In the short prologue to Sempre, Katia Guerreiro professes her faith in fado (traditional Portuguese genre), thus enhancing the meaning of the rest of the album.

Under the directorship of California-based rapper and producer Jonwayne, fragments and samples from Christmas songs and movies—including Muppets and Griswolds—are twisted and manipulated into fresh festive soundscapes.

The title is clear enough. Since its genesis American improvised music, otherwise known as jazz, has been decisively shaped by the input of African, Caribbean and non-western music in general.

The flutist Joce Mienniel is never really where we expect him to be. But how could we complain about that when he releases an album as successful as Babel.