The Whole Music Experience

World/ Jazz   Carmen Souza Kachupada   Galileo Music Cape Verdean-Portuguese vocalist (and songwriter) Carmen Souza returns with Kachupada .  Exploring jazz and African Diaspora musical styles, Souza pushes musical boundaries singing in a voice that could claim soul sister-ship with American folksinger Victoria Williams.  She opens with the effervescent Manhã l de Dezembro followed by an accordion-laced Donna Lee (American jazz given a French swing makeover).  How do you even begin to describe the third track, Luta (Fight) , other than pan-Africa meets Brazil and Cuba?  Souza sings with syncopation along with poly phonic percussion, savory flute, and beatnik bass lines. As eclectic as the musical portion sounds, Souza possesses an otherworldly voice that when it grounds itself becomes deliciously earthy.  The arrangements by Souza and her producer Theo Pas’cal surprise, tease, and tickle our ears.  Souza’s version of My Favorite Things delights with its off-t

World  The Idan Raichel Project Quarter to Six Cumbancha Israeli peacemaker and musician Idan Raichal returns with his musical collective of emerging and established musicians on his latest release, Quarter to Six .   Signifying the moment before darkness falls (early evening) and based on a quote he overheard, the songs possess a soberness and gravity.   The album includes 16 tracks divided into two sections, Part A and Part B and represeningt various styles from world pop to classical ( In a Quiet Night featuring the German counter-tenor Andreas Scholl). I have mixed feelings about the songs.   On one hand, each of the songs features strong melodies, stunning vocals (especially the guest appearance of Ana Moura on God Knows ), and some beautiful acoustic arrangements.   On the other hand, I’m not fond of programming or world pop since my preferences lead towards classical and folkloric music performed on acoustic instruments.   So the bones of the songs please