CD Review: Honeybird's 'Out Comes Woman'

Honeybird
Out Comes Woman
Duckhead Green Music

Honeybird incorporates a variety of world, jazz, urban, classical, and pop elements on Out Comes Woman. The fourteen tracks are uniquely-named and equally-enthralling from a musical perspective. Some of the titles include, "TMBLGBT," "Ex-Spearmint," and "Bi Dead Chickens." Some of the vocals are arranged in a scat jazz setting, while others are set in a theatrical or artsy context with whimsical instrumentation and short or fast beats. This is not a power pop album or rock album, for that matter. Instead, it is filled with poignant melodies, diverse vocals, and varied instrumentation arranged in delicate ways. The vocals are often reduced in more of a spoken word or poetic delivery--especially on "Wanted In Wanted Out." At any rate, Honeybird creates some sweet tunes for anyone looking for something different. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Shankar Tucker's 'Filament'

Shankar Tucker
Filament
Shrutibox Music

Shankar Tucker's new album, Filament, brings together neo-classical stylings, Hindustani classical music, and Western traditions in a contemporary context for both voice and instrument. Shankar is a clarinetist, but also adds vocals, guitarist, keyboardist, pianist, and percussionist to his list of talents. The wildly effervescent clarinet on "Chal Chal Sakhi" is especially intriguing, along with the vocals of Ankita Joshi. The heavily-laden cast of musicians on "Aa Re Chanda" brings out the classical, contemporary dance, and Indian music across form different forms: alaap, exposition, improvisation, and tillana. The vocals of Vijay Prakash on "Dil Hai Namazi" are very serene and ballad-like. The song is backed by Shankar's clarinet with tabla, cello, drums, keyboards, and guitar for a more modern arrangement. The more modern "Kashti" contains all the great tabla rhythms, percussion, and clarinet, but it adds the sweet vocals of Nikhita Gandhi for a truly remarkable result. Overall, Filament turns out to be the real-life thread that bridges the musical gap between the East and the West. ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Tipsy Oxcart's 'Upside Down'

Tipsy Oxcart
Upside Down
Self-Release

Balkan music from Brooklyn? Yes, indeed. The instrumental ensemble creates dance-friendly tunes with lively percussion, trumpets, baritone/alto/tenor sax, trombone, accordion, violin, electric bass, and drums. Though, some of the songs are more contemplative and serene, a majority of the tracks are upbeat, edgy, and full of high-energy. "Homecoming" contains a Balkan-beat that is reminiscent of South American cumbia, but in a Balkan form. The frenzied "Tutti Frutti" is a rousing track with blaring horns, bubbly bass, and punchy drum beats throughout. There are eleven tracks in all. With track titles as diverse as "Fax Mission," "Honey Dripper," "Tipska," "Bone Dance," and others, Upside Down will astonish you with their uncanny rhythms and contemporary sounds in pure, Balkan music form. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brooklyn Gypsies' 'Sin Fronteras'

Brooklyn Gypsies
Sin Fronteras
Wonderwheel Recordings

The diverse sounds of Brooklyn's streets and neighborhoods have never been highlighted like this before. There are urban stylings, flamenco sounds, North African music, Middle Eastern melodies, and of course, gypsy elements. The result is a rather modern recording incorporating the talents of Carmen Estevez, Takuya Nakamura, Tina Kristina, Brandon Lewis, Troy Simms, and Zeb. With songs rich in Spanish, English, and even Russian vocals, you know this is going to be an interesting recording. If gypsy music originated in Brooklyn, Sin Fronteras would be the end result. There are dancehall, reggae, dub, electronica, and Arabic influences that add authenticity and depth. The syncopated beats, modern Middle Eastern infusions, and brass textures gives new meaning to the term gypsy music. Ten great tracks comprise the album. Brooklyn Gypsies know how to make music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Violette's 'Falling Strong'

Violette
Falling Strong
Self-Release

A native, French chanteuse, Violette brings together warm song of incredible complexity and life with swirling piano melodies and somewhat bluesy, pop song creations on her latest release, Falling Strong. Now based in Brooklyn, Violette does not stray too far from her French song origins. There are classical, jazz, pop, rock, and folk elements throughout. Each song is catchy and beautifully-executed with vocals as sweet as sugar and melodies as fluid as a babbling brook. With vocals akin to Michelle Branch and Norah Jones, Violette knows how to evoke images of love, happiness, and hope with lyrical stories. Fans of piano, pop, rock, ballads, and a few French-lyric songs will love Violette's latest offering. The album is so good it should be 'falling' up the charts! ~ Matthew Forss

Digital/Vinyl Review: Nihkil P. Yerawadekar & Low Mentality's 'Reel It In'

Nikhil P. Yerawadekar & Low Mentality
Reel It In
3rd Generation

Brooklyn-based beatmeister, Nikhil P. Yerawadekar and his group, Low Mentality, release a two-song release inspired by the edgy, psych-infused beats of West Africa, the Caribbean, and East African funk. The result is a heady, beat-driven and classic, funk-laden tune, "Reel It In," which features a rollicking rhythm and North American funk beat that is jazzy, classy, and timeless. Nikhil is joined by Pavel Kogan-Liakhov on guitar, Chauncey Yearwood on percussion and vocals, Omar Little on trumpet, keyboard and samples, Timothy Allen on bass and vocals, and James Windsor-Wells on drums and vocals. The sub-five-minute track contains enough beats, sounds, and melodies to keep you on your toes...literally. The second track, "Vultures," is also sub-five-minutes in length, but it more aligned to North American funk and psych elements. Still, the same West African and East African influences are present throughout. All of the vocals are in English, but they are not too prevalent. The entire recording is under ten minutes long, but it only serves as a glimpse into the complete musical capabilities of Nikhil P. Yerawadekar and Low Mentality. Own it today on vinyl or as a digital release! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alsarah and The Nubatones' 'Silt'

Alsarah and The Nubatones
Silt
Wonderwheel Recordings

Born in Sudan, Alsarah, has made Yemen and the United States of America home. Currently residing in Brooklyn, NY, Alsarah and her Nubatones bring to life a nostalgic East African pop with Middle Eastern and Arabic percussion and dance effects. The music is steeped in traditional oud and percussion, but it also includes a contemporary repertoire of bass, keyboards, assorted percussion, and additional vocals. The swirling rhythms and sounds of "Nuba Noutou" are especially entrancing with great vocals and a 'nubian' beat. There are eleven tracks that infuse a sense of exotica (at least from a Western point of view), which encapsulates the ethnomusicological work Alsarah has completed. No, the music is not convoluted or highly-contrived; instead, Alsarah and The Nubatones let go and create contemplative, danceable, and energetic works based on similar modes that have been played for hundreds of years. Hear the sounds of East Africa in a new light with Alsarah and her Nubatones as your guide. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Zongo Junction's 'No Discount'

Zongo Junction
No Discount
Electric Cowbell Records

The Brooklyn-based, Afro-beat maestros, Zongo Junction, brings us a moving piece of history with Ghanaian-infused, instrumental tunes in the shadows of Fela Kuti and others. The funky, psychedelic tracks are danceable and emotive with bubbling keys, punchy sax, and diverse instrumentation in a jazzy setting. The writhing sounds are Afro-beat grooves at their finest. The sax frenzy on “A Van That Got Away,” proves why Zongo Junction makes the best Afro-beat music in America. The down-tempo electronica of “Longtooth,” showcases their diverse talent of Afro-beat, jazz, experimental, funk, and pop. The entire album is an instrumental journey, which is very likable throughout. There are even some Balkan jazz or Klezmer moments on "Invented History." At any rate, No Discount is an engaging, Afro-beat pleasure that will be enjoyed by everyone that fancies music of the African kind. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: A Is For Atom's 'Song For You'

A Is For Atom
Song For You
Self-Release

A Is For Atom is an electronic-pop venture by Mike Cykoski, which reinvents Brit-pop influences with spacey, electronica and breathtaking, melodic arrangements. Song For You is a six-track release with different elements constructed within each track that makes each one stand out. The reggae-tinged and cathartic track, "Bombs Away," contains a breezy melody, alt-pop elements, and great vocals throughout. "Load Up On Guns" opens with scratchy, electronic sounds and Owsley-esque vocals with a hint of British ambiance. A laser-like dance medley of keyboard and Moog synthesizer creates a spacey affect later on. Think of Action Figure Party with more pop constructions and synth-driven songs. "India" contains a bit of folksy and reggae-tinged music with a grungy-pop element that is both fun and diverse. Overall, A Is For Atom is so good here; I give it an A+ and 5 Stars (out of 5)~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'This Train Is Now'

Raya Brass Band
This Train Is Now
Self-Release

The Brooklyn-based band, Raya Brass Band, releases a new album, This Train Is Now, which frolics with Balkan brass delight and thick rhythms that do not let go. The trumpet work of Ben Syversen allows the tracks to brighten with jazzy eminence. The tupan accompanies most of the tracks and provides a deeper, more rich tone to the percussion repertoire. The throbbing tuba, pulsating accordion and farfisa, along with the tenor horn, keyboard, and sax, provides a full-on assault of sound with improvisational know-how and blissful sounds. Fans of Balkan jazz, klezmer, Romany music, and Mediterranean sounds will be enlightened by this energetic and prominent recording of infectious music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: John Brown's Body's 'Kings And Queens'

John Brown's Body
Kings And Queens
Easy Star Records

Vocalist, Elliot Martin, leads the charge with reggae-focused tunes that are inspired by British reggae, roots music, dub and bass, and electronic music. The Brooklyn-based group releases a new album from one of the leading reggae labels in the world, Easy Star Records. There is a strong horn and brass presence, with bass, keyboards, and programming. The reggae beats are classic and memorable. There are elements of rock, alternative, and trance music, too. Even though many people know what reggae music is, John Brown's Body attempts to reinvent the genre with wonderful results. There are twelve tracks in all. Fans of reggae will love Kings And Queens. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Chicha Libre's 'Cuatro Tigres'

Chicha Libre
Cuatro Tigres
Barbes Records

Based in Brooklyn, Chicha Libre brings us sounds from various regions and cultures. The band's members come from Mexico, Venezuela, the USA, and France. The collective creates a form of Peruvian cumbia-beat, which is akin to Afro-beat. However, the primary difference revolves around more Latin, South American, and urban dance forms with psych-trance, rumba, and tropical rhythms. The spicy mix of funk, jazz, and urban folklore creates a fascinating listening experience with lively vocals, hip percussion, and electronic accompaniment. The psychedelic ramblings are very melodic and nostalgic. Despite the lack of music on the new album (only 4 tracks), the music that is available is unforgettable. Fans of contemporary cumbia will love the music of Chicha Libre. Cuatro Tigres is Colombian, Peruvian, Californian, and Amazonian, but most of all, it is music that is to be experienced by everyone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Elijah Tucker's 'Saturn'

Elijah Tucker
Saturn
Self-Release

The Washington, DC-raised and Brooklyn, NY-based singer and guitarist, Elijah Tucker, releases a groovy set of bluesy, jazzy, and rock-pop songs. The contemporary wanderings are rooted in folk styles without going into a sort of dance, electronic, or hard rock path. The bluesy, funked up "Crazy Things," is a gritty, blurby guitar tune that contains wailing horns and reverberating B3 sounds. "If I Only Had A Brain" is a slow, bluesy tune that pays homage to the tune with the same name from The Wizard Of Oz film. "Gimme Gimme" is throwback to the 1950s or 60s with hand-clap percussion and rootsy guitar with a few sparkling piano notes. The tune would be a perfect fit for the 1998 film, That Thing You Do. "O Pain! Piano" is a piano, guitar and percussion-driven bluesy tune with a little Owsley, Beatles, and Oasis thrown in. Saturn is a little bluesy, jazzy, folksy, and rock-inspired. There is nothing wrong with this release. It may be a cliche, but Saturn is really out of this world--in a down home bluesy sort of way. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Analog Players Society's 'Hurricane Season In Brooklyn'

Analog Players Society
Hurricane Season In Brooklyn
Studio Brooklyn

The Brooklyn-based Analog Players Society shake up the music scene with loads of thick grooves and funky, instrumental rhythms that throw in jazz, soul, pop, and dance. The opener, "Free," is wholly instrumental and loaded with Afro-jazz hooks and funky melodies. "Hurricane Season In Brooklyn" is a jazzy medley with scat vocals and a percussive background and a spacious keyboard nuances. "Let The Music Play" is an instrumental gem with piano, percussion, and reggae-type beat without a noticeable African vein. The soulful, female vocals on "I Can't Wait" is a classic throwback to the 1970s, but it is decidedly modern in feel and tone. "Just A Day" continues the classic, funky, soul tune with great vocals. Anyone with an interest in groovy, Afro-inspired, jazz tunes will love the Analog Players Society. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nickodemus' 'Moon People'

Nickodemus
Moon People
ESL Music

Brooklyn-based DJ/producer, Nickodemus combines global sounds with the latest in club compositions founded upon a heady foundation of urban grooves and dubtronica. His twelve compositions bridge seemingly disparate worlds of American, Arabic, and Latin music within a modern context with ethereal vocals. The funky, pulsations of "Moon People," feature The Real Live Show with Arabic connotations and urban grooves. The urban grooves and down-tempo delights are enough to surprise the electronic music fan, as well as the fusion fan, too. Nickodemus features the talents of Afrika Bambaataa, Kathrin deBoer, The Candela Allstars, Sammy Ayala, and Kissey Asplund. The soulful vocals, punchy percussion, and Afro-Caribbean/Latin foundations are first and foremost an aural delicacy for the ears. This is good enough for moon people as it is for Earth people. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bekay's "Livin' My Dream"

Bekay
Livin' My Dream
TSOB Records

Bekay's amped-up rap-infused tracks from Brooklyn, New York are in-your-face and ready to take America by storm. The twelve tracks are actually five different tracks with various remixes (both clean and explicit) of each track. At any rate, Bekay's lyrical delivery is a bit slower than Eminem, but no less fascinating. Interestingly, only three tracks are original: "Grab Someone," "Livin' My Dream," and "Fuk U." The original songs and remixes include hard-hitting lyrics about relationships, partying, urban lifestyles, and celebrating rap/hip hop culture. "Open The Door (Let 'em In)" is a rap cover of Paul McCartney's song. Also, "Where Brooklyn At" is a cover of the late-Old Dirty Bastard's hit song. Bekay incorporates a bit of shout-outs, indiscriminate vocals, and a party-like atmosphere with electronic wizardry, tight percussion sets, and urban dance grooves. Fans of rap and hip hop will love the music of Bekay, even though the album is a little short and if it includes seemingly senseless remixes and edits. Start a party on the streets with Bekay today! ~ 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

CD Review: Guarco's 'Fiebre' Heats It Up

Guarco

Fiebre (Fever)

Self-Released

Guarco's Afro-Uruguayan-infused concoctions are musical gems of South American delight. The rock-centric 'Rey De La Selva' opens the set with a rousing chorus and catchy melody. 'Que Paso' melts into a 'Hotel California'-like instrumental ending, even though there is no clear connection to the Eagles' hit song. Guarco ventures into the world of trip-hop and Latin downtempo on 'Creeds In The Sky,' which is wholly instrumental. The dub-step, trance and funk of 'Esta Heavy Man' is also a bit jazzy; but ultra-cool. Perhaps the most creative and in-your-face lyrics are found on 'Immigration Papers'. The Weezer-like ballad, 'Never Stray Away From Home,' adds a little alternative flavor to the already spiced-up album of infectious, catchy, and groovy licks. Fiebre is littered with good sounds, English and Spanish lyrics, and numerous musical influences, including candombe, rock, dance, and others. You will find yourself happily suffering from 'Guarco Fever.' ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jose Conde's Self-Titled Release

Jose Conde

Jose Conde

Pipiki Records

Brooklyn-based Latin pioneer, Jose Conde, shares his world of music in a personal and refined context amid a backbone of smooth, Latin grooves and pop/rock. Whether it is tango, rumba, salsa, or funk, Jose knows how to convey his musical creativities with a fine result. There are three bonus tracks in English, Portuguese, and Tsonga (a South African language). The Latin American, South American, and even Afro-Latin rhythms showcase Jose's far-reaching musicalities. Jose seems right at home creating more contemporary dance sounds with a small dose of trippy jams, as well as the more characteristic and familiar Latin sensibility. However, Jose still sounds different than other similarly grouped artists, because he seems to simply create music without regard to what genre it might be. Essentially, Jose Conde is an album about Jose Conde. It is one of the best albums of the year. ~ Matthew Forss