Unlike many of the other titles in the Putumayo catalogue, this volume presents a collection of instrumental selections. Despite the lack of vocal interplay, the music remains strong enough here to convey its message of cultural embodiment. In many cases there are evident hints of cross-pollinated sounds from different cultures, coming together in smooth hybrids of passionate music.

The opening track from Canadian guitarist Brian Hughes (of Loreena McKennit fame) is a fine example of this blending of cultures, with a strong Latin feel dominating the tone of his song. Similar cross-track ventures are

evident on Alison Brown’s Red Earth, which mixes bluegrass roots with Native American sounds, as much as they are on Ali Akbar Khan’s bluesy fusion of Asian groove and distinctive percussion.

Throughout this collection, however, there is a more pronounced presence of the Latin influence, represented largely by the unique Hispanic guitar sound as well as the vibrant melodies that stretch through the 11 featured tracks.

Although originating from diverse places, including India, Cameroon, Canada, the USA, Europe and South America, the songs here prove that, as the age-old cliché goes, music really is a universal language.