The Rough Guide To Bhangra Dance

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1154)

From its humble beginnings as a folk dance in northwest India, the British-Asian phenomenon of bhangra has incorporated Western instruments, such as the electric guitar, bass and keyboards, and evolved into the energetic and highly popular club and dance music that it is today. This album features some of the hottest bhangra beats and the funkiest names on the British-Asian scene.


**** (four stars) 'A quality bhangra collection with a host of very listenable tunes.' Songlines

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The Rough Guide To Irish Music

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1148)

Music has always been an essential part of Irish culture, and the musical traditions of Ireland – focused around pub sessions – remain amongst Europe’s most enduring and vibrant. Songs (sung in Irish and English) hold a special place in Irish life and exemplify the vivacity of the Irish singing tradition and its wide range of subjects. This all-new second edition of The Rough Guide To Irish Music provides an extensive introduction to Ireland’s musical landscape, from the driving music of Donegal and the foot-stomping polkas and slides of Kerry and Cork to the work of those exploring the borders between traditional music and other genres.


**** (four stars) 'Excellent... illustrates the quality of Irish music today.' Songlines

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The Rough Guide To Mediterranean Cafe Music

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1143)

Over the years, an intricate web of musical links has formed across the Mediterranean, despite various political borders, linguistic differences and religions. The ancient links forged by the travelling sailors and merchants that plied the Mediterranean, the conquests of the Romans, Moors and colonialists, and the influences of the modern media, have created musical connections that resonate throughout the region. The Rough Guide To Mediterranean Café Music explores these influences as reflected in the varied café cultures these countries share. Traversing the diverse European sounds of Greece, Italy, France and Spain, the compelling North African music of Morocco, Algeria and Egypt, this album presents some of the Mediterranean’s most exhilarating coastal sounds.


'A very satisfying musical meze.’ HMV Choice Magazine

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The Rough Guide To Rebetika

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1142)

Rebétika is the music of the Greek underworld, whose golden years started shortly after Greek national independence and lasted until the 1950s. A rich and heady stew, rebétika focuses on hopeless love, disease, drugs, death and imprisonment. As a musical form, it draws on numerous sources such as the formal instrumental suites of the Ottoman court, the solo vocals of Turkey and Iran, and the captivating, sophisticated instrumentation of the café aman in Istanbul and Izmir. The Rough Guide To Rebétika showcases some of the best rebétika artists from its early roots to the rising stars from the more recent revival movement.


**** (four stars) 'The best available single-CD introduction to the genre.’ Songlines

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The Rough Guide To Gypsy Swing

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1138)

Forged by the work of Django Reinhardt – arguably the finest jazz guitarist of all time – Manouche or Gypsy swing is a fascinating blend of Gypsy virtuosity and American jazz. In 1930s France, this new ‘swing’ music had a profound impact on the local musical scene and although the music’s creator died in 1953, his music remains highly influential to this day. Django Reinhardt created a tradition, which has been perpetuated and developed by many exceptional contemporary musicians. The Rough Guide To Gypsy Swing celebrates this style from the original Gypsy musicians of the time to those French and German musicians, mainly of Manouche origin, who have built on Django’s legacy and continue down the road of innovatio


**** (Four stars) 'You’ll be hooked.' Independent On Sunday

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The Rough Guide To The Music Of The Balkans

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1127)

The Balkan countries constitute a region of striking contradictions. While political borders have been changing regularly in recent years, Balkan music endures, even thrives, defying political, religious, linguistic and ethnic confines. The region is bound together with some of the most dynamic folk music in the world – as the Turkish brass sound and a series of Muslim influences have swept northward and westward, Western vocal harmonies, waltzes, polkas, bagpipe and accordion have flowed in the opposite direction. Spanning the complete range of Balkan folk, this album rounds up some of the best sounds from Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, Romania, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.


‘A fabulous introduction to the intoxicating music of the region.’ Sing Out!

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The Rough Guide To Italia Nova

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1120)

Technological developments and a growing club culture in Italy have inspired many traditional folk artists to graft their traditional sounds – such as pizzica and tarantella – on to electronic beats and rhythms, to create a striking hybrid. In addition, DJs and contemporary musicians have been drawn back to traditional Italian music for inspiration, incorporating traditional dance music with hypnotic rhythms. The Rough Guide To Italia Nova combines these two strands to showcase this rapidly evolving and dynamic underground scene.


'A showcase of progressive and even avant garde approaches to producing roots music.' Sing Out!

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The Rough Guide To The Music Of France

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1111)

The music of France is incredibly diverse, with a plethora of styles such as chanson and bal musette being popular nationwide. Local regions within the country, some with their own languages, are preserving and developing their own musical traditions. The arrival of migrants from all over the former French Empire, and elsewhere, during the last 100 years or so has added new sounds to this mix. The Rough Guide To The Music Of France gives you a glimpse of the variety of instruments, vocal styles, influences and dialects, taking you on a musical Tour de France.


'Packed with music.' Songlines

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