FIVE stars might seem excessive for a compilation - but what a stunning collection this is, 28 tracks chosen from 20 years of World Circuit, the London label with its ear to the world.
Some inclusions are to be expected, such as the opening Chan Chan by the Buena Vista Social Club, the Cuban veterans who helped make World Circuit's name, with help from American guitarist Ry Cooder.
Cooder pops up again on Soukoura, a mesmerising duet with Ali Farka Tour from the Talking Timbuktu album.
Tour is heard again in a previously unreleased recording of Amandrai, a sand-scorched blast of African blues.
Other acts range from the expected, such as Cheikh Lo and Toumani Diabat, to unexpected delights from less obvious quarters. Chief among the surprises is A Love Supreme, a tribute to sax player John Coltrane from the gloriously idiosyncratic Cuban Anga Diaz.
Go on, buy a bit of the world.
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