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: Afrolicious' 'Pleasuretime'

Afrolicious
Pleasuretime
ESL Music

With the success of Dub For Mali, Afrolicious attempts to create yet another mesmerizing mix of groovy, dub-laden tracks with a strong African and dance club vein. The result is a jazzy, groove-laden mix of swirling beats and melodies that are perfect for relaxing or dancing. The influences of Africa and the Caribbean are evident with a light dose of dub-n-bass, funk, and electronica. The use of ngoni, trumpet, congas, sax, flute, drums, bass, keyboard, and various programming provides a good instrumental package for the songs. The mostly instrumental tunes only run for about thirty-minutes in length, but the short journey of funky, hip beats are both pleasurable and afrolicious. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Funk Ark's 'High Noon'

The Funk Ark
High Noon
ESL Music

The Funk Ark is a plethora of funky, mood-driven, heady tunes that feature the funkiest music this side of Africa. In fact, the group is based in Washington, D.C.--not exactly Ghana. Nevertheless, the groovy, fun, and danceable rhythms are primarily influenced by the highlife, free jazz, and afro-rock music of the 1970s. High Noon features the sax, organ, trumpet, bass, percussion, and limited vocals. The music of Chopteeth and Fela Kuti come to mind. However, this is an album for a new generation of African music. Despite its Western title and cover imagery, High Noon is a product that carries the traditions of West Africa. High Noon is great for any part of day. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Novalima's 'Karimba'

Novalima
Karimba
ESL Music

The contemporary sounds of Lima, Peru come alive with Novalima's latest release, Karimba. The songs are richly textured with spicy nuances of aural colours that amaze all who listen to it. The upbeat rhythms and melodies are interspersed with electronic beats, dub sounds, and Afro-Peruvian leanings that never seem to fade away into an abyss of boredom. Leave your gourd shakers and pan flutes at home, as these guys rip up the terrain with exploding sounds of rhythmic beauty and passion that can only come from Novalima's repertoire. As a third release, Karimba shows no signs of falling into a pattern of dull beats or useless embellishments. The twelve tracks are dance-friendly and sure to send goosbumps up and down your body. Some of the more trance-like grooves cement its reputation as a catchy and addictive mix of soulful tunes from South America. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Funk Ark - From The Rooftops

The Funk Ark

From The Rooftops

ESL Music

The Washington, D.C.-based funk group creates groove-ladened, tracks inspired by the Latin and African dance scenes of the 1960's and 70's. The mostly instrumental treats are funkier than ever. The brainchild behind The Funk Ark is songwriter and keyboardist, Will Rast. Vocalist Asheru and Sitali lend their vocals to 'Funky DC'. The majority of the tracks are rooted in Afrobeat and Latinbeat music with little rest from the danceable rhythms and melodies. In fact, the music is brimming with life and energy. Interestingly, Noah's Ark wouldn't be large enough to contain the immense amount of funky happenings. From The Rooftops is a top-notch recording of beat music with funky swagger and soul that is as unforgettable as it is unique. Fans of funk, Afrobeat, dance, and classic Latin and Afro sounds of the 1960's and 70's will find The Funk Ark an especially rewarding surprise. ~ Matthew Forss