CD Review: Soname's 'Natural Mind'

Soname
Natural Mind
Enja Records

Soname Yangchen is a vocalist from Tibet that draws upon traditional instrumental melodies and a seemingly never-ending supply of vocal fortitude. The pleasant melodies are accompanied by guitar, cello, kora, Tibetan lute, and drums for a truly serene and enticing set of songs. The music is more melodic and structured than another Tibetan songstress—Yungchen Lhamo. At any rate, the music is relatively contemporary with folk music influences and some pop elements, but this is not rock music or dance music. The thirteen songs are pleasant to the ears. There are also moments that are more reflective of Scandinavian folk music. All in all, Soname strikes a nice balance between traditional and contemporary compositions without sounding too overt. It should be easy to make up your mind for Natural Mind. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Forty Thieves Orkestar's 'Last Band Standing'

Forty Thieves Orkestar

Last Band Standing

Enja Records

The sounds of Eastern Europe are alive and well in the repertoire of the U.K.-based Forty Thieves Orkestar. In fact, Gypsy, Balkan brass, Klezmer, and a bit of street-beat music infiltrate the songs on Last Band Standing. The traditional instrumentation and modern beats provide an infectious and danceable sound throughout. The accordion, oud, violin, trumpet, tuba, cymbalom, clarinet, melodica, and electronic effects provide most of the musical accompaniment. The instrumental "Giza Stomp" is a classic tune of a definite Klezmer influence, as well as "Thaj Lel Europa" and "Belboeli," or the slightly jazz-focused "Uskudar". Whatever the influence or style, the Forty Thieves Orkestar is a transcontinental journey with enough melodies and rhythms to keep one dancing long into the morning hours. A total of ten tracks at just over forty-minutes provides a relatively short introduction to the music, but it is diverse and varied enough to keep one's attention long after the music stops. ~ Matthew Forss