Various Artists – Antonovka Records: Young Flowers: Music of Kazakhs from Orenburg Region

The top ten albums of 2025 from the Russian World Music Chart will be announced soon, and this year has been exceptional for ethnic and world music. One standout album comes from Antonovka Records, a label that was originally based in Russia but is now located in Chișinău, Moldova. If you’re Continue Reading

Richard Leo Johnson – The Sleeping Porch

Thanks to the ever-wonderful Cuneiform Records for offering this album by the Georgia (USA)-based guitarist Richard Leo Johnson. You can hear flashes of John McLaughlin, Leo Kottke, Larry Coryell and Ralph Towner’s influence, but Richard has carved out his own niche. A great guitar disc.

Various Artists – Mutant Radio: Mutant Fundraising Compilation

I recently discovered Mutant Radio, which seems to be the hippest radio station in my new hometown of Tbilisi. Although I’m not familiar with most of the bands they play, the genres vary from techno to experimental, and the beats are strong. It’s definitely worth a listen!

sevensy + Roberto Vodanović Čopor – refug3

First, a proper introduction to sevensy, who is a wonderful new name for me: “sevensy (aka Austin Brooks) creates music that facilitates imaginal sojourns; the message is the sound itself. sevensy mixes electronic and natural sounds with processed guitars and acoustic instruments. His musical themes ‘unfold into an unusual landscape – it Continue Reading

Jeff Gburek – Round About Kaponiera

Jeff Gburek has a new release of instrumental guitar work that is simply sublime listening.  From his Bandcamp site: “These tracks, were recorded in October, at home, quickly, via mono instrument microphone and with with a Boss reverb pedal in the mixer’s effects loop. The pieces on the album reiterate Continue Reading

Piero Umiliani Vs Claudio Coccoluto & Savino Martinez (The Heartists) – Mah Nà Mah Nà Remixes Vol. 1

From the legendary Right Tempo Records: “In the 1990s, Claudio Coccoluto became one of the most creative and influential DJs in the European electronic scene. He played regularly at legendary clubs like Cocoricó and Angels of Love, started his own label THE dub in 1996 and reached international charts with Continue Reading

Mukta – Indian Sitar & World Jazz

A new band for me, Muktar is from France, and their Bandcamp site introduces them this way: “French bassist Simon Mary and his band have performed on stages around the world. Generous and modern shamans, talented alchemists, Mukta occupy more than ever a special place on the chessboard of new world Continue Reading