“World music” fusions are often compromised efforts, ill-conceived attempts by ethnic musicians to “crossover” into a market that barely exists. The misleadingly, oddly named Cascade Folk Trio are not refuges from the era parodied in A Mighty Wind but an Armenian ensemble who are fusing their ethnic traditions with music from far-flung places to unusually good effect. It’s a crossover that works. The drop-dead force of vocalist Ohanna Mtghyan, whose voice echoes the modes fo the ancient Near East even in the moist contemporary settings, could make anything enjoyable. With the possible exception of one rinky-dink rock track, the band she fronts manages to infuse elements of reggae, jazz, Brazilian pop, and electronica into the solemn, melancholic sounds of their homeland without compromising their influences. Old Street is world music of unusual integrity.

       Dave Luhrssen