Album review: Womad the compilation

Womad The World's festival Australia & New Zealand 2013 Compilation

4/5 stars

Unfortunately, I couldn't be at the Bowl of Brooklands in my home town of New Plymouth for Womad.

Luckily though, my spy, in the form of my son, was there.

He reports that the music this year was absolutely sublime.

Fortunately, though I may not have had the pleasure of seeing Womad 2013's line-up live, the compilation CD at least gives a taste of what I missed.

And it's thoroughly recommended. The music is truly international, from South Africa's hugely talented Hugh Masekela's brilliant Africa Hold Hands to the sounds of Louisiana's bayoux and Savoy Family Cajun Band's Sugar Been.

Reggae's Jimmy Cliff slips in with One More, and Spain's Jordi Savall shows why he is highly regarded as the best exponent of the viol.

The Antibalas are a really hot afro-beat ensemble, with a brass section that's simply outstanding, and word is they were one of Womad's Bowl of Brooklands favourites.

There are Serbian sounds, tango rhythms, and the three-piece Lau from the Scottish Highlands.

As well there are Italy's Nidi D'Arac showing off a potent mix of rock, electronica and beats, and Norway's Mari Boine with their special Scandinavian perspective.

It would have been fantastic to see all these acts live at Womad, and this CD makes me realise that I must ensure I get to New Plymouth next year for the 10th Womad presentation.