CD Review: Dalava's Self-Titled Release From Moravia

Dalava
Dalava
Sanasar Records

Dalava is led by vocalist, Julia Ulehla and guitarist, Aram Bajakian. The entire project brings together Moravian folk songs originally transcribed by ethnomusicologist and biologist, Dr. Vladimir Ulehla. The Moravian/Czech folk songs are reinvented by Julia and Aram, with special contributions on violin, acoustic bass, gumbri, and glockenspiel. The instrumentation is very Squonk Opera meets the Faroe Islands' Valravn. The magical sounds are sometimes heavy, construed, and stirring, which reflects the innovation of the performers. This is a contemporary recording with ancient songs that are ripe with folk, opera, and roots-inspired music. There is even a slight rock vein on a few tunes, but this is not rock music. Anyone interested in Moravian/Czech music, opera, folk, and fusion music will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Marta Topferova's Czech-Latin "TROVA"

Marta Topferova

Trova

World Village

Czech-born and New York-based, Marta Topferova, follows her 2006 release Flor Nocturna with the latest album, Trova. The Czech connection pretty much ends with her name. The music is primarily in Spanish, and indicative of the Latin/Caribbean troubadour-type ensembles. Interestingly, Trova is the root word for troubadour. It is only fitting that Trova would not fail to live up to the expectations of Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Latin American music fans everywhere. Marta's voice seems more mature, but wonderfully heartfelt. There is an element of fado or flamenco that creeps up throughout the album. Marta sings and plays the guitar and cuatro. This is probably the only Czech-born, Latin music-making musician you will ever come across. In that regard, Trova is a vital link between the Spanish and European worlds. If anything, you will smile and find your toes tapping to the percussive and rhythmic tunes of Marta Topferova. ~ Matthew Forss