Dominic Mancuso had one of the best Canadian albums of 2010 — that album, Comfortably Mine, won the Juno Award for world music album of the year, and also won the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for world music artist of the year.
His sound is a unique hybrid that takes its influence from the culturally diverse world he lives in. He describes himself as “Canadian born with a Sicilian soul,” which nicely sums it up.
It’s passionate, interesting and unique music, as is Mancuso's playlist. The music isn’t all found in one handy dandy place, so no Groovershark or iTunes playlist for you, and the links below won't always take you to the exact version Mancuso picked.
But do check out the samples, and then go to the source for plenty of great listening.
"Boatman's Song" by TASA, from Alchemy
"This is from my favorite album of 2011, Tassa's Alchemy is simply a beautiful piece of work."
"RGT" by MONTUNO POLICE, from Nomads
"A burning jungle groove, ladies and gents, without any programming. Real playing, by some good friends in the Montuno Police. This band is clearly the world's best kept secret. Gord Sheard's composing is fantastic, and delivered by some of the finest this country is producing."
"Sweet Magnolias" by Jeff Coffin's MU'TET, from Mutopia
"OK hear me out, the dynamics in this piece are special. Dynamics! Dynamics! Dynamics! God I love dynamics, maturity, musicianship, vibe. This track has it all, and if you go to the original recording listen to the human scream at 6:18 inside the solo, when Jeff breaks."
"Taxman" by the Beatles from Revolver
"Quite simply why I started my musical journey on the bass guitar. Groove from here to everywhere."
"Mustt Mustt" by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from Mustt Mustt
"One of the greatest voices of all time. When he collaborated with my idol and mentor, Peter Gabriel on a Real World Records release called Mustt Mustt, I was bitten real hard. He's like no other, a huge inspiration on my evolution as a vocalist."
"So Insincere" by Kevin Breit from Simple Earnest Plea
"I had the opportunity to perform this in concert with this incredible Canadian songwriter. Yes, we all know of Kevin as an international guitar gunslinger for the stars (Cassandra Wilson/Norah Jones/k.d. lang). But here is his debut as singer-songwriter. The entire record is strong. No filler songs on this album."
The "UP" album....by Peter Gabriel
"I didn't choose any songs from from this album because really it's about the way Peter and Real World Studios are creating some of the most interesting music of today. They are pushing the envelope of the art of sonic sculpting. This record is an example of how records are being made in the 21st century. If the Beatle's Sgt. Pepper's and the Beach Boy's Pet Sounds were serious sonic statements for the 60’s into the 70's this record really set the bar for the 21st century. Check it out, it has incredible recording fidelity and interesting sound design."
"Miss Brazil" by Patricia Cano, from This is the New World
"I call Patti the Aretha Franklin of world music. I thought this record was going to win a 2011 Juno for world music album of the year. Great work by the producer Louis Cito Orbegoso. Check her out, you'll love her!"
Speaking of checking music out, check out this live performance by Mancuso and his band of a song called "Curuna."
Related links:
Quique Escamilla’s top 10 Mexican tunes
The Mighty Popo's "From The Heart" Playlist
Amanda Martinez's playlist: six songs to take you on a sensual musical vacation