CD Review: Vahagni's 'Imagined Frequencies'

Vahagni
Imagined Frequencies
Self-Release

Armenian-born and LA-based, Vahagni is a talented guitarist and composer with an intuitive ability to cross genres and borders with his unique musical style. Vahagni weaves through flamenco, world jazz, classical, folk, and Afro-Spanish worlds via guitars and a range of strings, percussion, and sequencing. The flamenco-induced, "Sketches of Dali," is especially intriguing and upbeat. The Afro-Spanish-influenced, "Hov arek sarer jan," contains soft vocals from Buika for an otherwise Armenian song. The serene melodies are akin to Baaba Maal or other Senegalese performers. Vahagni brings in piano, bass, drums, percussion, blul, duduk, violin, cello, and a few other instruments for an adventurous palette of sound. The dreamy and somewhat pensive, "Pendulum," is ideal for relaxing or dreaming. Over forty-minutes and eleven tracks represent a wide range of music from Vahagni that is highly-praised for good reason. Fans of Matthew Montfort and Lawson Rawlins will enjoy Vahagni. Experience Vahagni's Imagined Frequencies for yourself (and for a friend). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: David Correa's 'New Moon'

David Correa
New Moon
BajaTSR Records

David Correa is a very talented Spanish guitar player from California with a knack for flamenco, rumba, and folk song structures over a fifty-minute medley of heavenly sounds in an instrumental arrangement. However, "Tierra Roja" is the only track with vocals, which are provided by David himself. The tunes are not just Spanish guitar tunes--they are complex creations of musical delight backed by a slew of instruments, including bass, palmas, drums, congas, bongo, cajon, darbuka, udu, timbale, violin, and other acoustic guitars. The Spanish guitar is the lead instrument on this album. The melodies ebb-and-flow with a calming influence throughout. The plaintive, yet up-beat musical tone is refreshing and relaxing. Fans of Matthew Montfort and Lawson Rollins will love David Correa's latest venture. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bill Gable's 'No Straight Lines'

Bill Gable
No Straight Lines
Self-Release

From the Midwestern United States, Bill Gable carves a niche in the pop and jazz standard genre with poignant and personal songs backed by flamenco, world jazz, neo-classical, and pop elements. The songs are slow-tempo morsels of ear candy that incorporates a stellar musical cast, including Steve Rodby, Jimmy Haslip, Larry Goldings, Greg Ellis, and a few others. Inspired by destinations never reached, No Straight Lines offers a spirited record of hope, love, and freedom to be one's self--no matter what people say. Subtle jazz horns, delicate acoustic guitars, and light percussive arrangements cement Bill Gable in a group of very talented musicians. Fans of laid-back, neo-classical, jazz, and pop standards with a world music presence will love No Straight Lines. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Lawson Rollins' 'Traveler'

Lawson Rollins
Traveler
Infinita Records

Many influences grace the sounds on Traveler by Lawson Rollins. The instrumental tunes represent a romp through world jazz, flamenco, lounge, improvisation, and even Latin America. The fiery guitar stylings, edgy percussion, flashy horns, punchy piano, and lively strings from the hands of Mads Tolling, Charlie Bisharat, Randy Tico, Dave Bryant, Cameron Stone, and even some Big Dad Voodoo Daddy members. The spritely strings and earthy rhythms of "Cafe Paris" conjures up images of gypsy, Roma, or Cape Verdean sounds, most likely due to the clarinet. "Berlin Bossa" incorporates some Bach influences, while "Meeting In Madrid" fuses jazz with flamenco and roots for a truly exciting journey. There are twelve tracks to enjoy for over an hour of fun. Each tune is new and reveals a varied array of influences that are never dull or unimaginative. Lawson takes listeners on musical journeys that are fun-filled and authentic. Your first trip should be to your local music store or online retailer for Traveler. No fluff here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ali Khattab's 'Sin Pais'

Ali Khattab
Sin Pais
Nesma Music

Egyptian composer, vocalist and guitarist, Ali Khattab, brings us a rousing mix of world fusion imbibed with an African, Arabic, and Andalusian presence. The flamenco-type melodies and instrumentation are mostly instrumental throughout, but Ali adds some vocals. There are Arabic forms, tangos, rumba, Sufi trance, and other indistinct musical qualities that add a blend of intense rhythms and contemplative tones. The music is created with the oud, violin, flute, double bass, duff, darbuca, palmas, req, and cajon. The most important aspect of the album is the origins of the music are multi-factoral and heavily influenced by various world music traditions. However, the music tends to flow very well without sounding disorderly or out-of-place. Ali succeeds with Sin Pais without any complaints here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Roxanna's 'Exotica'

Roxanna
Exotica
RoxArt

Born in Iran and based in North America, Roxanna brings a classical voice to the forefront in world fusion and pop-based songs on her latest, seventeen-track release, Exotica. Roxanna's sensual voice is matched by Chris Botti's sensuous trumpet sounds backed by a fusion of pop and world music arrangements. The Latin and flamenco-tinged, "Unforgotten," is an exotic medley of sounds that evoke nothing but magic and mystery. "The Air That I Breathe" is a slow, jazzy, pop standard song with breathy vocals and swishy percussion backed by jazzy piano melodies. "Only You" begins with sparkling guitar sounds and flamenco-like rhythms. Roxanna's vocals are akin to another fellow countrywoman, Nazanin (a former Miss World). Every song is different, but they do not touch urban, dance, rock, or classical genres. Exotica is a great mix of world music styles backed with a great voice. The result is a winning combination that is highly-desirable. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alex Skolnick's 'Planetary Coalition'

Alex Skolnick
Planetary Coalition
Artist Share

Alex Skolnick is a true world music pioneer--coming from the worlds of metal, jazz, rock, and now ethnic--Planetary Coalition is a global album with over two-dozen artists contributing to its production. There are some great instrumentals on this album, as well as great vocals coming from only two tracks featuring Kiran Ahluwalia and Yacouba Sissoka. The instrumentals are jam-worthy, flamenco-tinged, alternative rock incarnations, and avant-garde expressions of musical tastes from far-away lands. Some of the instruments include bass, santoor, horns, several different guitars, tabla, violin, qanun, darbouka, accordion, piano, pipa, riq, oud, and more. Most of the songs are original, too. Fans of world guitar music, global tunes, and instrumental variations will love Alex's new release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cinco Santos' 'Duplicidad'

Cinco Santos
Duplicidad
Motivo Music Group

Formed by Lorenzo Montero of Canadian and Spanish decent, Cinco Santos embodies the spirit of Latin fusion incorporating various singers, guitarists, and musicians from Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. The moving "Azucar y Amor" is a gypsy, flamenco, and fusion tune with jazzy, Latin elements that are ripe with roots, folk, and breezy rhythms. "Nunca Mas" is an edgy, Latin fusion track with a choppy beat and great guitar accompaniment. "Te Quiero Aqui" opens with an industrial element that quickly delves into a Latin jazz and flamenco tune. "Duplicidad" begins with a jingly guitar and bass opening that includes an edgy vocal line that infuses a lighter guitar accompaniment throughout. There is a mix of grunge, Latin jazz, and Latin pop with rock, roots, and folk throughout. Without a clearly-defined path, Cinco Santos feel better forging their own path of music with mixed Latin influences for a truly engaging and charming mix of music. Fans of Latin fusion, jazz, Latin rock, flamenco, gypsy, and South American pop will love Duplicidad. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Meikhaneh's 'La maison de l'ivresse'

Meikhaneh
La maison de l'ivresse
Self-Release

France's Meikhaneh produces intriguing music inspired by Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The group incorporates a little Central Asian throat-singing on "Jaran tsagaan aduu." Maria Laurent's sweet vocals and her stately morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) combines to form a unique blend of vocal and instrumental music. Maria is joined by Johanni Curtet on guitar, dombra, various chants, as well as Milad Pasta on tombak, daf, and udu drum. The music is more French inspired with wistful melodies and breezy vocals on "Mellekdal" and a more somber tone on "La fille qui tourne dans une piece blanche." "O leite e o pao" contains more of a flamenco or Portuguese flair. The final track, "Talyn theme," is an improvisational masterpiece with glorious instrumentation and enigmatic vocals that are sweet, sincere, and traditional. Meikhaneh is a group based in France, but their repertoire originates from other world regions. At any rate, Meikhaneh knows how to make an album that is entertaining, memorable, and highly-recommended. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Calaita's 'Flamenco Son'

Calaita
Flamenco Son
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Formed by Chico Pere, Glenn Sharp, and Leo Paredes in Spain, Calaita performs contemporary flamenco music, which draws upon years of traditional flamenco infusions laid-down by previous performers. The original music contains plenty of Latin jazz, rumba, world fusion, and easy-listening folk music elements. Chico Pere and Diana Castro are vocalists, while Chico plays the guitar, as well. Glenn is a guitarist, Leo Paredes is a cajon player, and Matt Nickson is a flutist and sax player. The gentle, sweeping guitar melodies are best when combined with vocals, but the instruments stand strong on their own. There are ten great tracks sung in Spanish. Fans of Latin, Spanish, Caribbean, Cuban, Mexican, and South American folk music traditions will love Flamenco Son. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ferenc's 'Gypsy Dream'

Ferenc
Gypsy Dream
Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings

Classically-trained and world famous, Ferenc is a violinist with a gypsy soul and a fusion touch. The instrumental recording brings together acoustic guitar, violin, piano, acoustic bass, tambura, tabla, viola, percussion, and violincello for a somewhat jazzy, gypsy, and flamenco-tinged result. Ferenc's violin is rather folksy and energetic, but always emotive. The music ebbs and flows with such a musical intensity that it is difficult to ignore for any length of time. The music is jazz-based with a folklore foundation bridging Ferenc's Hungarian roots with the classical world in a jazz setting. The flowing piano melodies are appropriately-accompanied by skillful percussion sections and a medley of strings, guitars, and acoustic presence. Fans of instrumental gypsy music with a world fusion, jazz, and folk backbone will definitely find happiness in the tracks of Gypsy Dream. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Fernando's Kitchen's 'Musica Fina'

Fernando's Kitchen
Musica Fina
Self-Release

London's Fernando's Kitchen brings us a medley of world fusion sounds that traverse the Spanish shores to West Africa, Latin America, and beyond. The music is inspired by world rhythms and the group's worldwide origins with members coming from Argentina, South Africa, Italy, Greece, and Spain. The music is flamenco based with organic guitars, effervescent percussion, sweet melodies, instrumental arrangements, and Afro-Latin-tinged compositions. The music bubbles with a jazzy spirit full of lush horns and swaying melodies and rhythms. The easy-going tunes, infectious grooves, world fusion sounds, sensual vocals, and moving rhythms celebrate the group's iconic repertoire and message. Fans of flamenco and world fusion with a side of jazz will love the eight-tracks on Musica Fina. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rebeca Vallejo's 'Azucar, Canela'

Rebeca Vallejo
Azucar, Canela
WMB Productions

Spanish songstress, Rebeca Vallejo, brings us a mix of flamenco, romantic medleys, jazzy piano, and Brazilian musical flavors on her latest release, Azucar, Canela, which means, 'sugar, cinnamon.' The flavorful title sets the musical tone for a spicy and sweet collection of lounge jazz tunes and effervescent instrumental arrangements. The suavity of Rebeca's voice is heartfelt, joyous, and emotive. There are ten tracks with two bonus tracks. The piano, percussion, accordion, and vocals are the mainstay of the album. The flowing piano melodies are timeless and definitely a favorite on the album. The punchy sounds and beautiful vocals are top-notch and very likable. Taste it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Diego's Umbrella's 'Proper Cowboy'

Diego's Umbrella
Proper Cowboy
Ninth Street Opus

San Francisco-based gypsy rock masters, Diego's Umbrella, is a riot live and on their new recording, Proper Cowboy. With a title nod to spaghetti Westerns, there is something wild and unabashed in Diego's music. The musically-rich "Thrash Mexican Budapest" is a lively gypsy thrash/rock anthem that is catchy, entertaining, and clearly the best track on the album. The heady, dance-friendly "Bulletproof Shine" screams of gypsy street ska with some urban beats. "Amsterdam Pt. 1" contains haunting fiddle, militaristic drumming, and cinematic symphonies of aural color. "Amsterdam Pt. 2" is not an instrumental tune like its predecessor. Instead, this song is more of a rock anthem with English vocals and a contemporary edge. Fans of klezmer, gypsy rock, and fun party music should check out Diego's Umbrella. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Del Castillo's 'Infinitas Rapsodias' [CD/DVD]

Del Castillo
Infinitas Rapsodias [CD/DVD]
Smilin' Castle Records

Texas-based Del Castillo excite crowds with their energetic songs and charismatic personalities. Thankfully, this is all captured on their latest release, Infinitas Rapsodias. Five new songs and several previoiusly-released favorites are presented here. Many of the songs are upbeat, flamenco, and Latin/rock gems. The vocal harmonies, ballad-esque songs, and party tunes are all here. "Mujer Angel" is a lovely ballad that could be featured on any contemporary music chart in the USA and other countries, for that matter. The solemn guitar solo electrifies the soul. As a bonus, a DVD is included tht features a behind-the-scenes look at producing the album. It also containsa video for "Canta de Alma" and three covers: "Listen To The Music," What A Wonderful World," and While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Overall, the flamenco and gypsy-driven music is peppered with doses of rock and folk, which are funky, groovy, and unforgettable. Whatever you call it, 'amazing' comes to mind. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Buika's 'En Mi Piel' [2 CD]

Buika
En Mi Piel [2 CD]
Warner Music

Hailing from Spain and born of Equatorial Guinean parents, Buika (pronounced BWEE-kah) is a vocalist with sincerity that seeps through every part of the album. The 2-CD set includes a lively, Spanish-infused concoction of brooding love songs, emotional deliveries, and danceable song structures. En Mi Piel, which means, 'in my skin,' is an evocative title that represents her comfortable and emotive songwriting skills and personal stories. The Spanish-language album contains upbeat tunes on percussion, piano, acoustic guitar, and a variety of strings and horns. The intense vocalizations are more varied than Cape Verde's Lura; not as smooth as Ethiopia's Saba; and almost reminiscent of Uzbekistan's Yulduz Usmanova. At any rate, the writhing percussion and swirling vocals wrap around the listener like the warmth of a Mediterranean sunset. The inviting repertoire is similar to fado or flamenco stylings--both of which are popular music forms in the global music community. The African music links are less than evident on this recording. As a result, fans of European fado and flamenco-type music with a little Andalusian embellishments and jazz will find solace and fun in En Mi Piel. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jelena Jakubovitch's 'Burn Burn Gypsy Love'

Jelena Jakubovitch
Burn Burn Gypsy Love
Ajabu

Russian-born and Stockholm resident, Jelena Jakubovitch, sets the stage with an amazing set of Russian poetry sung in an emotive and seductive style in the vein of Latin and Gypsy rhythms. Jelena's lyrics in Russian speak volumes--even if you may not be able to understand the words. Notably, the song lyrics are printed in the liner notes in English. Nevertheless, Jelena incorporated Gypsy rhythms from beyond Western Europe--with sounds coming from Middle Eastern, Spanish, Mediterranean, and Scandinavian roots. The classical and jazzy compositions contain splendid rhythms and melodies. Jelena's voice is as strong as the Czech Republic's Vera Bila or Cape Verde's late-Cesaria Evora. At any rate, Burn Burn Gypsy Love is burning with fiery passion and rustic vocals that awaken the heart of the human spirit. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Las Guitarras de Espana's 'Tantas Cosas'

Las Guitarras de Espana

Tantas Cosas

Novo

The Chicago-based group, Las Guitarras de Espana (The Guitars of Spain), releases their fifth album with Tantas Cosas (Many Things). The Spanish-tinged music incorporates a few different, progressive genres, including flamenco, rock, blues, country, alternative, African, middle eastern, Indian, pop, and New Age. The party-driven opener, "Tantas Cosas," is an excellent song that amps up the celebratory atmosphere of the album. The bluesy "Cejilla" continues the party reverie, as a sort of Latino rock with a heavy dose of caffeine. The vibrant vocals of Patricia Ortega leads the way with providing a youthful and bright voice that matches the music in both color and tone. The more traditional and quieter "Invierno" is a great song of folklorico music. The diverse songs and superlative instrumentation provides a wonderful mix of melodies, musical history, and character. In short, The Guitars of Spain incorporate a global mix of music to their 'Latin' repertoire that expands the borders of tradition into something spectacular. A must-have for fans of Latin, Spanish, flamenco, Think of One, Gypsy Kings, and other similar genres and groups. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alexis Cuadrado's 'Noneto Iberico'

Alexis Cuadrado

Noneto Iberico

BJURecords

As a bassist, composer, and co-founder of BJURecords, Alexis Cuadrado has amassed a stunningly-talented group of musicians for his latest release, Noneto Iberico. The reference to flamenco-jazz is particularly evident with the addition of trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, sax, flute, drums, bass, and assorted percussion. The album is more akin to the jazzy-fusion of Latin America or tropical beat music. The entire album is instrumental and definitely explores the jazzier side of life without compromising the innate cultural elements of the songs. The shortest song is only six minutes, while the longest song is seventeen-and-a-half minutes. Eight tracks in all round out the listening experience. Everything from tropical, Latin, jazz, big band, cool/smooth jazz, and other related genres emanate from this release. If you are a fan of Norman Hedman, Brian Hughes, or Tito Puente, then this is for you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kat Parra's Sephardic Songs

Kat Parra

Dos Amantes

JazzMa Records

Sephardic songstress, Kat Parra, brings us another fine set of songs with an Afro-Latin twist. Kat sings in multiple languages, including Ladino, Spanish, English, and Portuguese. The lyrics provided in the liner notes are mostly Spanish/Ladino and English. Each song is subtitled with a general music category for easy reference. These categories include rumba, afro-peruvian lando, sephardic world jazz, afro-latin, north african jazz, afro-cuban, and afro-caribbean. Consequently, the album's musical arrangements mimic the abovementioned musical cultures. However, Kat's musicianship still retains a unique sound with limited brass and string compositions and a mix of woodwinds, keyboards, bass, varied percussion, and drums. The romantic sounds of Kat's voice and the instruments appropriately encapsulates the true essence of Dos Amantes (Two Lovers). A classy release from a classy vocalist! ~ Matthew Forss