Does anyone here know of some good musicians who would be classified as non-Western folk/ethnic music? Or maybe even a hybrid of Western and non-Western influences, just something with a good groove. Stuff with ethnic scales, modes, musical inflections, unique rhythms, and traditional local instruments? One band I can think of is Toubab Krewe. They're an American instrumental band with heavy influences from Mali (West Africa). They have guitar, bass, and drums... along with three African instruments called a soku, kora, and kamelengoni. They have a very unique sound and if you haven't heard them, I would highly suggest giving them a listen. Any other suggestions?? .
I don't know how closely it fits the bill, but the Derek Trucks Band plays a bit of world music <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uyEbunCxtLs&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uyEbunCxtLs&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>