Genre: Soul/R&B Year: 2003 Country: USA Official Site: Global Soul Details: Tracks & Audio Label: Putumayo World Music
While rap and hip hop have blazed new paths in this country and abroad, enjoying an unprecedented recognition not only in music but in popular culture in general, its gentle cousin, soul music, has been building up a worldwide following.
French soul, rap and hip hop is thriving has been for years—Les Nubians or MC Solaar anyone? Melgroove, the melodious duo with the angelic voices demonstrate a perfect example of their capabilities on " J'attendrai". Rapper Doc Gyneco adds a hint of seduction on "Caramel", while "Time" by China is less original that most of the other tracks on the disc.
To hear African soul is hearing music come back full circle. "Zeze" by Tanzanian TID is emotionally and rhythmically compelling. And from Cameroon there's a rich offering from Kaissa entitled "Nika Pata Lambo". Neneh Cherry is the original alt.soul artist. Samples of "Buffalo Stance" were used recently on Pea Green Boat's "Seesaw" and now on "Braided Hair" she collaborates with 1 Giant Leap for a modern, percussion-heavy rap featuring chants and percussion.
For some eyebrow raising, there's South Korean soul. Tasha sings in a combination of Korean and English on "Beyond the Ocean"—an interesting song but not the most compelling track on the album.
Brazil is a natural conduit for soul. Fernanda Abreu's rap "Eu Quero Sol" along with Aricia Mess's "Tentei" similar laid back sound adds sun to the record. Not to be outdone, Germans, South Africans, Canadians and Italians are also included here.
Though music has always been about mutation and a way of connecting seemingly opposite cultures, Putomayo looks through a prism with Global Soul, shining the light on a genre undergoing a renaissance.
Global Soul
