World Music Reviews

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Bet Williams' bewitching Epiphany Project is just lovely! Williams' silky soprano voice and incredible four-octave range are awesome enough, but combined with intelligent lyrics with a Tori Amos flavor and technical mastery (“Goth” has 72 overdubbed tracks of her voice, sounding like a choir!), Epiphany Project is exceptional. Accompanied by composing partner John Hodian on keyboards, Williams has produced a memorable, compelling album that will enchant and delight listeners.

Sambodhi Prem's NatureSpace is a joyful romp through the forests and beaches of New Zealand. Prem composed and arranged all of the music, and plays on steel string guitar, guitar synth, electric guitar and sound generators. He's accompanied by Don V. Lax on violin and David Bowater on soprano saxophone on “Walks.” Many of New Zealand's native birds are featured in environmental tracks recorded by Prem, whose devotion to Nature and Beauty is readily apparent in his music. He dedicates his music to “Osho's vision-a world of love and awareness.” Osho would be proud!

The diversity of Africa is explored in Unwired Africa, a collection of acoustic music ranging from Malian desert blues, Guinean Mande, and South African jass to Zimbabwean tuku music. The distinctive voice of the kora joins mbiras, guitars, and of course, drums to accompany singers and bands like Mozambique's Eyuphuro' Zena Bacar, Congolese singer and guitarist Mose “Fan Fan”, and the incredible Oumou Sangare. This music is powerful and alive; you'll just have to dance, because there's no way you could listen and be still! Both traditional and modern, this CD is rich in Africa's culture and musical sophistication. If you've never experienced Africa's musical heritage, this is a splendid place to start!

Hear Eric Akbar Manolson performing Healing Piano: The Aramaic Prayer at Central Congregational Church, June 2, 8:00 p.m. and at Clifton Presbyterian Church, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Free admission, love offering accepted, CDs available. Dance the Prayer on June 13 at Friends Meeting House, Decatur. For info, call 404.299.7023 or email ericakbar@usa.net.

See bossa nova legacy Bebel Gilberto at Variety Playhouse Wednesday, June 13, at 8 p.m. David Wilcox and Lucy Kaplansky perform folk-pop on Friday, June 15, 8 p.m. Call Variety Playhouse at 404.524.7354 for ticket information.