CD Review: Gao Hong and Friends' 'Pipa Potluck'

Gao Hong and Friends
Pipa Potluck
Innova

Pipa, a Chinese plucked lute, is the central component of the new album, Pipa Potluck, by Gao Hong and several guest musicians. This is where Asian folk meets American roots, bluegrass, and classical music. The instrumental album begins with a rousing bluegrass number, "Cluck Old Hen," which features the banjo of Alison Brown, the fiddle by Matt Combs, and bass by Garry West. "Friendship" is more of a contemplative Arabic concoction with oud, percussion, and of course, the pipa. The pipa and guitar complement each other quite nicely on the excellent "Golden Season." Likewise, the slack key guitar by George Kahumoku, Jr. and the pipa create another friendly and enjoyable medley on "Mosquito Song." The bluegrass and folk stylings come back on "Sally Johnson." The serene "Lutes Around The World" finishes the album with poignant strings and delightful melodies. Fans of strings, lutes, Chinese folk, neo-classical, new age, bluegrass, Arabic, folk, Americana, and world music in general will love to sample Pipa Potluck. Remember to leave room on your plate for additional listens! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: April Verch's 'The Newpart'

April Verch
The Newpart
Slab Town Records

The petite and undoubtedly-cute, Canadian fiddler, April Verch, dazzles crowds yet again with another endearing folk album that continues in the old-time and bluegrass traditions. April is known for some fancy footwork on stage and her feet are definitely the star on a few songs. The rootsy and old-time folk music is more akin to Americana influences than Canadian, but there are similarities. The bluesy, gospel-tinged tunes are poignant, quaint, and relatively spacious to allow all the instruments to shine on their own. April's delicate voice is angelic and alive, which is a perfect accompaniment to some of the instruments. Some great instruments are included here, including the fiddle, bass, clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, and mandolin. Overall, The Newpart is more reflective, reduced, and a bit timid. However, it is still pure April Verch at her finest. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Druids' 'Freedom'

The Druids
Freedom
Self-Release

The Irish group, The Druids, are an energetic, Celtic folk group inspired by Irish ballads and history. The folksy leanings are ripe with characteristic melodies and rhythms inherent in Irish folk music. The male vocals are very engaging. Some of the best songs on the album are, "The Sky Over Ireland," "Why Can't I Be A Rebel," "Hey Paddy," "Martin O' Halloran," "The Rathbride Column," and "God Save Ireland." There are solo vocals, but oftentimes, the other band members chime in for a more dramatic result. The lyrical content revolves around issues of freedom in every day life that pertain not only to Ireland, but other countries, too. The liner notes offer extensive information on each song. Fans of bluegrass, old time, folk, storytelling songs, patriotic ballads, and historic songs will love The Druids' latest release. Freedom begins and ends with The Druids! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Grand Old Grizzly's Self-Titled Release

Grand Old Grizzly
Grand Old Grizzly
Self-Release

A Texas alt-country act, Grand Old Grizzly presents us with an upbeat, bluegrass, and folk-tinged tunes with clever lyrics and memorable melodies on drums, guitars, keyboards, pedal steel, and bass. Grand Old Grizzly is led by vocalist and guitarist, Will Thomas. But he is joined by Mark Riddell on bass, vocals, keyboards, and percussion; Dustin Welch on banjo; Paul Beebe on drums, vocals, and guitars; and Craig Feazel and Katie Stuckey on pedal steel. The Americana folk sounds are rousing to say the least. There is even a bit of grungy/country-rock on "Tallahassee." The vocals on most of the songs resemble a younger version of Counting Crows-frontman, Adam Duritz. There are pop-centric elements which are bright and energetic, but the vocals are never loud or indiscriminate. The simplistic "I Was Thinkin'" is a dreamy ode on guitar with light instrumental embellishments. "Pretty Little Head" contains a slew of poetic vocals and giddy guitar stylings with pure pop pleasure wrapped around a country-esque backbone. There are eleven songs in all and none of them suffer from any insufficiencies. Grand Old Grizzly is grand music with a heart and soul. ~ Matthew Forss  

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2013 - Worlds of Music

This year's Edmonton Folk Music Festival once again presented a huge variety of folk, blues, Worldbeat, and fusions of these genres and more. For me, a highlight is discovering new sounds from around the World as well as up and coming talent.

The Steep Canyon Rangers was probably my discovery of the weekend. The Grammy-award winning bluegrass band fuse country and folk into their lively music.

Havana D'Primera, from Cuba, presented an exciting main stage show on Sunday afternoon. The Salsa beats were contagious and I had a hard time stopping myself from getting up to dance right there in the photo pit!

Sometimes the most memorable performances don't happen on any of the stages. Here is Rosanne Cash playing at the CKUA booth. She has such a beautiful voice and her songs are haunting.

I have seen Alex Cuba a number of times at the EFMF and he always attracts a huge crowd. When he started to play his signature song "Si Pero No" people danced and sang along - it really is a great song that I never get tired of!

Niyaz, from Iran, was absolutely mesmerizing. The multi-faceted performance included traditional instruments, vocals, dress, and dance. There were even a few belly dancers in the audience!

Makana totally changed my view of music from Hawaii. Noted as a slack key guitarist, this guy can really play! He is also an activist and enthralling performer.

Don't accuse Amy Helm of resting on the laurels of her famous father, the late, great Levon Helm. Her performance is full of passion and she has an incredible voice.

On the local front, Edmonton singer/songwriter Joe Nolan is someone to watch out for. His memorable songs and unique delivery are just some of the reasons why he just landed a deal with Canadian label Six Shooter Records.

Tim O'Brien was on my must-see list this year. His abilities on guitar and fiddle with his signature bluegrass style translated very well on Stage 2.

Scotland's Dick Gaughan is another performer I have seen multiple times at the EFMF and I always enjoy his storytelling through song.

I love music from Canada's First Nations, so I was excited to catch the performance from the Iskwew Singers. A trio of three Cree women from British Columbia, the group performs songs in the plains tradition, telling stories of connection to the earth, Creator, and each other.

The EFMF is always a memorable event and this year was no different. To see my full collection of photos, including performers, people, and various shots around the festival site, click here. ~ Paula E. Kirman

CD Review: Sarah Alden's 'Fists Of Violets'

Sarah Alden
Fists Of Violets
Hearth Music

The Appalachians are explored with Sarah Alden's classic voice and earthy fiddle. The folksy vocals are very nostalgic with hints of bluegrass, old-time, and European folk. There are various waltzes, dance tunes, and traditional tunes. The jaunty piano tune, "Old Man Moon," reflects an old-timey presence that is pure gold. The country-tinged, "Ruby, Honey Are You Mad At Your Man?," is a classy, folk-riddled tune that would seem quite fitting on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. "Dink's Tune" is a reflective tune with light percussion and fiddle fun that is somewhat indicative of Canada's April Verch. At any rate, the ten tracks reflect a great cross-section of folk, country, bluegrass, and even gypsy-type music. Fans of Euro folk, fiddle music, bluegrass, waltzes, Appalachian music, and old-time music will gobble up Sarah's Fists of Violets. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Mickey Finns' 'Prayers and Idle Chatter'

The Mickey Finns
Prayers and Idle Chatter
Mankeltray Music

The Celtically-inspired gospel, punk, bluegrass, and folk collective, The Mickey Finns, creates an inspirational, upbeat, and refreshing album of excellent music. The opener, "Return of The Prodigal Son," is an energetic gospel-bluegrass tune with Celtic fiddle and guitar work. The seasoned vocals make the song shine with Celtic pride. "Tanks and Barbed Wire" is a slower tune with fiddle, percussion, and guitar. "The Jester" is a playful tune with lively strings, percussion, guitar, and plucked instruments. The vocals are good and the melody is upbeat and classy. The Celtic-bluegrass connection is not that far away here. "Be Minor" is an upbeat instrumental track with bass, fiddle, percussion, and jiggy guitar. The music is contemporary, but not electronic or dance-laden in that regard. However, a little toe-tapping is expected, along with some head-nodding. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Celtic music with an ear for bluegrass, gospel, punk, and folk idioms will love The Mickey Finns. I give it a 5 out of 5. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Haddo's 'Homecoming'

Haddo
Homecoming
Lulubug Records

The husband wife duo, Will and Nicky Pound, hail from England and bring us an exciting set of instrumental tunes on harmonica, melodeon, fiddle, viola, guitar, dobro, percussion, bass, and Baroque viola. The spritely melodies are not your average fiddle-stomping tunes, but there is an element of folk-driven fiddle-stomping. The metallic tones of the harmonica and melodeon provide a more structured set of music with varying sounds and rhythms that are never stale or ho-hum. There are Celtic, English, Scottish, North American bluegrass/country, and classical influences throughout. Haddo knows how to 'folk-us' on what really matters when it comes to creating beautiful instrumental music. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Matuto's US-Brazil 'Matuto'

Matuto
Matuto
Galileo Records

Imagine the bluegrass sounds of the American South with the Brazilian folk rhythms of South America coming together in musical harmony. That is what you get when you listen to Matuto, which means 'bumpkin.' The mish-mash of sounds is full-on bluegrass fiddle and vocals, but it often occurs alongside the Brazilian folklore traditions of forro, samba, chorinho, frevo, and others. The folksy, guitar-picking melodies are entwined with lively accordion, Gypsy rhythms, and upbeat, traditional instrumentation that shines with aural color. The slight jazz and improvisational feel is evident on some tracks. The bottom line is a diverse mix of songs, melodies, and instrumentation that does not seem boring, lethargic, or annoyingly obtrusive. Instead, Matuto brightens the music of Brazil with European leanings and American rock sensibilities without resorting to mainstream pop. This is Gyspsy music of the South...Brazil, that is. ~ Matthew Forss