NTTR - No Time to Review

This is impressive, but I think I admire it more than I love it. Sheila Chandra’s voice is obviously extraordinary. There are moments here where it feels like one person is creating an entire ensemble by herself, just through rhythm, resonance and phrasing. The “Speaking in Tongues” pieces are probably the clearest example of that, and hearing them live makes the technique even more impressive. What I like most, though, is when the technique disappears a little and the emotion takes over. “Lament of McCrimmon / Song of the Banshee” is probably my favourite because it has more atmosphere and more of a real journey. “Ever So Lonely / Eyes / Ocean” is more immediate, while “Nana / The Dreaming / Fine Horseman” is probably the piece where the voice-and-drone format feels most complete. I also like the fact that these performances were chosen for feeling rather than perfection. That gives the album a real live character, and it stops the whole thing from becoming a sterile vocal showcase. ...

I admire what Estuaire represents more than what it ultimately delivers for me. The meeting between kora and baroque strings is elegant, and nothing feels forced — but that elegance also becomes the ceiling. The album flows smoothly, almost too smoothly. It rarely pushes its dynamics, rarely fractures the surface. The estuary metaphor — two traditions merging — is clear, but the water stays calm the whole time. I don’t question the musicianship. The restraint is intentional, and the dialogue is respectful. But as a full listen, I find myself wanting more tension, more contrast, more moments that break the serenity. It’s refined and tasteful, yet slightly static. Good — but not gripping. Pros Organic cross-cultural blend – The kora and early-music instrumentation integrate naturally without sounding like a “fusion experiment.” Textural beauty – The acoustic production is warm and detailed; you hear string resonance and subtle percussive nuance. Consistent atmosphere – The...

Genre : World Music Country : International Final Verdict: 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 65th / 107 Highlight : Flaws Made me think of: Trilok Gurtu Amadou & Mariam Mamani Keïta #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #WorldMusic #LesAmazonesDAfrique #International #LP #Album #release