CD Review: Pete Alderton's 'Living On Love'

Pete Alderton
Living On Love
Ozella Music

Born in England, based in Germany, and vocals in English, Pete Alderton is a blues king with classic influences and thought-provoking storytelling on his debut release, Living On Love, which is a remastered version of the original release in 2006. "Song For David" is somewhat bluesy, but it takes on an alternative vein with a pop/rock setup on guitar. A piano tune, "Have The Roses Gone Dry," creates a more reflective tone with heartfelt vocals in an earthy manner. The ballad-esque tune is poignant and sweet. A number of tunes bring out the blues essence with organic vocals and a stellar delivery. "Living On Love" is a jaunty, blues-infused tune that encapsulates the real message of the album. There are seventeen tracks in all, but a few are spoken word skits or intros, which set the pace and tone appropriately. Pete's mature vocals and bluesy tunes go hand in hand. Anyone familiar with Pete's work will love it and anyone interested in blues music should check it out. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Andy Palmer's 'Hazard Of The Die'

Andy Palmer
Hazard Of The Die
Self-Release

Coming out of Colorado, Andy Palmer presents us with an alt-folk-rock EP of quirky, edgy, bluesy, and poetic odes of human brilliance. The eight songs are diverse with a classy feel overall. For instance, the guitars reverberate on a few songs, which add a slight psychedelic tone to the songs. There are a few other instruments that add to the rootsy, folksy, and alternative-inspired tunes. The violin, harmonica, drums, and bass add to the repertoire. Andy's acrobatic vocals traverse high registers and throaty, low sounds--both of which are showcased on "The Monk." There are bluesy leanings on "Heart Of Colfax." There are slow guitar meanderings on "Broke Down In Bellevue." A hint of blues and jazz emanates from some of the tunes. The nostalgic, bluesy, Spanish-titled tune, "Hay Algo Muy Mal," contains rippling guitars, edgy percussion, and diverse vocalizations. Andy's rough vocals are appropriate throughout and are vocally similar to Xavier Rudd, The Devlins, Jace Everett, and Douglas September. The guitar stylings are similar to The Devlins and Jace Everett with limited rock arrangements overall. The mature vocals and quirky instrumental arrangements make for an interesting musical journey that is anything but boring. Andy is not lucky here; it's all talent. ~ Matthew Forss      

CD Review: Terakaft's 'Aratan N Azawad'

Terakaft

Aratan N Azawad

World Village

The Malian blues guitar group follows up their 2008 release of Akh Issudar (World Village) with a solid Aratan N Azawad. The album's title means 'children of the azawad'. The azawad is the Sahelian region of Tamasheq-speaking Tuaregs in Mali, Algeria, and Niger. The group's name is translated as 'caravan'. The nomadic references reflected in the name of the group and the Sahelian cultural influence is also marked by a few other similar groups from the region, including Tinariwen, Toumast, Tartit, Tamikrest, and others. Terakaft's songs are pleasant and carefully brewed with the finest Saharan sounds to emanate from the sands. Overall, the music is slightly stripped down from their Malian counterparts, most notably, Tinariwen. Additionally, the Tamasheq vocals are relatively rare in recorded music today. Thankfully, one can appreciate and even learn, or at the very least, pronounce this fine language as the songs become more familiar with each listen. The songs range from two-and-a-half to five minutes in length. The characteristic handclaps, bluesy guitar riffs, and light percussion secure Terakaft's presence in the Saharan music scene. Music is more than purely performance; it is a way of life that shines brighter than the desert sun! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Asani - Listen

Asani

Listen

Self-Release

An Edmonton-based trio, Asani, which means 'rock' in Cree, is a Canadian vocal group that sings in Cree, English, and French. "Nitohta" is a fine folk song with hints of throat-singing. The soulful "Okisikowak" is another gem. Instrumentally, the music is fairly simple with marimba, percussion, drums, and vibraphone. The bluesy "Boil Water Advisory" at first sounds like a comedic tune, but it is based purely on reality and is a serious problem among many communities. The traditional instrumentation and vocal harmonies are definitely above-average. The Aboriginal Award winning group sings songs of Canadian life and Aboriginal legends. The final track, "O Canada", is the Canadian National Anthem, but this one celebrates their Woodland Cree heritage. The twelve tracks are pleasant and educational at the same time. Asani proves you do not need a guitar to create beautiful and moving music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Anibal Velasquez and "Mambo Loco" (released 4/27/2010)

Anibal Velasquez y Su Conjunto

Mambo Loco

Analog Africa

A legendary accordionist and ambassador for Colombian guaracha music, Anibal Velasquez y Su Conjunto showcase tunes culled from a 30+ year musical career. The organic, rumba-sounding groove backed by the unmistakable accordion, piano, caja drum, and rhythmic beats characteristic of Colombia's bustling city of Barranquilla. The trippy-beats, spicy sounds, and bluesy-jazz accordion playing mark an era of unique music from South America. Mambo Loco is tropical music with a twist...of the hips, that is. It's refreshing, solidly-crafted and composed, and globally-relevant music for everyone! A handy 24-page booklet is included with CD. In addition, Analog Africa is a leader in reviving old music from around the world on LP. Mambo Loco will also be available on LP. For those that cannot locate Anibal Velasquez' 300+ LP's, Mambo Loco will suffice. ~ Matthew Forss