Gamana
Le Marija
Lyrichord (www.lyrichord.com)

A very "conscious" band with a theme of environmentalism and historical preservation. Perhaps it's partly the studio recording, but there seems to be a certain distance between the musicians and the music, what one might call the folklorist's approach to song writing and playing. The sound is also dominated by the guitar of the leader, Rola. Some of the expansive acoustic guitar solos reminded me of Egberto Gismonti. If you are hoping for something with one of those infectious Malagasy rhythms that would get you up on your feet and dancing, this is not the album. - John Cho