By Gregg Shapiro

Contributing writer

If, like this reviewer, you might have overlooked the previous compilations in this series, now is as good a time as any to pay closer attention to "Palace Lounge presents Café D'Afrique: Vol. 3" (Savoy Jazz Worldwide).

Subtitled "chilled beats from the Cape of Good Hope," and compiled and mixed by Andrew Mitchley, this latest assortment opens (and closes) with the New Masterminds track "Your Love is Mine," featuring the one and only Corinne Bailey Rae. The Fred Everything mix of the track is captivating not just because of Rae's subtle but sensational vocal power and performance, but because the rhythm goes to both your head and your feet. As you might have gleaned from the subtitle, the emphasis here is on the chill channel, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be able to exercise your right to shake it into the wee hours to tracks such as "The Real Deal" by Goldfish, the ethereal "Angel Love" by Samantha Jones, "Uchu Ryokou" by Dalminjo (featuring Piya), Christian Falk's bizarre "Dream On" (featuring Robyn), "If I Pray" by Schwarz and Funk (feat. Ange Boxall), Jojo Effect's acid jazz rendering of "The Beat Goes On" and the Beep Yeah mix of "Moscow Traffic" by Luckystars.

Co-produced by John McEntire (of the Sea and Cake and Tortoise fame) and Antibalas, it's hard to imagine that "Security" (Anti-) by Afrobeat masters Antibalas would be anything less than essential listening. Capable of stirring even the most sedentary listener, Antibalas comes charging out of the gate with the brassy "Beaten Metal," and then launch into the near-epic "Filibuster X" which layers organ and horns over an insistent beat. "War Hero" deserves a parade in its honor for the way it marches listeners towards the dance floor with an ear towards the tune's political message.

The politics of dancing are also evident on "Guiding Star" (ATO) by South African musician Vusi Mahlasela. Sung in English, Zulu, Sotho and Pedi, and driven by Mahlasela's extraordinary guitar playing and lively vocals, the luminous songs on "Guiding Star" also value rhythm and beats. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who first achieved considerable renown from their collaboration with Paul Simon, are among the guest artists assisting Mahlasela, in addition to Dave Matthews, Xavier Rudd, and Jem, to name a few. Regardless of whether he's standing alone or performing with someone else, Mahlasela numbers such as "Jabula," "Heaven in my Heart," "Ntombi Mbali," "Tonti" and the bonus track "Pata Pata" are all worthy of some serious dancing.