Afro Celt Sound System's OVA Echoes December CD of the Month
It’s been nearly 30 years since Afro Celt Sound System turned world fusion on its head with their debut album, fusing Celtic, African, Indian and Middle Eastern music in a web of electronica grooves and atmospheres. Now they’ve released OVA, the first album since the death of founding member Simon Emmerson in early 2023. OVA was the last album he worked on and it may be their best with intricate rhythms, soaring melodies and a host of virtuoso musicians including co-founding members, African kora player N’Faly Kouyate and English-Indian percussionist Johnny Kalsi. A special guest is early member Iarla O’Lionaird, the Irish Sean-nós singer now in The Gloaming. OVA is a great return to form and possibly a final farewell to a signature band of 21st century world fusion. It’s Echoes December CD of the Month and we’ll hear it tonight on Echoes from PRX.
Read John Diliberto’s review.