CD Review: Alma Afrobeat Ensemble's 'Life No Get Dublicate'

Alma Afrobeat Ensemble
Life No Get Dublicate
Slow Walk Music

Following the previous release, Toubab Soul (Amphora Records, 2010), Alma Afrobeat Ensemble continue in their multicultural and cross-genre creative work of music that combines heady rhythms with contemporary vocals and mixed percussion, urban, and guitar styles. Nothing is simplified here, as the music is complex and deeply-rooted in the musics of Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The six-track release contains pulsating sounds of jazz, funk, Latin, and world fusion. The rippling guitars and fuzzy percussion awaken the spirit amidst the smooth bass lines and punchy brass. Based in Barcelona, Spain, the group members hail from other parts of the world, including Norway, Senegal, USA, Uruguay, Argentina, and Ghana. For a true world music listening experience, put Life No Get Dublicate on and hit repeat over and over again. ~ 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: Che Sudaka's '10'

Che Sudaka
10
Cavernicola Records

The assembly of Argentinian and Colombian musicians based in Barcelona, Spain, continue to brighten up the world music and punk-folk genres with their characteristic party sound and South American-inspired rhythms. The punk-rap style of "C'est plus beau" contains blaring horns, harmonies, and a party-dance rhythm that is extremely infectious. "Inmigrant Soul" is a great tune with luscious harmonies, a bit of electronica, and accordion amidst a catchy melody in a similar way to the South Pacific's Te Vaka. It is one of the best songs on the album, but "Desearia," "Ya nunca me veras caer," "Stress," "Crisis de amor," and "Hombre libre" are close behind. There are a number of styles and influences included here with ska, reggae, jazz, folk, dance, rumba, Latin, and light punk-rap winning out. This is one of the best contemporary recordings to come out of Spain in recent memory. It is titled 10, because it is a 10. Liner notes are included for the song lyrics. ~ Matthew Forss