This yearly compilation always turns out to be but a drop in the ocean of the breadth of music and cultural experiences to be had from all corners of the world at Womadelaide. But it is a great starting point for those looking for a roadmap or for those who wont be making the pilgrimage this year.
There’ tracks here from all the headliners, the likes of Femi Kuti, Arrested Development and Kimbra, but it’s often the lesser known acts on smaller stages that create the lasting impressions. Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca’ 80′ begins with galloping percussion, evolving into a high energy fusion that evokes the kind of post rock purveyed by the likes of Jagga Jazzist or even Melbourne’ City City City (who also had strong jazz links), before abruptly slowing, reducing the tempo and evolving into a quite gentle emotional solo piano. It’s remarkable and beautiful. Roberto Foncesca is marked down as an artist to watch this year.
From Cuba, we go to China, with indie folk quartet Shanren, who initially seem quite traditional, and there’ no doubting there using traditional instruments, but the presence of a kit tends to update things a little as well as providing some momentum. Tuniasian singer Emel Mathlouthi comes in over an electro throb with oud accompaniment, offering up a slice of Middle Eastern electro pop that is nothing short of beguiling. Speaking of electro pop Sydney based PNG born Ngaiire takes a very R&B approach to her music with quite a commercial sound that you would imagine could tickle the top of the commercial pop charts.
Brooklyn party band Red Baraat are all brass, percussion and attitude, approaching their music with the kind of life affirming swing of a New Orleans marching band. Their piece here Shruggy JL with minimal vocals and the odd grunt is amazing. Let’s hope they don’ clash with Roberto Foncesca. Whilst there’ tracks from Pokey Lafarge, Sam Lee, Mokoomba, Dub Inc, and Ane Brun, the other surprise packet is Danyel Waro from Reunion Island, who offers a really interesting dose of percussion heavy rhythmic chanting with. Let’s hope he doesn’ clash with Roberto Foncesca or Red Baraat.
