Friday, August 12, 2011

CD Review: Nation Beat's 'Growing Stone'




Growing Stone



The Brooklyn-based Nation Beat is a party-driven musical experience with roots in Americana and South Americana...Brazil, to be exact. The folksy rhythms are infused with the essence of Louisiana zydeco, jazz, funky, country, blues, Appalachian music, and the hot sounds of Brazil's maracatu drumming, forro, and funk. The lively rhythms are equally matched with joyous vocals and lyrics. The funk-driven 'Hook and Sling' is a rousing number with very good percussion. The country song, 'Whispering Moon', is a perfect medley for slow-dancing on Saturday nights. The Brazilian influences are not incongruent with the Americana sounds of country, jazz, and blues. At any rate, Growing Stone is an energetic album with tons of musical creativity, extended rock instrumentals, and several styles to go around. This is the first album I can recall hearing Appalachian music right alongside Brazilian music. Fans of both types of music should find Growing Stone growing on them quite nicely. ~ Matthew Forss

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