CD Review: Dirtwire's 'The Carrier'

Dirtwire
The Carrier
Beats Antique Records

Spearheaded by California's Evan Fraser (of Hamsa Lila and Stellamara fame) and David Satori (of Beats Antique fame), Dirtwire is a seven-track album of distilled Americana tunes that showcase the bluesy and Appalachian side of the musical spectrum. However, the Americana sounds are not to be ignored, as the world fusion and slightly electronica qualities take center stage. There is a light, easy listening feel to the music with intonations of banjo, guitar, saz, melodica, percussion, megaphone, jaw harp, steel guitar, ngoni, calabash, and other instruments. The vocals are sparse, but lead by Evan Fraser, Leah Song, Chloe Smith, and TBird Luv. The entire album is only twenty-five minutes long, which categorizes it as an EP. Still, there is something intriguing and memorable with Dirtwire's latest release. This is one album that astounds -- from the liner art to the last track. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Moira Smiley & VOCO's 'Laughter Out Of Tears'

Moira Smiley & VOCO
Laughter Out Of Tears
Whim Records

The sensational vocal songs of Moira Smiley & VOCO are steeped in Appalachian, Scandinavian, and European styles that echo similarities with Dala Girls, Varttina, Heidi Talbot, Helene Blum, Fay Hield, Karine Polwart, and similar gals. The album features fifteen songs of audio delight that are mostly original songs, but some are covered from Swedish, Appalachian, Serbian, and Croatian ancestries. A few feature vocals as the lead instrument. The group has an uncanny ability to magically gel together with such a compelling and intriguing vocal repertoire that is never pretentious or egotistical. You will even hear a little Zero 7 and Dala Girls influences on "Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind." The forty-five-minute album is hearty enough; even for the most discriminating vocal connoisseur. Anyone with an interest in female vocal folk music will relish Laughter Out Of Tears. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kyle Carey's 'North Star'

Kyle Carey
North Star
Americelta Records

The sparkling folk and roots music of Kyle Carey spans continents and time-spans that are unimaginably magical. The incorporation of American, Celtic, Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian leanings are evident throughout. Kyle's vocals are akin to European songstresses, Heidi Talbot and Karine Polwart. There are fiddle, mandolin, piano, cello, banjo, bass, guitar, and percussion elements that add to the folksy roots. Some songs connote a bright, sunny day, while others touch on love, loss, immigration, seasons, dreams, and even gospel connotations. The dozen songs represent morsels of delight that are enriched by the musical traditions of North America, Scandinavia, and the U.K. Fans of folk, roots, European music, and country will be amazed by the stuff on this album. I give North Star five big ones! Try it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brad Hammonds Group's 'Greene Street'

Brad Hammonds Group
Greene Street
Self-Release

The effervescent world folk music of guitarist Brad Hammonds adds another dimension to the world of music with his fellow bandmates. The folk guitarist composes instrumental guitar jams that are accompanied by cello, banjo, mandolin, bass, and percussion. The lightning fast acoustic picking is top-notch and readily processed by all who listen to it's twinkling melodies. The folk percussion and Brad's 12 and 6-string guitars add a little Appalachian splendor to the mix. The ten tracks represent a lush collection of emotive compositions are fun to listen to and each one reveals something new with every listen. Fans of Ben Bowen King, Bob Brozman, European/Celtic traditions, and instrumental guitar-folk music will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lac La Belle's 'Bring On The Light'

Lac La Belle
Bring On The Light
Double Lot

The music of Appalachia is not particularly well-known in the state of Michigan, but Lac La Belle is set to change all that. Jennie Knaggs is the primary vocalist, but she also plays the accordion, ghost fiddle (spooky!), guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. Nick Schillace is also a vocalist, but plays the 12-string guitar, 5 and 6-string banjo, and resonator guitar. The thirteen songs represent heartfelt, lyrical displays of good'ol folk music with splendid picking, plucking, and strumming. Jennie's vocals are sweet, smooth, and crystal clear throughout. Jennie's vocals are reminiscent of Shawn Colvin's earlier days. The mostly instrumental "New Memories of Oklahoma" contains a good dose of plucking splendor that shines with Appalachian nostalgia and Jennie's folksy vocals. The guitar-driven "Housebreaker" contains Nick's vocals, alongside the banjo. The rousing blues and rock-tinged "I Am A Hammer" is littered with folk leanings and Appalachian charm with Nick's old timey voice. Fans of Appalachian folk music, Americana, and old time music will love the music of Lac La Belle. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'The Mountain Music Project: A Musical Odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya'

Various Artists
The Mountain Music Project: A Musical Odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya
Self-Release

The Mountain Music Project... successfully attempts to bridge two distinct cultures--Appalachia and Himalaya--together, despite the seemingly distinct cultural attributes of both cultures. The folk and string traditions of Appalachia are not particularly different from that of the Himalayas. The Appalachian side is represented by Grammy Award-winning Tim O'Brien and Curtis Burch. In addition, Tara Linhardt, Tony Trischka, Abigail Washburn, Mark Schatz, Riley Baugus, Aaron Olwell, Matthew Olwell, and Paul Brown round out the Appalachian repertoire. On the Himalayan side, Buddhiman Gandharba, Manjo Gandharba, Jagat B. Gandharba, Ganesh Gandhari represent folk musicians proficient on the madal, sarangi, arbaj, and bansuri flute. Some of the Nepalese instruments are joined with the guitar, banjo, mandolin, mandola, and Irish flute. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Nation Beat's 'Growing Stone'

Nation Beat

Growing Stone

Barbes

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