The Whole Music Experience

Best Newcomer, Brianna Lea Pruett, Gypsy Bells, Canyon Records Top World and Traditional Album Ana Alcaide, La Cantiga del Fuego, Arc Music 2. Vieux Farka Toure, Mon Pays, Six Degrees 3. The Idan Raichel Project, Quarter to Six, Cumbancha 4. The Henry Girls, December Moon, independent release 5. Mario Adnet, Villa Lobos, Boranda 6. Maria Ana Bobone, Fado and Piano, Arc Music 7. Nitanas Largo, Serenity, Canyon Records 8. R. Carlos Nakai and Will Clipman, Awakening the Fire, Canyon Records 9. Vasco Hernandez, Luz de Otro Manana, Arc Music 10. Techung, On the Road, Arc Music Honorable Mention: Cheevers Toppah, A Good Day, A Better Tomorrow, Canyon Records

Folk/Bluegrass   Brianna Lea Pruett   Gypsy Bells Canyon Records Singer-songwriter Brianna Lea Pruett debuts with Gypsy Bells on Canyon Records.   Equal parts contemporary folk and bluegrass, Pruett focuses on the personal canvas of young love and friendship.   Her well-crafted songs are backed by guitar, lap steel, bass, drums and flute.   I’m reminded of Navajo singer-songwriter Sharon Burch’s contemporary folk and the 1970s American folk diva, Laura Nyro, especially on the tracks, New Life and Seeds of Love .   Marry that Boy recalls the old folk standards once sung by Odetta, and Barbara Dane. Michelle Lee’s flute adds a nice touch to the song as it weds the lilting vocals. Piano on Under Your Win g adds warmth to the recording. Pruett claims Cherokee as one of her nationalities and on the track, Red Jacket she appears to addresses her Native American ancestors and tradition.   And on Sun on the Mountain , she tells a sto...