CD Review: Scotland's Julie Fowlis and Uam

Julie Fowlis

Uam (From Me)

Shoeshine Records

The Gaelic-Scottish singer, Julie Fowlis, presents us with another round of intimately sweet songs of life and love in the Hebrides, Scotland, and beyond. Julie's real charm is found in her vocal style. Her voice is extremely sincere and pleasant, which makes anyone's heart who listens to it melt with delight. She is similar in sound to Heidi Talbot or Karine Polwart. Though, she is joined by her husband Eamon Doorley and others, on bouzouki, fiddle, guitar, flute, bass, accordion, piano, and bodhran. There is a nice mix of traditional instrumental and vocal tunes to enjoy. The songs are mainly in Gaelic, but a few English words pop-up, too. The liner notes provide information on the songs in Gaelic and English. The tunes are diverse enough to attract folk or Celtic music fans. Yet, anyone looking for enchanting music, then Uam is perfect. In fact, Uam means 'from me'. It does not take long to understand that this new album is Julie's gift to the world. Grab a partner and dance to the jubilant and sweet voice of Julie Fowlis. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Three Wise Men From Iran, Norway, and Turkey

The Three Wise Men (Tre Vise Menn)

The Three Wise Men

Kirkelig Kulturverksted

The Three Wise Men are Mathias Eick from Norway on trumpet, piano, vibes, bass, and percussion; Ertan Tekin from Turkey on duduk flute; and Pasha Hanjani from Iran on ney flute. In celebration of the Christmas season, The Three Wise Men play wholly instrumental tunes from various traditions, including German, Scandinavian, French, English, Sicilian, Norwegian and Palestinian. More familiar tunes include "O Come, O Come, Immanuel", "Hark The Herald Angels Sing", "Silent Night", and "O Little Town of Bethlehem". All of the tracks are very easy to listen to. They are musically invigorating and reflective pieces of history. It's a perfect example of what happens when cultures come together for a common cause. In fact, this is Kirkelig Kulturverksted's philosophy on musical production from the start. This is an ideal album for Christmas gatherings, theatrical productions, family functions, and anyone who relishes instrumental Christmas works. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Abaji's Origine Orients

Abaji

Origine Orients

Absilone Music

Born in Beirut, Lebanon to parents of Turkish, Syrian, Greek, and Armenian lineage, Abaji is quite the instrumentarian. He has collected nearly 250+ instruments from the Mediterranean region, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Abaji plays the duduk, oud, bouzouki, daf, Bali flute, saz, harmonica, kemenche, and a few other instruments throughout the album. His folksy, bluesy Mediterranean concoctions eschew an earthly resonance of multiple ethnic roots. Moreover, Abaji sings in five different languages, including French, Arabic, Greek, Armenian, and Turkish. The entire album was recorded over two days and is void of re-recording and remastering of the tracks into a polished and commercialized piece of character-less matter. However, Origine Orients is a beautiful work of art that echoes back centuries ago to it's ancient roots along the Silk Road. At times, the instrumental medleys remind one of Australia's multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, Xavier Rudd. Abaji's musical journey is contemplative, energetic, inspiring, and always imaginative. Nicely done! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alan Lomax in Haiti 10-CD Collection

Various Artists

Alan Lomax in Haiti [10 CD set]

Harte Recordings

The musical achievements of the late-Alan Lomax are superbly displayed in this attractive 10-CD box set with accompanying photos, map, and two books, including Alan's field journal. The songs were recorded throughout Haiti from 1936-1937 for The Library of Congress. These are largely traditional, field recordings with typically grainy and raw sound quality. However, the CD's are mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineers to elicit the best sound quality available today. The music was culled from over 50 hours of never-before-released field recordings. You will hear Voudou songs, percussion pieces, choral sounds, vocal/instrumentals of people young and old, male and female, and even Alan's own voice explaining where a specific song was recorded and/or noting the musicians themselves. The box set format of this size is unique and relatively rare in the world of international music. Still, do not let the price tag of $120+ deter you from purchasing a literally priceless volume of musical history from the perspective of the ethnomusicologist. For fans or students of traditional music, especially from the Caribbean, this is a highly-desirable gift. Of course, Alan Lomax fans will put this set on the top of their list this holiday season, for good reason. Look for more good things to come from Harte Recordings in the future! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cesaria Evora

Cesaria Evora

Nha Sentimento

Lusafrica

The infatigable queen of Cape Verde music is back again with Nha Sentimento. Cesaria Evora has released countless albums over the years, and this one continues her legacy in the world of contemporary Cape Verde music. Cesaria sings primarily catchy dance-floor type songs called coladeras, while leaving her more iconic blues style (morna) on the back burner. Classic melodies, jazzy percussion, and Afro-Caribbean tones accompany Cesaria Evora's unmistakable voice. Fourteen tracks cover nostalgic songs of joy, tranquility, sadness, and optimism. Back-up vocals and earthy percussion are reminiscent of one's feet shuffling about a dance floor. Nha Sentimento is another fine selection of music from the mouth of Cesaria Evora. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Best of Bonga

Bonga

Best Of Bonga

Lusafrica

Angola's Bonga has been an iconic fixture in the music of Africa since the 1970's. The result is a timely release of hits spanning some thirty years. There are songs from a selection of prior albums, including his debut release, Angola 72, along with Angola 74, Mulemba Xangola, Kaxexe, Maiorai, and previously unreleased tracks. The influence of Portuguese culture in Angola has shaped the way music is created. Though, Bonga's musical expressionism is steeped in the sounds beyond Angola, including Cape Verde, Portugal, and France. It is difficult to include all the great songs of Bonga on one album, so listeners will find the Best Of... to be an excellent place for new fans to become familiar with Bonga's music. The sultry voice of Cape Verde's Lura adds a special sound to the first track, "Mulemba Xangola". A special remix track, "Kapakiao", is included and takes on an eery trip-hop edge that is sure to elicit enjoyment for all who listen. Anyone interested in Bonga's previous works, as well as the contemporary music of Angola, Portugal, Cape Verde, or France, will find Bonga to be particularly refreshing and satisfying. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Don't 'Balk' At Txutxukan's Balkan Music

Txutxukan

Txutxukan

Wild Boar Music

Hailing from France, Txutxukan (pron: tchoo-tchoo-ken) is a Balkan/Gypsy group named after the Basque phrase for "puttering about" or "doing odd jobs". Fortunately, there is nothing overtly odd about this quintet. Though, the song titles are inventive (albeit, direct) and humorous (i.e. "Riff", "23", "Septic Swing", "Humpty Dumpty", etc.). The self-titled release is an excellent cross-section of musical creativity culturally steeped and brewed in the folk and gypsy traditions of Europe. Txutxukan's line-up includes bouzouki, clarinet, kaval, guitar, banjo, double bass, accordion and occasional vocals. Another likely musical influence is comparable to the Middle Eastern region. Though, the French-cafe element is evident on "Mets de L'air" and "Sinai". If you are looking for a fusion-based Balkan/Gypsy group, then look no further. The boys of Txutxukan are here to stay! ~ Matthew Forss