CD Review: Olcay Bayir's 'Neva/Harmony'

Olcay Bayir
Neva/Harmony
Riverboat Records

Olcay Bayir hails from Turkey, but she currently lives in London, where the sounds of the world seem to congregate with such ease. Olcay knows how to channel this world music of sorts in her own recording of Turkish, Anatolian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern-influenced music. There is an element of jazz and neo-classical, which permeates throughout the yearning tracks. The music is ripe with folk elements and evocative vocal deliveries, which present listeners with an amazing listening experience. Olcay also incorporates traditional folk songs from Albanian, Armenian, Balkan, and Sephardic sources for a truly world fusion result. However, Olcay is well-centered with a creative vision that transcends space, time, and place. The music is made possible by the baglama, classical guitar, violin, darbuka, clarinet, bass, kopuz, and numerous other instruments. There are nine tracks in all that run about forty-eight-minutes long. There is an overall nostalgic romanticism with the music that is extremely enchanting and well-worth repeated listens. Hooray for Olcay! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pharaoh's Daughter's 'Dumiyah'

Pharaoh's Daughter
Dumiyah
Magenta

The great Basya Schechter is the Pharaoh's Daughter's chief vocalist and progenitor of the group. The Jewish-inspired and infused concoctions are actually pan-global with tons of influences coming from North American psych, Mediterranean folk/rock, and Middle Eastern music. The diverse song styles and multi-instrumental compositions create an engaging world fusion of sorts that succeeds on all accounts. The refreshingly authentic and memorable grooves are carried by Basya's female vocals that float effortlessly throughout the melodies. The music incorporates the synth, electric guitar, shofar, hammered dulcimer, acoustic guitar, resonator guitar, santoor, kora, ney, tuba, trumpet, and more. The entire production is contemporary with traditional elements that are very catchy and majestic overall. A very good recording to say the least. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Figli Di Madre Ignota's 'Bellydancer'

Figli Di Madre Ignota
Bellydancer
Godzilla Market

Hailing from Italy, these funk, punk, and psychedelic jazz magnates know how to create edgy and diverse musical stylings on Bellydancer. The vocals are in English and Italian. There are eleven tracks in all and each one has its own story and message. The punchy, rock-infused anthem, "Bellydancer," is a great jazzy track with youthful exuberance and pizzazz. The swirling beats of "Mediterranean Voodoo," showcases the group's creative efforts that incorporate jazz, punk, funk, and experimental elements without fault. The Balkan-tinged, psych-edged, and punk-ridden "Sex Music Pasta," is an upbeat, horn-laden tune with a punchy rhythm and loud vocals. Some of the songs have a classical edge, but the entire album is infused with Balkan and Mediterranean rhythms, psych, funk, jazz, and rock elements that make for an interesting album that purists should stay away from. Nevertheless, purists may cross-over and become a believer in good music - no matter where it comes from and how it is played. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kompania's 'Round Trip'

Kompania
Round Trip
CHARA

The Greek group, Kompania, releases an excellent new release aptly-titled Round Trip. The album touches on music beyond the traditional rebetiko fanfare with vibrant oud, baglama, zills, davul, darbouka, slide guitar, bouzouki, accordion, and guitar. There is still a good amount of Greek music here, but the instrumental repertoire opens up the tunes to influences across Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Middle East. The Greek vocals are emotive, mournful, and happy throughout. In fact, the vocals are so powerful at times they tend to take on a life of their own. The vocal arrangements are diverse and appropriately match the instrumental sections. Vocals are attributed to Katerina Tsiridou, Sotiris Papatragiannis, and Dimitris Kranidas. The metallic bouzouki sounds are bright and cheery. The percussion is sparse, but precise. The entire package is enlightening and full of life with varied vocals and sounds that create a whirling atmosphere of sonic delight. Nothing is wrong here. Round Trip begins and ends with Kompania. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Atash's 'Everything Is Music'

Atash
Everything Is Music
Ars Mundi

Everything Is Music is titled from a poem by Rumi, a Sufi poet of the 13th century, which combines swirling, Middle Eastern rhythms with hypnotic flamenco, Indian, and Mediterranean influences. The mature vocals are not too boisterous and very akin to Cheb Khaled. The band is spearheaded by Mohammad Firoozi Dashtestani, who hails from Iran. The Farsi singer aids the help of fellow musicians, Roberto Riggio on violin; Dylan Jones on bass; Abou Sylla on balafon, djembe, and conga; Jose Manuel Tejeda on acoustic guitar; Jason McKenzie on drums and tabla; John Moon on violin; and Indrajit Banerjee on sitar. The nine tracks are a global goldmine of infectious sounds and world rhythms. The Austin, Texas-based band finds no trouble getting their music across to the local crowds, as well as an international audience. The music cuts through borders and beliefs by creating organic, yet accessible, music tunes. Rumi would be proud! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amanda Homi's 'Till I Reach Bombay'

Amanda Homi
Till I Reach Bombay
Self-Release

London-born and New York-based, Amanda Homi's Indian descent and world travels shines through on her latest release, Till I Reach Bombay. The danceable elements of "Dancing Girls" is very fitting and addictive. The classy pop-infused "Samba Feliz" brings to life a tropical and Latin medley. The upbeat "Shoes" is a marvelous and quirky Latin-themed composition with comedic lyrics. The South Asian-infused, "Till I Reach Bombay," is a dance-themed track with contemporary elements. There are Latin, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Mediterranean elements throughout. Vocally, Amanda has an operatic side, but there are plenty of pop, dance, and neo-classical components. Nothing is awry here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kevin Seddiki and Bijan Chemirani's 'Imaginarium'

Kevin Seddiki and Bijan Chemirani
Imaginarium
World Village

With ties to France and Iran, Kevin Seddiki and Bijan Chemirani know how to bring us candid, pleasant, and globally-inspired, acoustic music. Kevin is a guitarist, percussionist, and zarb player. Bijan is also a percussionist with specialties in zarb, daf, udu, saz, and others. The thirteen tracks reflect an instrumental blend of Mediterranean, North African, and Central Asian melodies that are very ear-pleasing, while some are quite catchy. The casual music is imaginative, which probably stems from the aptly-titled album name. There are plenty of sonic embellishments that are experimental, creative, and visionary. There are some fast vocals on "On Saturn's Rings." Otherwise, the album is virtually void of vocals. The light music is perfect for relaxing, cafes, and lounging. Kevin and Bijan are truly inventors of a global sound that is anything but dull. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tev Stevig's 'Jeni Jol'

Tev Stevig
Jeni Jol
Self-Release

Jeni Jol, which means 'new path,' is a perfect album that explores the experimental, instrumental, and fusion music of the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Tev incorporates the fretless nylon string guitar, fretted steel string guitar, and gourd banjo. The music is instrumental and sparkles with Turkish delight. The heady mix of sounds swirl around sensual rhythms and fluid guitar calisthenics. The music is very fitting for fans of alternative guitar music, Middle Eastern instrumentals, and world fusion with guitars as the primary instrument. The spacious sounds are ripe with lively cultural textures that are not very superficial. The new and traditional compositions reflect a thorough understanding of cross-cultural instrumental music. Fans of the late-Bob Brozman and Shawn Lane will be pleased. No one will be dissatisfied with this release. It's that good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Turkey's Cigdem Aslan Releases 'Mortissa'

Cigdem Aslan
Mortissa
Asphalt Tango

Turkish-born singer, Cigdem Aslan, presents us with a debut album of rousing smyrniac, rebetiko, Balkan, gypsy, and Greek-themed compositions. There are also Sephardic, Turkish, Kurdish, Bulgarian, Roma, and Ladino leanings. Cigdem's voice is timeless and youthful. The thirteen songs are lively, refreshing, and upbeat. Most of the songs are reinvented from the 1920s and 30s. Mortissas are women that are independent and do not behave as society expects, which gives Cigdem's album a fitting title. Not exactly a rebel, Cigdem stays true to Mediterranean, Grecian, and Turkish roots with memorable rhythms, vocals, and melodies. There is even a Central Asian tone; especially with the qanun and baglama. At any rate, Cigdem Aslan creates beautiful songs that deserve to be heard around the world. Start listening today! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'This Train Is Now'

Raya Brass Band
This Train Is Now
Self-Release

The Brooklyn-based band, Raya Brass Band, releases a new album, This Train Is Now, which frolics with Balkan brass delight and thick rhythms that do not let go. The trumpet work of Ben Syversen allows the tracks to brighten with jazzy eminence. The tupan accompanies most of the tracks and provides a deeper, more rich tone to the percussion repertoire. The throbbing tuba, pulsating accordion and farfisa, along with the tenor horn, keyboard, and sax, provides a full-on assault of sound with improvisational know-how and blissful sounds. Fans of Balkan jazz, klezmer, Romany music, and Mediterranean sounds will be enlightened by this energetic and prominent recording of infectious music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Txutxukan's 'Surf The River Lee'

Txutxukan
Surf The River Lee
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". However, Txutxukan shows no signs of puttering out or about on their latest release, Surf The River Lee. The group is comprised of Dylan Gully on clarinet, sax, kaval, and recorder; Bruno Hollemaert on guitar, bouzouki, accordion, and banjo; Eric Belot on upright bass and electric bass; Joachim Mouflin on percussion, drum kit, and bouzouki; and Joseph Detailleur on accordion. Special guest musician, Stella Rodrigues, plays the gamelan on "El Din." There are a few vocals for added effects. However, the majority of the album is largely instrumental. The instruments come together to form a Klezmer, Gypsy, and Balkan result that is edgy, dance-laden, and always moving. There is a bit of jazz, classical, and avant-garde influences, but nothing is too overt. The sauntering melodies, uppity percussion, and catchy rhythms are breezy, addictive, and richly-textured. Discover Txutxukan today! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Newpoli's 'Tempo Antico'

Newpoli
Tempo Antico
Beartones

Founded by members that studied jazz at the Berklee College of Music, Newpoli create a folksy form of traditional Italian music with classical instruments, jazzy tunes, and spritely vocal calisthenics. The brisky vocal medleys are akin to the same vocal acrobatics of Finland's Varttina. Many of the songs have historical roots dating back to the fifteen-hundreds, while some originate from the early nineteen-hundreds. The instrumentation is full of classical flavors and medieval minstrelsy. There are thirteen tunes that represent vocal music traditions of operatic and folksy proportions. The giddy instrumentation, bright vocal deliveries, and diverse percussion represent a solid repertoire that is unforgettable. The female vocals are emotive and lively. Tempo Antico is a Mediterranean pleasure with medieval origins and academic backing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Stand Up, People - Gypsy Pop Songs From Tito's Yugoslavia 1964-1980

Various Artists
Stand Up, People - Gypsy Pop Songs From Tito's Yugoslavia 1964-1980
Asphalt Tango Records

This collection of rare, socialist-era folk and pop songs from Yugoslavia contains lively gypsy rhythms, Bollywood influences, psychedelic pop, and whirling melodies that scream Balkan. There are nineteen tracks in all. Some of the songs are rather upbeat and moving. There are a mix of male and female vocals throughout. These songs originate from Serbia, Macedonia, and Kosovo and highlight the Roma Gypsy culture. Some of the musicians featured include Nehat Gasi, Muharem Serbezovski, Medo Cun, Esma Redzepova, Ava Selimi, Saban Bajramovic, and a few others. The music is purely Balkan with some Mediterranean, Turkish, and Caucasian influences. Anyone with a passion for Balkan music and rare, folk music from around the world will love this new release. There are enough great vocals and superb instrumentals to make it 'stand up' and stand out. The liner notes contain English translations of the songs. It is also available as a double-LP release. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: ArHai's 'Eastern Roads'

ArHai
Eastern Roads
Balkanworlds Records

ArHai began with Jovana Backovic, a vocalist, keyboardist, and programmer from Serbia. Her bandmate, Adrian Lever, is a tambura player, guitarist, pianist, and double bass player on the album. The duo enlist the help of additional instrumentalists, including tabla, percussion, electric bass, and vocals. The music is folktronic with a good amount of world fusion ranging from South Asian to Scandinavian influences, but Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions are not too distant either. The background vocals on some tracks are reminiscent of Enigma-type tracks. However, this is not a dance album. Still, there are some 'danceable' tracks that are very moving. If contemporary folk music is what you are after, then ArHai serves it up deliciously. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Orient Noir'

Various Artists
Orient Noir
Piranha

This fourteen-track release represents the collective efforts of music curator and collector, Dr. Bertram Nickolay. The musical tapestry of the album traverses the Mediterranean, North African region, and the Middle East. Several notable artists are involved in this project, including Watcha Clan, Bi Kidude Baraka, Mahmoud Fadl, Susan Sandler, Ihsan Al-Mounzer, Maurice El-Medioni, The Klezmatics, Emil Zrihan, and others. The music is joyous, boisterous, and classical with touches of strings, percussion, and chaabi dance music and swirling melodies. There are also elements of gypsy, klezmer, jazz, and improvisation throughout. The mix of styles is not a negative, as each song is something different, but always engaging. Listen to the music of Serbia, Jerusalem, NY, Lebanon, Egypt, Zanzibar, France, and elsewhere. Vocals are in Arabic, French, Hebrew, Ladino, and Swahili. This is a great compilation from the Orient. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Municipale Balcanica's 'Offbeat'

Municipale Balcanica
Offbeat
Red Tomato Records

The Italian band, Municipale Balcanica, rattles the airwaves with a bit of Balkan music that is hip, contemporary, and rock-inspired, which is similar in tone to klezmer, jazz, and gypsy music. The instrumental music is a party in itself, but some vocals are present in English. The music is lavishly illustrated with numerous instruments, including clarinet, sax, congas, cajon, santoor, cymbals, trumpet, bass, guitar, violin, accordion, among others. The upbeat melodies and brassy rhythms make Offbeat a fascinating recording that is anything but 'offbeat.' In fact, Municipale Balcanica hits the right beats and chords to make this new recording an unforgettable experience. While other musicians tend to rely solely on brassy horns, Municipale Balcanica mixes it up enough to give equal time to most of the instruments involved. There is something magical about this album. It is one of the best progressive Mediterranean albums in a long time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble's 2-CD 'East And West'

Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble
East And West [2-CD]
Self-Release

The Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble brings us an exciting 2-CD set of Sephardic music with lively instrumentals and joyous vocals. The Ladino qualities are inherent throughout, but there is a good deal of Mediterranean, Greek, and Arab musical influences contained throughout both CDs. Both CDs contain identical songs in identical order, but the first CD contains vocals by Ljuba Davis, while the second CD contains one vocal track by Avram Pengas. The group consists of Ljuba Davis on vocals, Avram Pengas on vocals and bouzouki, Rachid Halihal on oud, Nadav Lev on Spanish guitar, Ossama Farouk on hand percussion, and Marty Confurius on string bass. The rousing group is very fun to listen to and steeped in Ladino glory. This is music for the Klezmer, Jewish, Ladino, and Mediterranean music fan! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Shazalakazoo's 'Karton City Boom'

Shazalakazoo
Karton City Boom
Eastblok Music

The contemporary electronic group from the Balkans, Shazalakazoo, is an innovative band with a strong mixture of diverse musical styles, vocals, and rhythms. For instance, the Serbian band incorporates a bit of Latin, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences into their repertoire. Though, the electronic elements are not particularly evident--instead, the urban, almost hip hop vocal deliveries, contain an inherent popular feel without resorting to rock or pop idioms. The fifteen tracks are inspired by the cardboard or shanty towns of the Balkans and other areas of the world. The danceable rhythms and melodies reflect an upbeat tone throughout. The powerful melodies and instrumental prowess of Balkan brass or Klezmer music is not particularly absent here. Fans of urban, Balkan, and electronic bass music will love the hip tunes of Shazalakazoo. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gadjo's 'Gadjistan Zizany'

Gadjo
Gadjistan Zizany
Self-Release

The Barcelona-based group, Gadjo, is a dynamic musical experience incorporating a number of instruments, styles, and origins extending across the Mediterranean, Spain, and Eastern Europe. The Balkan influence is highly-present, as well as a bit of polka, ska, cumbia, Latin, dance, and swing music. The party-like atmosphere created by a cacophony of instruments and vocals is rather structured, but it creates the impression it is more improvisational than it really is. The quirky horns, rousing percussion, lively vocals, and groovy tunes traverse the world's traditions in one place. The playful styles and sounds do not get boring and they are contemporary, but not electronic, in their approach. The witty "Two Left Feet" is a Balkan brass great with fun vocals and Khmer-esque, jazzy grooves that are more likely to come from Dengue Fever or Ersatzmusika, than a Balkan or Spanish group. Still, the fifteen songs are diverse, energetic, and playful throughout. Grab Gadjo's latest release for an hour of good times. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarah Aroeste's 'Gracia'

Sarah Aroeste
Gracia
Aroeste Music

American-born Ladino singer, Sarah Aroeste, continues to create contemporary rock and pop compositions with a Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Spanish element. The Ladino-language songs touch on Jewish history, love, and relationships amidst a background of symphonic strings, Middle Eastern percussion, and contemporary arrangements. "Scalerica De Oro/Dodi Yarad" is strikingly similar to the music of the late-Ofra Haza. The Middle Eastern instrumentation and spiritual vocals make the song unique and evocative. The rock-laden "La Comida La Manana" begins with a fiery, poetic introduction that leads to a rock beat with full-guitar sound and strings. "El Leon Ferido" is another rock-laden song with haunting vocals. There are quieter, almost cinematic moments in "Ensuenyo Te Vi" and Spanish guitar beats in "Las Estreyas." A remix of "Scalerica De Oro" contains a more classical vein. Overall, Sarah hits high marks with a new release of contemporary Sephardic music. ~ Matthew Forss