CD Review: Estonia's Maarja Nuut's 'Une Meeles' (In The Hold Of A Dream)

Maarja Nuut
Une Meeles
Self-Release

Estonia's fiddler and singer, Maarja Nuut, releases her latest musical venture full of minimalist delicacies, mysterious electronic soundscapes, and light melodies with an experimental vibe. The vocals are akin to Vaartina in parts. However, the musical structures are similar to other artists from Scandinavia. The atmospheric sounds and somewhat industrial or metallic sounds on a few tracks showcases Maarja's creativity. For instance, the sound of a cell tower is the focus of "Kiik Tahab Kindaid." Maarja's classical Indian music studies shine through on some of the fiddle compositions, such as "Siidisulis Linnukene." Interestingly, some of the plucked string compositions reflect a North African sound not normally observed in Estonian music. Fans of Scandinavian folk and experimental music should find it very satisfying. Also, the vocal arrangements are not too far from Icelandic or Greenlandic influences. This is a very engaging and solid release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kyle Carey's 'North Star'

Kyle Carey
North Star
Americelta Records

The sparkling folk and roots music of Kyle Carey spans continents and time-spans that are unimaginably magical. The incorporation of American, Celtic, Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian leanings are evident throughout. Kyle's vocals are akin to European songstresses, Heidi Talbot and Karine Polwart. There are fiddle, mandolin, piano, cello, banjo, bass, guitar, and percussion elements that add to the folksy roots. Some songs connote a bright, sunny day, while others touch on love, loss, immigration, seasons, dreams, and even gospel connotations. The dozen songs represent morsels of delight that are enriched by the musical traditions of North America, Scandinavia, and the U.K. Fans of folk, roots, European music, and country will be amazed by the stuff on this album. I give North Star five big ones! Try it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hanneke Cassel's 'Dot The Dragon's Eyes'

Hanneke Cassel
Dot The Dragon's Eyes
Hearth Music

Based in Boston, Hanneke Cassel's fiery fiddling style incorporates a little Texas swagger, along with Cape Breton and Scottish music styles that make the entire project a foot-stompin' good time. There are twelve tracks that feature Hanneke's fiddle, but the piano, cello, viola, guitar, and trumpet are featured on other tracks for a truly unique and enjoyable experience. The somber and somewhat reflective "The Captain" features the earth fiddle, along with guitar and  other strings. Of course, a fiddle album would not be complete without a few waltzes, jigs, and reels, which are present here. The wholly instrumental album features great music with a mixed style that is sure to please fiddle fans and folk music connoisseurs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Zoumana Tereta's 'Soku Fola: Traditional String Music From Segou, Mali'

Zoumana Tereta
Soku Fola: Traditional String Music From Segou, Mali
Kanaga System Krush

Born in Bamako, Mali, Zoumana Tereta began playing music at age sixteen. Originally mastering the Krinyani stringed instrument native to the Fulani, Zoumana moved on to the soku fiddle and bonfle (Fulani flute). The soku fiddle is the primary instrument highlighted on the new album, Soku Fola... However, Zoumana is joined by other instruments, including the acoustic guitar, bass djeli n'goni, and calabash. The acoustic album is very organic and raw with various vocalizations and instrumental arrangements. The soku fiddle and calabash take the spotlight on "Sorre." Zoumana's husky voice is mature and intriguing. There are liner notes about each song, the instruments, and production notes. Anyone interested in learning more about North African music will especially love the recording from a seasoned veteran. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Childsplay's 'As The Crow Flies'

Childsplay
As The Crow Flies
Childsplay Records

Fiddle fans will rejoice with this one. Childsplay features singer, Lissa Schneckenburger and fourteen talented fiddlers that showcase instrumental greatness from Celtic and Irish origins. The sweeping melodies are organic, pleasant, and rustic. The sweet sounds emanate from the fiddles with glorious results. The meandering polka, "Childspey Strathsplay/Black Diamond Polka/Putney Mountain Polka," is a very soothing song that ends in a punchy and edgy manner, as all the instruments combine to provide a richly-textured result. "Leave No Millionaire Behind" opens with light guitars, symphonic strings, and light percussion that set the stage for a beautiful vocal set. A dozen tunes represent a good mix of jigs, polkas, waltzes, and folk fiddle tunes that incorporate some vocals. All in all, Childsplay is a great group for fans of folk, fiddle, and instrumental music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sean Tyrrell's 'Walker Of The Snow'

Sean Tyrrell
Walker Of The Snow
The Vital Record

Irish folk music is alive and well with the voice and fingertips of Sean Tyrrell. Sean's poetic interplay between folk, pop, country, and soul on the mandocello, mandola, banjo, and tenor guitar, awakens the spirit with a contemplative, timeless, and enigmatic work. The anthemic songs contain a host of instrumental accompaniment on keyboards, piano, whistles, bodhran, Hammond organ, fiddle, slide guitar, and others. This is Irish roots music at its finest. There are eighteen songs in all with nearly one-hour-and-ten-minute running length. This is not jig music. This is rather intimate, pensive, emotive, and mournful music with a strong story backbone. Anyone with an interest in Irish folk music without dance or jig music will love Sean's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarah Alden's 'Fists Of Violets'

Sarah Alden
Fists Of Violets
Hearth Music

The Appalachians are explored with Sarah Alden's classic voice and earthy fiddle. The folksy vocals are very nostalgic with hints of bluegrass, old-time, and European folk. There are various waltzes, dance tunes, and traditional tunes. The jaunty piano tune, "Old Man Moon," reflects an old-timey presence that is pure gold. The country-tinged, "Ruby, Honey Are You Mad At Your Man?," is a classy, folk-riddled tune that would seem quite fitting on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. "Dink's Tune" is a reflective tune with light percussion and fiddle fun that is somewhat indicative of Canada's April Verch. At any rate, the ten tracks reflect a great cross-section of folk, country, bluegrass, and even gypsy-type music. Fans of Euro folk, fiddle music, bluegrass, waltzes, Appalachian music, and old-time music will gobble up Sarah's Fists of Violets. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Firil's 'Smile Som Sumarsole'

Firil
Smile Som Sumarsole
Etnisk Musikklubb

Firil is led by Norwegian vocalist, Margit Myhr, but is joined by fellow countryman, Olav Luksengard Mjelva on Hardanger fiddle and Swedish musicians, Anders Hall on viola and octave fiddle with Adam Johansson on guitar. There is a mix of instrumental and vocal tunes throughout. The thirteen track release contains some soul-stirring and toe-twirling melodies that are upbeat, authentic, and raw. The sweet vocals of Margit Myhr are unforgettable and resemble the likes of Emma Hardelin and Jenny Wilhelm. The mostly traditional release brings together unique folk traditions from the Hallingdal region of Norway. Anyone familiar with traditional Scandinavian folk music will love it, yet it is accessible enough to entertain listeners in other world regions. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Annbjorg Lien's 'Khoom Loy'

Annbjorg Lien
Khoom Loy
Compass Records

As a Norwegian fiddler and traditional musician, Annbjorg Lien has enthralled listeners throughout the world for years. Khoom Loy, which is Thai for 'Paper Lanterns,' is a fun romp throughout the Scandinavian and Celtic fiddling worlds with lively nyckelharpa, guitar, zither, banjo, pedal steel, B3, mellotron, bass, assorted percussion, and various brass. The songs are mostly instrumental, but Annbjorg's vocals on "Khoom Loy,'' suggest a strong folk influence. The jazzy, jam outro on "Natten" and "Needles Eye" are most akin to many of the Dave Matthews Band jam sessions with lively percussion, strings, and horns. The buzuq, bouzouki, tabla, sarod, and related instruments provide a Middle Eastern and South Asian element on "Den Storste Daarlighed" and "Til." There are spirited moments, contemplative melodies, and jazzy sounds that truly encapsulate the essence of world music today. Nothing is cheesy here. This is one of the best albums from Annbjorg's repertoire. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Arto Jarvela & Kaivama's Self-Titled Release

Arto Jarvela & Kaivama
Arto Jarvela & Kaivama
Oart Musick

The Finnish-American folk duo, Kaivama, which is comprised of Sara Pajunen on fiddle and vocals and Jonathan Rundman on acoustic guitar, harmonium, mandolin, piano and vocals, is joined by Finnish-native, Arto Jarvela. Arto is a skilled fiddler, singofiddler, and esseharpaist. There are thirteen tracks that are mostly instrumental, but the vocals are as spritely as the fiery fiddling. The drone of the harmonium and uppity ambiance of the fiddle brings together two unifying sounds of splendid brilliance and folkish flare. Fans of folk music, Finnish music, and Scandinavian roots music will love the sweeping melodies and upbeat rhythms throughout the album. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Mickey Finns' 'Prayers and Idle Chatter'

The Mickey Finns
Prayers and Idle Chatter
Mankeltray Music

The Celtically-inspired gospel, punk, bluegrass, and folk collective, The Mickey Finns, creates an inspirational, upbeat, and refreshing album of excellent music. The opener, "Return of The Prodigal Son," is an energetic gospel-bluegrass tune with Celtic fiddle and guitar work. The seasoned vocals make the song shine with Celtic pride. "Tanks and Barbed Wire" is a slower tune with fiddle, percussion, and guitar. "The Jester" is a playful tune with lively strings, percussion, guitar, and plucked instruments. The vocals are good and the melody is upbeat and classy. The Celtic-bluegrass connection is not that far away here. "Be Minor" is an upbeat instrumental track with bass, fiddle, percussion, and jiggy guitar. The music is contemporary, but not electronic or dance-laden in that regard. However, a little toe-tapping is expected, along with some head-nodding. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Celtic music with an ear for bluegrass, gospel, punk, and folk idioms will love The Mickey Finns. I give it a 5 out of 5. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Haddo's 'Homecoming'

Haddo
Homecoming
Lulubug Records

The husband wife duo, Will and Nicky Pound, hail from England and bring us an exciting set of instrumental tunes on harmonica, melodeon, fiddle, viola, guitar, dobro, percussion, bass, and Baroque viola. The spritely melodies are not your average fiddle-stomping tunes, but there is an element of folk-driven fiddle-stomping. The metallic tones of the harmonica and melodeon provide a more structured set of music with varying sounds and rhythms that are never stale or ho-hum. There are Celtic, English, Scottish, North American bluegrass/country, and classical influences throughout. Haddo knows how to 'folk-us' on what really matters when it comes to creating beautiful instrumental music. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Real Vocal String Quartet's 'Four Little Sisters'

Real Vocal String Quartet
Four Little Sisters
Flower Note Records

The San Francisco-area quartet finds music and beauty in jazz, pop, string, and classic traditions. RVSQ is Irene Sazer on violin and vocals, Alisa Rose on violin and vocals, Dina Maccabee on viola and vocals, and Jessica Ivry on cello and vocals. "Machine" is a Regina Spektor song with delicate vocals and writhing string melodies. "Homage To Oumou" is a plucked string tribute and vocal medley in honor of Oumou Sangare--a female diva from Mali, Africa. Though, the string arrangements represent Scandinavian traditions. There are prancing tunes of Brazilian charm ("Copo Vazio"), Cajun folk music ("Allons a Lafayette"), and a David Byrne cover ("Knotty Pine"). The diverse material on the album is easily captured on the strings and vocal melodies without leading to boredom. String fans unite with the pleasant instrumental and vocal magic of the Real Vocal String Quartet. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Norge, Mitt Norge...?'

Various Artists
Norge, Mitt Norge...?
KKV

The national identity of Norway is preserved, yet reinvented, with historical songs made anew for today's generation. However, the songs are still folk centered and light pop with equal doses of classical and jazz. The title is translated as 'Norway, My Norway.' The music is arranged by Valkyrien Allstars, but Moddi, Aissa Tobi, Trond Granlund, Viggo Sandvik, Osla Fagottkor, Sudan Dudan, and Solveig Slettahjell have their hand in the mix, too. The thirteen track release is largely a folk music compilation that was recorded in an old Parliamentary room in Oslo, where the concept of Norway as an independent state was decided between 1814 and 1854. The music contains fiddles, drums, bright vocals, bass, and horns. The melody of "Deilig er Norden," resembles "Beautiful Savior"--a popular Christian hymn. Anyone with an interest in folk music from Scandinavia will love this one. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tritulen's Self-Titled Release From Scandinavia

Tritulen
Tritulen
Etnisk Musikklubb

 The Norwegian trio of Ebba Jacobsson, Jonas Akerlund, and Anette Thorsheim bring us contemporary folk music from Norway and Sweden on their latest self-titled release. The music is composed and performed on guitar, accordion, and fiddle. The group performs love songs, spiritual pieces, and dance tunes. The mix of vocals and instrumentals makes the songs really come alive with Scandinavian charm and amazement. The fourteen tracks are rich with folk traditions and sweet melodies that are crystal clear and pure. The floating vocals and pensive instrumentation makes Tritulen shimmer with icy-smooth executions. The lack of electric embellishments does not necessarily make the music lackluster. In fact, the cozy nature of the intimate melodies and notes are perfect enough for packing large stadiums or a house filled with family members sitting around a roaring fireplace in the dead of winter. Fans of Scandinavian folk music will find Tritulen a perfect companion in times of musical yearning. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Persian Azeri Trio's 'Persian Azeri Project: From Shiraz To Baku'

Persian Azeri Trio
Persian Azeri Project: From Shiraz To Baku
ARC Music

The Persian Azeri Trio consists of Iran's Pejman Hadadi on percussion and Hamid Motebassem on tar and setar. The kamancha is played by Azerbaijan's Imamyar Hasanov. Together, the trio perfect traditional modes of musicianship for a completely acoustic concoction of melodic modes, folk dances, and improvisational forms. The wholly instrumental works provide a perfect environment for each instrument to shine through and sound harmoniously with each other. There are plaintive moments, as well as more up-beat tempos that take on Central Asian charm. The efficient playing styles and instrumental arrangements are well worth a listen. Be careful; as the instrumental tones are addictive. Liner notes are in English and German. This is the sound of the Silk Road. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lac La Belle's 'Bring On The Light'

Lac La Belle
Bring On The Light
Double Lot

The music of Appalachia is not particularly well-known in the state of Michigan, but Lac La Belle is set to change all that. Jennie Knaggs is the primary vocalist, but she also plays the accordion, ghost fiddle (spooky!), guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. Nick Schillace is also a vocalist, but plays the 12-string guitar, 5 and 6-string banjo, and resonator guitar. The thirteen songs represent heartfelt, lyrical displays of good'ol folk music with splendid picking, plucking, and strumming. Jennie's vocals are sweet, smooth, and crystal clear throughout. Jennie's vocals are reminiscent of Shawn Colvin's earlier days. The mostly instrumental "New Memories of Oklahoma" contains a good dose of plucking splendor that shines with Appalachian nostalgia and Jennie's folksy vocals. The guitar-driven "Housebreaker" contains Nick's vocals, alongside the banjo. The rousing blues and rock-tinged "I Am A Hammer" is littered with folk leanings and Appalachian charm with Nick's old timey voice. Fans of Appalachian folk music, Americana, and old time music will love the music of Lac La Belle. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Darryl Gregory's 'Big Texas Sky'

Darryl Gregory
Big Texas Sky
Emptyhead Musikwerks

Darryl Gregory's home-base in Connecticut is not the usual place for creating alternative country music. However, Darryl succeeds with his latest release, Big Texas Sky, and doesn't let his New England base affect his Texas roots. The release is rather short, but it contains seven diverse alternative country, pop, or folk compositions for a total of thirty-two minutes. The bluesy-rock song, "Prayer & Hallelujah," is steeped in Southern guitar stylings--the 'gospel' of the musical South. The pensive piano ramblings of "Aunt Jean's Piano" contains a loving, devotional sound with vocals from Michel Rae Driscoll and Jim Allyn on fiddle and mandolin. Darryl's contribution is not limited to vocals and guitars--the drums and piano are also played. "Workin' Man" contains a steel or ironworker sound of hammering with a gritty, muffled vocal track amidst a bluesy background. Overall, Darryl aims high with Big Texas Sky and leaves a few good songs for us to soak up. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Le Vent Du Nord's 'Tromper le temps'

Le Vent Du Nord
Tromper le temps
Borealis Records

Canada's folk group, Le Vent Du Nord, is a classy, folk-fiddling, and foot-stomping group with an uncanny ability to create memorable tracks and timeless memories. Le Vent Du Nord is Simon Beaudry, Nicolas Boulerice, Rejean Brunet, and Olivier Demers. The French-Canadian songsters incorporate a range of instruments, which provide a full, folk feel. The bouzouki, guitar, hurdy gurdy, piano, piano-accordion, bass, diabetic accordion, jaw harp, fiddle, electric guitar, and mandolin round out the instrumental repertoire. The vocals are somewhat aligned with European folk, Celtic, and Scottish melodies and rhythms, which are still uniquely Canadian. Thirteen wonderful tracks highlight the group's charm and energetic, instrumental displays. This is great for clogging, dancing, and relaxing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Maria Misgeld's 'Romans i moll'

Maria Misgeld
Romans i moll
Misgeld Music

Romans i moll (Romance in B minor) is the latest release by Sweden's Maria Misgeld. The angelic voice is beautiful and entrancing no matter what key it is in. This album contains limited instrumentation, but that does not detract from the musical qualities of the compositions. Maria's vocals are accompanied by Olle Lindvall on nylon acoustic guitar; Olof Misgeld on fiddle and viola; and Arne Forsen on harmonium. The traditional songs reflect a truly, Scandinavian presence without the addition of drums, rock tunes, or dance music. The mostly Swedish tunes are also on the same album with Finnish and Norwegian tunes. Inspired by historical places throughout Sweden, Maria sings sweet melodies and tunes with the exuberance of fellow countrywomen, Emma Hardelin and Jenny Wilhelms. Steeped in folk traditions, Romans i moll sets the new standard for Swedish folk music today. You will love it! ~ Matthew Forss