Rough Guide records some of which are now out of print. However, all of these songs can be traced back to the artists' original albums thanks to this sampler's well documented liner notes. Thus, each song offers the possibility of more in depth exploration of a particular artist or style which is a pretty decent way to compile an album (or mix tape) in my opinion. Me, I am going to explore more of the Afro-Peruvian music of the Andes and Inti-Illimani, Henry Makobi's benga pop and the Scottish Gaelic of Tannas. Do take a listen to Rough Guide Music Sampler and hopefully my review will direct you towards which songs on this sampler you wish to well...sample! The record as a whole is a feast so, feel free to dig in!

The Rough Guide Music Sampler offers the listener an inexpensive, superbly recorded survey of music and musicians from around the world. The selections include Habibi (4:19); Buka Tiende (5:00); Udlame (4:12); Likuta Bibi (3:52); Descarga En Faux (5:37); Mulata Coqueta (5:51); Tchori Tchori (3:29); el Hacha (5:25); Caminito (2:37); Venta Zoraida (3:46); Luck Break (4:40); Colm Cille Na Feile (4:48); Mairead nan Cuiread (4:39); Balfa Waltz (3:46); Fisherman (6:02); Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out (2:58). Total Time 71:38