Music Review: WOMAD 2017

Nothing can match the experience of kicking back at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands for WOMAD weekend.

If you couldn't make it for WOMAD 2017 this album will give you the next best thing, a snapshot of the unique mix of performances that is delivered year in, year out.

Once again we are taken to the four corners of the globe on a music mission that's always infectious and uplifting. The breadth of the sounds is one of the most appealing aspects.

From the epic and sensational version of the Temptations' Papa was a Rolling Stone, by the Hot 8 Brass Band, to Australia's Archie Roach political honesty of Let Love Rule, or Oumou Sangare, reminding us what brilliant sounds abound in her native Mali.

The Specials' latest ska formation never disappoint and their contribution to WOMAD 2017's compilation, A Message to you Rudy, finds them in ebullient form.

Polish traditional folk music comes via the Warsaw Village Band, while Bebel Gilberto carries on the family tradition created by her father, Bossa Nova pioneer Joao.

Brushy One String's Rastaman demonstrates how much emotion can be delivered with a strong voice and a one-string guitar.

French-Chilean's Ana Tijoux, born to Chilean parents in exile, has moved on from the hip hop of her earlier career into a Latin American sounding mash-up.

And La Mambanegra carry on the Latin theme with a salsa-infused orchestra.

Inna Modja, also out of Mali, a super-star in France, has a highly individual approach with Tomboctou, and Austria's Parov Stelar call us to the floor on Demon Dance.

It's not all bad if you couldn't witness WOMAD 2017 in New Plymouth because this compilation will more than whet the appetite for a visit to the 'Naki next year.

Rating: 4/5 stars.