Putumayo Presents: World Reggae

Reggae's crooning melodies, masculine bass lines, syncopated rhythms, and sensual spirituality makes it one of the most easily recognized, well-traveled styles in the African Diaspora. It has come a long way from its beginnings in Jamaica and the heyday of Bob Marley, but despite assorted depredations and ill-conceived interpolations, reggae still symbolizes an incongruous blend of fun, sex, good times, and social consciousness. It is always an education to hear what musicians from different cultures have made of this most malleable yet indelible of grooves. The most interesting permutations tend to be those that avoid mere imitation by incorporating strong local flavors. Thus, Apache Indian's Bhangra-laced version, with its breathy Bollywood-ish female choir and haunting woodwinds, Gnawa Diffusion's filigreed Arabic vocals, and Maria de Barrio's Cape Verdean morna-reggae make the strongest impressions. But other practitioners have chosen to recreate the good old days, and this Nigeria's Majek Fashek has certainly accomplished. --Christina Roden  more