CD Review: Justin Ancheta's 'Plant'

Justin Ancheta
Plant
Self-Release

The reggae-funk and jazz concoctions of Justin Ancheta are pronounced on his latest release, Plant. There are some Klezmer, acoustic, and indie-rock-influenced tunes that showcase a good variety. Part of the diverse song styles stem from a diverse instrumental repertoire, which includes djembe, bass, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, violin, clavinet, guitars, and various electronic accompaniment. With a background in Filipino/Spanish/English/Norwegian/American family roots, you know there has to be an ethnic bone in his body. Thankfully, all ethnicities are represented here, but jazz, folk, and funk seem to be at the top of the list. Justin Ancheta is a musician with a knack for creative songwriting that borders somewhere between Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd. Simply outstanding! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Charmaine Clamor's 'Something Good'

Charmaine Clamor

Something Good

FreeHam Records

As a follow-up to My Harana: A Filipino Serenade (Freeham, 2008), Charmaine Clamor is back once again with a stellar set of music. However, this time, she sheds the more traditional elements. Instead, Charmaine takes on pop-jazz-soul standards with the uppity "Feelin' Stevie," the laid-back "Every Single Moment," the Latin-focused "The Farther You Go," and the bluesy "Sweet Spot". Unlike previous albums, Something Good is mostly sung in English, because after-all, Charmaine is a Filipino-American. Her voice seemed to mature nicely for the music, whether it is called blues, pop, Latin, roots, or folk. Names aside, the music speaks for itself. Interestingly, the entire CD packaging is 100% recyclable. Thankfully, it should not come to that for listeners. Charmaine is right about one thing...and it is definitely 'something good.' ~ Matthew Forss