CD Review: Luisa Maita's 'Fio Da Memoria'

Luisa Maita
Fio Da Memoria
Cumbancha

Brazil's Luisa Maita is not new to the world music scene with a few previously-released albums to her name over the last several years. On Fio Da Memoria, Luisa continues in her bossa nova, samba, and contemporary music stylings with some of the best stuff to date. One of the few English songs on the recording, "Around You," is an especially intriguing and catchy song that employs a berimbau-like tone with seductive hooks and breathy vocals for a truly enjoyable experience. The light guitar and percussion work on the jazz-tinged "Ole," suggests the sound of a 1970's James Bond film soundtrack. Luisa's great vocals match the equally-great instrumentation. Each track is different, but sports her characteristic breathy vocal delivery. Fans of Brazilian music with a contemporary edge and classic ambiance will love Luisa's latest offering. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Silva's 'Jupiter'

Silva
Jupiter
Six Degrees

Brazil's Silva brings us pop-infused tunes with R&B, electronica, tropical, Latin, and urban qualities on a new album that celebrates his love of Jupiter. As a child, the planet Jupiter has been a fascination. Hence, the album artwork illustrates this point from the beginning. The music is not spacey or atmospheric, as one would expect from an otherworldly image or album title. Instead, Silva's ethnic-infused concoctions showcase the lounge side of pop, jazz, and dance. The punchy rhythms and bubbling bass accompany traditional percussion and electronically-tinged arrangements with such ease and grace the album is sure to be a favorite of all who listen. Silva's vocals are soft and mellow, but very compelling. Fans of contemporary Brazilian music will love it. Everyone should get on-board with Silva's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Argentina's Gabriel Palatchi Releases 'Trivolution'

Gabriel Palatchi
Trivolution
Self-Release

Argentinian pianist and synth player, Gabriel Palatchi, is joined by Kerry Galloway on electric bass and Jose Maria Gonzalez on drums and percussion. Trivolution is a work of three band members that are not alone, as a few additional performers are added to the mix. The down-tempo, psych-driven grooves are jazz-infused and South American-tinged. The synths create a fluid, smooth jazz feel at times. On "Sefarad Roots," the music takes a Klezmer turn with a Gypsy-esque beat and melody. In fact, 'sefarad' suggests a Ladino presence with Old Spain. The funky sounds of "What Da Funk" contain a few vocals by David Gall. "Vive" is the only other track with vocals. Some of the songs are ripe with Latin brass and heavy percussion, while not straying too far from their South American jazz roots. The punchy and varied beats are a must-hear for fans of world jazz, South American music, and psych-funk concoctions. Trivolution is an excellent album. Join in the fun! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Toto La Momposina's 'Tambolero'

Toto La Momposina
Tambolero
Real World

Colombia's Toto La Momposina has done for Colombia what Cesaria Evora did for the Cape Verdes--bring vibrant, traditional music to the indigenous peoples, as well as people and cultures beyond their respective country's borders. Spanning nearly sixty-years in the musical realm, Toto La Momposina brings together the ethnic influences of African, Indian, and Spanish roots for a re-imagined hour of music originally released in 1993 as La Candela Viva. My first taste of Toto La Momposina's music began in 2000 with Pacanto (World Village). The same musical styles are present, but Tambolero is more rhythmic, dynamic, and percussion-friendly. There are dance-worthy tunes throughout. The fusion of traditional South American and Latin American instrumentation and melodies makes this one stand-out from 'typical' Latin or Spanish releases. A dozen tracks grace the album with tons of traditional elements and vocal gems. There are airy flutes on "Curura" and rapid hand-claps on "Gallinacito." Other attributes include heavy percussion, poignant ballads, and mesmerizing and complex melodies--which are also quite timeless. Fans of tropical, folk, traditional Spanish, Latin, South American, and Colombian music will be fascinated by the colorful tunes of Toto La Momposina's Tambolero. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Iemanjo's 'Medicina'

Iemanjo
Medicina
Black Swan Sounds

Iemanjo, so-called after a Brazilian goddess of the sea, brings together a fusion of South American grooves, Afro-Latin rhythms, psychedelic cumbia, and everything in-between for a truly remarkable debut. The ten-track album is lush with earthy grooves, enchanting vocals, and amazing melodies that have developed out of Iemanjo's cultural upbringing in Berkeley and Seattle--two world music powerhouses. The slightly urbanized "Wintertime," is a bluesy, languid mix of vocals and sparkling electronica with heady bass. The rousing, "Ciencia Ancestral," is a dance-friendly tune touched by the hands of Brazilian beatmaker and producer, Adriano Magalhaes. The contemporary tune contains punchy horn sounds, lush percussion, and a driving beat indicative of South Pacific traditional music. "Reality" is a jazzy tune with urban elements and quirky percussive tones. Overall, Medicina is a good album with tracks that span the world music spectrum, but remain cohesive enough to delight electronica, South American, and Latin music fans. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nicole's 'Roots'

Nicole
Roots
Soundbrush Records

What do you get when you combine Yiddish music with Brazilian chutzpah? You get Roots. Nicole, the lead progenitor surrounding this uncanny concoction, showcases her Ukrainian self via New York and Sao Paulo. The outstanding vocalist adds a variety of modern accouterments, including accordion, mandolin, electric guitars, electric bass, percussion, violin, trumpet, clarinet, and other instruments. The berimbau is also included on a few tracks with its unmistakable, tinny string melodies. There are a few Yiddish standards and traditional songs, but a few new tunes are also included. The psychedelic and syncopated beats of "Quem Que Sobra" are very indelible and memorable. The traditional tune, "Batatas," is included as a remix and a traditional tune. Some of the tracks are characteristically Brazilian with breezy melodies, down-tempo percussion, and wafting accordion overtures. Special guests, Frank London, Isra-Alien, Renato Thomas, Michael Winograd, Jake Shulman-Ment, and Danny Blume add their expertise to the album. There is a little bit of everything for the Brazilian and Klezmer aficionado. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Paula Maya's 'Iluminar'

Paula Maya
Iluminar
Yellow House Records

The jazzy, South American styles of Texas-based, Paula Maya, incorporates Brazilian melodies with folk, roots, electronica, and pop on Iluminar. The soft ballads and Brazilian percussion reveal an intimate side of Paula's music. It is very enjoyable and steeped in swirling melodies and rhythms of South America. Whether you are on an island, on the beaches of Rio, or in the comfort of your living room, Iluminar lights up any mood or situation with grace and authenticity. "So In Tune" showcases some great vocals here. Crystal-clear vocals and an uppity melody cements a beautiful song to her credit. The light vocals are indicative of Susan Aglukark's voicings. At any rate, Paula Maya creates a stunning release of pop-friendly songs with a good dose of South American pizzazz. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Los Crema Paraiso's 'De Pelicula!'

Los Crema Paraiso 
De Pelicula!
Cutupra

Los Crema Paraiso's brand of world music runs the gamut from psych to rock to roots and beyond. The experimental and indigenous Venezuelan grooves are marked with a variety of jazzy, bossa nova, beat-driven melodies throughout. The Tears For Fears cover, "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," is one of the top highlights from the album. Another cover, the 1959 hit from Santo & Johnny, "Sleepwalk," is an ode to the classics in true pop form. There is a slight South American presence that is somewhat psychedelic and dreamy. There is another cover, "Personal Jesus," originally conceived by Depeche Mode, that is led by Carol C. in a slightly Brazilian musical soundscape. Covers aside, De Pelicula! surprises fans of South American rock, pop, and lounge with a heady mix of percussive ear candy, flowing melodies, and classic sounds that never get old or banal. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Axel Krygier's 'Hombre De Piedra'

Axel Krygier
Hombre De Piedra
Crammed 

The contemporary recording, Hombre De Piedra, showcases an experimental vein of Axel Krygier's cross-cultural side. As a singer and composer, Axel brings together spaghetti Western, folk, Balkan, French cafe, blues, electronica, funk, and jazz influences for a truly exciting collection of songs that are never boring. The musical origins stem from Axel's Argentinian background, but this is not your typical tourist trap music. Instead, Axel combines edgy French, Russian, and Latin-American song styles for an enthralling release. A diverse instrumental repertoire helps the songs reach new heights and incredible appeal. Whether it is down-tempo or world music, Axel manages to create wonderful songs that are highly catchy and always memorable. If you are into new music with an ear-friendly beat; then try Axel's new release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Florencia Gonzalez' 'Between Loves'

Florencia Gonzalez
Between Loves
ZOHO Music

Uruguayan-born and New York resident, Florencia Gonzalez, is a talented composer, performer, instrumentalist, and singer, but showcases her instrumental side on Between Loves. Florencia presents us with a thrilling selection of six original tunes and one cover by Hugo Fattoruso. Florencia plays tenor sax throughout the album, while other musicians play trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, piano, bass, and drums for s truly South American jazz experience. The musical notes waft between tango, candombe, big band, and Latin jazz styles that are rather laid-back, but full of life. As a Berklee College of Music graduate and New England Conservatory graduate with honors in jazz composition, Florencia knows a thing or two about engaging, historic, and cultural music. The entire album is around forty-minutes in length, but it seems to incorporate a variety of textures and melodies to keep everyone very satisfied. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carol Saboya, Antonio Adolfo, and Hendrik Meurkens' 'Copa Village'

Carol Saboya, Antonio Adolfo, and Hendrik Meurkens
Copa Village
AAM Music

With decades of Brazilian musical experiences between Carol, Antonio, and Hendrik, the group knows how to bring subtle, fresh, and original musical experiences to light with their latest release honoring classic bossa nova melodies and rhythms on Copa Village. Carol's vocals are joined by Antonio's piano skills and Hendrik's harmonica and vibraphone mastery. Of course, the bass, drums, percussion, and guitars round out the instrumental line-up. The entire album glistens with South American tones and jazzy melodies. The smooth rhythms are crystalline, infectious, and celebratory with nothing awry or amiss. There are a hint of 1950's/60's sounds; especially on "The Girl From Ipanema," "Copa Village," and "Show De Bola." The eleven track release is full of exciting grooves and compositions that are perfect for lounging, relaxing, and parties. The whole release is bubbly and addictive. Get addicted today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Spokfrevo Orquestra's 'Ninho de Vespa'

Spokfrevo Orquestra
Ninho de Vespa
Motema

The seventeen-piece, Brazilian band, Spokfrevo Orquestra, pens its name from an old carnival style of Brazilian music that includes a feverishly-played jazz foundation that is akin to New Orleans jazz and Balkan jazz. There is a tambourine, drums, and loads of brass horns on this instrumental release. Thirteen songs comprise the album and they definitely fit into a jazzy vein with South American vigor. The fluid keyboards and swishy percussion are danceable and fueled by an unmistakable and unrelenting passion for creative tunes. The music is punchy, jazzy, swing-like, and classic with loads of rhythms and melodies to satisfy everyone that is within earshot. Fans of Brazilian jazz will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Saulo Duarte e a Unidade's 'Quente'

Saulo Duarte e a Unidade
Quente
Tratore Music

Steeped in the traditional music of northern Brazil, Saulo Duarte e a Unidade brings us a gentle mix of energetic music with South American pizzazz and a Latin swagger that is comfortably situated between jazz, folk, and neo-fusion. The rhythms and melodies are very sweet and upbeat with a lot of percussion, keyboards, bass, guitars, and vocals. The steel-pan sounds of "Flores Pelo Ar" remind us of a Caribbean lineage. "Dos Olhos Em Diante" is a nice little funky ditty with a psychedelic appeal and a spaghetti-Western ambiance. There are eleven tracks in all, but the album finishes shy of forty-minutes. However, the thiry-some minutes are pure bliss. Anyone familiar with indigenous Brazilian music will love the regional and trans-continental influences. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych In Peru's Radical Decade'

Various Artists
Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych In Peru's Radical Decade
Tiger's Milk Records

Peru Bravo... is an upcoming release from Tiger's Milk Records that brings us the best psych, funk, R&B, dance, soul music from Peru during the 1960's and 70's. There are fifteen tracks that bleed with energy, desire, and fun. Every note is a magical masterpiece on every track. You will hear some raw stuff here by some unknown artists, including Laghonia, Thee Image, Black Sugar, Jeriko, Los Destellos, The Mad's, Los Comandos, Cacique, Los Holy's, and many more. The driving dance beats, garage-rock sound, and wild percussion are all accented with electronic embellishments that give the music a modern edge. The licks and chords are gritty and awesome with loads of psych to play with here. The throbbing keyboards, drum beats, and fluid bass-lines are unmatched. Anyone interested in world psych music will relish its tracks. Fans of Peruvian music will love the unadulterated songs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chancha Via Circuito's 'Amansara'

Chancha Via Circuito
Amansara
Wonderwheel Recordings 

Argentina's Chancha Via Circuito is spearheaded by Pedro Canale. The electronic meastro incorporates indigenous sounds with contemporary arrangements that are scintillating, at times urban, and Latin dub-step all the way. The instrumental, "Sueno en Paraguay," is an excellent tune with Paraguayan harp and an electronic Andean folkore sound with bits of cumbia, dance, and avant-garde that will please even the purist. There are guest artists, including Lido Pimienta, Mirian Garcia, Sara Hebe, and Barrio Lindo, which provide a well-rounded cast of influences. The percussion-heavy, "Coplita," is a great example of folkloric sounds coming together with female vocals and a South American beat. There are eleven total tracks, which are imbued with electronic, percussion, and native sounds in one easy to understand production that does not stray too far from its roots. This will satisfy cumbia, neo-indigenous, and contemporary listeners seeking music from South America. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Afro Bop Alliance's 'Angel Eyes'

Afro Bop Alliance
Angel Eyes
Zoho 

The Afro Bop Alliance is a Washington, DC-area band that showcases a wide-range of Latin jazz, salsa, bossa nova, and South American-inspired tunes on their latest release, Angel Eyes. The seductive album cover art draws in listeners by way of visual cues, but the visual quickly leads to the aural, as the sounds emanate from the album with such vivacity. The tracks are littered with infectious tunes and instruments, including the steel pan, bass, piano, drums, congas, sax, trumpet, cello, clarinet, and violin. The group enlists numerous jazz lines and Latin fusions that take on a lively life of their own. There are eleven tunes, but only two tracks include vocals: "Nature Boy" and "Minor Details." The Afro-Cuban elements are evident throughout. However, anyone with an interest in classic, Latin jazz music will love Afro Bop Alliance's Angel Eyes. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Various Artists' 'Role: New Sounds of Brazil'

Various Artists
Role: New Sounds of Brazil [2-CD]
Mais Um Discos

The double-disc release, Role: New Sound of Brazil, is not your ordinary Brazilian album. This is not bossa nova or samba. Instead, the music is experimental, urban, electronica, indie rock, funk, hip-hop, and dark, brooding sounds on guitars, percussion, and samples. Both discs contain similar music that is amped-up with killer vocals and grooves that are almost indescribable, but can be included in avante-garde-grunge. The diverse vocals and instrumentation make the release a must-listen. Over forty tracks and nearly as many artists grace the albums. Fans of popular Brazilian music will get the most out of the tracks. However, anyone that wants an in-depth look at what's going on with Brazil's independent and underground music scene will find satisfaction in the tracks on Role: New Sounds of Brazil. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Da Cruz' 'Disco E Progresso'

Da Cruz   

Disco E Progresso [2 CD]

Boom Jah Records

Brazilian-born and Swiss-based, Da Cruz enlightens listeners with giddy, soul-stirring dance music with equal amounts of dancehall, funk, new wave, samba, electronic, and pop elements. The new album is a two-disc set that is labeled “light” and “dark.” These connotations describe what is going on from a musical perspective in Brazil. The uppity tunes are still enchanting and catchy, despite the title monikers. On the “light” album, the jazzy “Nascer Livre” showcases some great vocals and instrumentation that is very showy and upbeat. The swaying rhythm of a seaside melody on “Din Din” possesses a laidback atmosphere that is timeless and nostalgic. “Tuda Flui” is a funk-inflected tune with light vocals and a jazzy vein. There are eleven tracks on the "light" CD. The "dark" CD contains ten tracks and songs that are more experimental with more jazzy, funk, electronic, and rock elements. The breakbeat sounds of "Cala a Boca" and the dark tones of "Aonde vai" signify a varied mix of music. The music tends to be a little more urban overall. The dark guitars and Garbage-esque arrangements on "Menino mau" showcase a different side of Da Cruz. No matter what side of Da Cruz you experience; you will be pleasantly surprised. ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Charlie Dennard's 'From Brazil To New Orleans'

Charlie Dennard 
From Brazil To New Orleans
Self-Release

Charlie Dennard takes listeners on a jazz journey through lounge, boogaloo, fusion, and Brazilian music throughout the nine long tracks on the new album. As the title of the album implies, Charlie brings us a mix of jazz-inspired tunes with an homage to Brazilian composers and the multi-cultural powerhouse of southern Louisiana. The instrumental tunes are full of jazzy melodies and rhythms that contain punchy horns, folksy percussion, and contemporary jazz elements. The lounge jazz feel of some of the tracks is permeated with some Brazilian fusion and improvisational elements, which only adds to the enjoyment of the entire album. The piano offers some meditative influences on "Asa Branca" and "Senhorinha." The bluesy side of jazz rears its head on "Valsa Luisiana." The smooth jazz and Afro-funk fusion of "Africa Mae" is stellar. Overall, Charlie releases a great final product, which bridges the gap between Brazil and New Orleans from a musical standpoint. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rafi eL's 'Ay De Mi'

Rafi eL
Ay De Mi
Dutty Artz

The L.A.-based singer, songwriter and musician, Rafi eL, possesses roots in Jewish and Argentinian cultures, which shines through on his new, adventurous release, Ay De Mi. The music is slightly electronic, urban, and spacious enough to let the melodies permeate the souls of the listeners. The somewhat synth-infused concoctions represent a refreshing style of music never before heard in the music world today. The eleven tunes contain sparkling, reverberating, and electronic-tinged melodies and rhythms that bridge South American and American influences. The light rhythms fuse a bit of Enigma, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd in an imagined urban vacuum with cumbia as a foundation. Everyone will love this one. Rafi eL succeeds on Ay De Mi with a healthy dose of folkloric and electronic compositions that seem to bring back ancient melodies and spirits for today's generations. ~ Matthew Forss