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: Damjan Krajacic's 'Glide'

Damjan Krajacic
Glide
RoundTone Records

Zagreb-born and L.A.-based, Damjan Krajacic knows how to play the flute and create wonderful Afro-Cuban rumba, Latin-jazz, and nostalgic, downtempo lounge music. Damjan's vocals and flute are accompanied by piano, fender rhodes, congas, bass, drums, and assorted percussion. However, a majority of the music is instrumental. The fluttering flute melodies, spicy percussion, and punchy piano sounds make Glide stand out from the crowd. You will hear sounds from Cuba, Brazil, Caribbean, and America. If you are interested in jazz, samba, Latin music, and rumba styles thrown into an experimental mix of aural colors, then Glide is right for you. Perhaps the only musical element indicative of Damjan's Croatian past is the piano. The jazzy nuances and tender melodies are ideal for fans of jazz and world music. Let Damjan take you on a journey where you glide effortlessly through the musical styles created by his mind and body. ~ Matthew Forss