BBC - Radio 3 - Awards for World Music 2004


	Critics Award

	The Critics Award for the Album of 2003 is conducted by fRoots magazine. This year a huge panel of around 300 people took part, including journalists, radio presenters, promoters, record label and dealer staff, musicians and people from all walks of the roots business internationally. Check out the top four nominees below. Artist: Abyssinia Infinite Album: Zion Roots) (Network 24.971) "Though quite sparsely furnished, this music is deep and powerful - a state-of-the-art marriage of ancient (handclaps, flute, harp) and modern technology that aims to transcend both." More on Abyssinia Infinite at our review page. Artist: John Spiers and Jon Boden Album: Bellow (Fellside) "They are uncompromisingly committed to an English traditional style with all the usual reference points. Yet their music is also firmly of today..." More on Bellow at our review page. Artist: Oi Va Voi Album: Laughter Through Tears (Outcaste) ".. a very polished album aimed at winning not the small klezmer audience, but those who buy Morcheeba and such." More on Laughter Through Tears at our review page. Artist: Rokia Traore Album: Bowmboï (Label Bleu) "..even in a good year this one would be outstanding, marking an even bigger jump forward for the artist than she made between her debut Mouneïssa." More on Bowmboï at our review page.