CD Review: Sarakina's 'Live In Studio'

Sarakina
Live In Studio
Amadeus

The Polish band, Sarakina, brings us a new album recorded during a live concert at Studio Rembrandt by Polish Radio Bialystok in Poland on February 23, 2014. The contemporary folk and Balkan musical connections are prevalent throughout with lush percussion and swirling rhythms led by strong, neo-classical vocals by Eliza Sacharczuk. Eliza's vocals are joined by kaval, bagpipes, tupan, tambura, clarinet, double-bass, and assorted percussion. The instrumental sections are vibrant, magical, and somewhat whimsical. The haunting and breathy kaval flute and organic drums, along with the dizzying sounds of the bagpipes, allows the album to explore various musical styles and influences ranging from the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Turkey, and Western Europe. There are some applause segments at the end of the songs, but it does not interfere with the flow of the album. The recording quality is excellent overall. Fans of Balkan folk, European folk, instrumental fusion, and lively world music will love Sarakina. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: TriBeCastan's 'Coal, Again!'

TriBeCastan
Coal, Again!
Evergreene Music

Christmastime will never be the same once this is released. The folks of TriBeCastan continue to amaze us with a world fusion of sorts, but this time it revolves around a holiday. There are some basic Christmas favorites here with some tongue-in-cheek stuff going on, including "Silver Bells," "Little Drummer Boychik," "Good King What's His Name?," "Carol Of The Bells," "Jingle Bells," and "O Little Town Of Bethlemayhem." The instrumental tunes might have a few spoken words throughout the entire album. The music is loosely based on the Christmas classics, but the main melodies and rhythms are all there. In this case, the group brings together a world presence with a multitude of gifts, including instruments as diverse as a royal benju, fujara, citera, khomak, yayli tambur, and others. The lilting melodies capture a bit of a South Pacific or Hawaiian feel on some of the tunes, while jazzy and layered elements create dizzying possibilities on others. Who knew 'coal' could be this fun? This is an excellent stocking stuffer for the eclectic music fan. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Nile Project's 'Aswan'

The Nile Project
Aswan
Self-Release

The Nile Project brings together eighteen musicians from several countries, including Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan, that present traditional music with contemporary rhythms. The North African instrumentation is rather indigenous and vibrant, which stems from the rustic masinko, traditional drums, some strings, a sax, and numerous voices. This recording is a live album recorded at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts that captures the energy and life-force of the music in all its splendor. Heady rhythms, wild vocals, and swirling melodies entrance listeners from around the world throughout the fifteen tracks. Fans of North African, Ethiopian, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern music will love Aswan. It's accessible for young and old listeners alike. Head over to Africa with The Nile Project as your guide. You will definitely not be disappointed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Captain Planet's 'Esperanto Slang'

Captain Planet
Esperanto Slang
Bastard Jazz Recordings

The global sounds of Captain Planet's music brings out the funkiest grooves known to mankind on their latest release, Esperanto Slang. There is an underlying South American funk sound mixed with urban hip-hop, dance, psychedelic, and Afro-beat concoctions that bring the music to life. A dozen tracks and a dozen different tunes represents Captain Planet's latest release. The international grooves and musical influences could not have been accomplished without the help of contributing musicians, such as Samira Winter, Chico Mann, Brit Lauren, Alsarah, La Yegros, Paco Mendoza, and a few others. The laid-back, almost reggae-tinged, "In The Gray," is a beautiful anthem with lush vocals, a catchy melody, and urban influences with a trippy, dance-groove. "Safaru" is another gem on the recording with a contemporary beat and world jazz arrangement. Anyone seeking contemporary groove music from South America to Central Africa north to European clubs and back to the Caribbean region will love the trans-cultural music of Captain Planet. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tour de Force's 'Battle Cry' Double-Disc

Tour de Force
Battle Cry [2 CD]
Dub-Stuy Records

When all the top reggae and dub DJ's in the world come together; Battle Cry results. The impressive two-disc release contains ten different tracks on Disc 1. The dub-steady, electronic, and funk-infused concoctions bring in some guest musicians, including Brother Culture, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Jay Spaker, and Luciano. The whole mix is dub, hip-hop, urban, reggae, and electronic dance music with a soul. Disc 2 contains remixes of eight songs on Disc 1. Most of the songs on Disc 2 contain at least two different remixes per track. Overall, Tour de Force is a great collection of dub-songs with a heavy beat and reggae ambiance. Fans of dub, reggae, dance, electronica, world fusion, and contemporary music will find solace in Battle Cry. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ayelet Rose Gottlieb's 'Roadsides'

Ayelet Rose Gottlieb
Roadsides
Arogole Music

Born in Jerusalem, Ayelet Rose Gottlieb brings us a magical and historical release of Hebrew songs with some Palestinian vocals, a jazzy repertoire, and avant garde set-up that is both relaxing and innovative. The sauntering songs are loaded with jazzy effects, but the music is a kind of fusion that is born out of Middle Eastern, Arabic, and Ladino musical styles. The music is very dreamy, contemplative, and authentic. Ayelet's vocals are inspirational, playful, and mature. The music is sometimes giddy, too. Overall, the album is so diverse and varied that it is difficult to categorize it in one word. Anyone interested in Middle Eastern, Arabic, flamenco, Ladino, folk, roots, world fusion, avant garde, and world jazz will love Roadsides. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pharaoh's Daughter's 'Dumiyah'

Pharaoh's Daughter
Dumiyah
Magenta

The great Basya Schechter is the Pharaoh's Daughter's chief vocalist and progenitor of the group. The Jewish-inspired and infused concoctions are actually pan-global with tons of influences coming from North American psych, Mediterranean folk/rock, and Middle Eastern music. The diverse song styles and multi-instrumental compositions create an engaging world fusion of sorts that succeeds on all accounts. The refreshingly authentic and memorable grooves are carried by Basya's female vocals that float effortlessly throughout the melodies. The music incorporates the synth, electric guitar, shofar, hammered dulcimer, acoustic guitar, resonator guitar, santoor, kora, ney, tuba, trumpet, and more. The entire production is contemporary with traditional elements that are very catchy and majestic overall. A very good recording to say the least. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amanda Martinez' 'Manana'

Amanda Martinez
Manana
Self-Release

Canadian-based and Latin-influenced, Amanda Martinez astounds audiences with her third release, Manana. The Latin-based release incorporates a bit of jazz, flamenco, pop, and folk amid a world music fusion of sorts that just works. The vocals are in Spanish and English with detailed liner notes for each song included. The English-sung, "Frozen," is a contemplative, swirling song of angelic melody and longing humility. The giddy and vibrant, "Esperanza Viva," contains a great Latin rhythm and catchy melody with full percussion, drums, guitars, and back-up vocals on this pop-centered track. "Nuevos Caminos" continues in the Latin traditions with heartfelt vocals and a great percussion set that is enthralling and memorable. The jazzy, "No hay Distancia," opens with a pensive trumpet and a slow, minimalist beat with Amanda's smoky voice that is both tender and authentic. Amanda showcases her vocal talent in-line with classic singers from Latin America, but in a youthful, nostalgic manner. Overall, Manana is a real treat for fans of Latin music in general. This is not your typical flamenco/conga/drum music, as it moves beyond those monikers and incorporates other styles and instruments to make it very appealing and worthy of repeated listens. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Eccodek's 'Singing In Tongues'

Eccodek
Singing In Tongues
Big Mind/Black Swan

Canadian-based, Eccodek brings us a new recording of global dance, fusion, and world music that mixes contemporary electronica with exotic dub, ethnic folk, and indigenous voices and languages for a truly global journey. The music is a bit more spacious and varied than the music of Tulku. However, there are some trance elements from South Asia and Africa. The groove-laden bass-lines, killer rhythms, and infectious sounds make Eccodek shimmer with a multinational beauty. Eccodek is joined by kirtan singer, Onkar Singh, hip-hop hipster, MC Yogi, Balkan beacon, Meral Mert, and Morgan Doctor - a talented drummer. Of course, there are additional musicians and instruments, which make up the rest of the album. Various guitars, flutes, percussion instruments, horns, and far-reaching sounds blend with several different languages. The whole album is a success; so it is nothing new for Eccodek. ~ 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: Charlie Dennard's 'From Brazil To New Orleans'

Charlie Dennard 
From Brazil To New Orleans
Self-Release

Charlie Dennard takes listeners on a jazz journey through lounge, boogaloo, fusion, and Brazilian music throughout the nine long tracks on the new album. As the title of the album implies, Charlie brings us a mix of jazz-inspired tunes with an homage to Brazilian composers and the multi-cultural powerhouse of southern Louisiana. The instrumental tunes are full of jazzy melodies and rhythms that contain punchy horns, folksy percussion, and contemporary jazz elements. The lounge jazz feel of some of the tracks is permeated with some Brazilian fusion and improvisational elements, which only adds to the enjoyment of the entire album. The piano offers some meditative influences on "Asa Branca" and "Senhorinha." The bluesy side of jazz rears its head on "Valsa Luisiana." The smooth jazz and Afro-funk fusion of "Africa Mae" is stellar. Overall, Charlie releases a great final product, which bridges the gap between Brazil and New Orleans from a musical standpoint. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sousou & Maher Cissoko's 'Africa Moo Baalu'

Sousou & Maher Cissoko
Africa Moo Baalu
Arc Music

Swedish/Senegalese-couple, Sousou and Maher Cissoko, bring us an inviting recording of pleasurable kora melodies and vocal harmonies steeped in African charm. The kora, guitar, percussion, and vocals mark an energetic and richly-diverse recording that is exciting, catchy, and very fun. The scintillating kora on "Fall" is one of the most beautiful tracks on the album. The fine interplay between Sousou's vocals and guitar with Maher's kora, shaker, and calabash arrangements are splendid. Plus, Sousou's heartfelt vocals lead the musical progression with English lyrics. Sousou and Maher do not incorporate Swedish song elements at all, so African music is at the forefront. Notably, Sousou's ability to play the kora is unique, because women traditionally do not play the kora instrument. Thankfully, Sousou picked up the instrument and joined forces with Maher to create a wonderful album. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Solfrid Molland's 'Musikken er mit fedreland'

Solfrid Molland
Musikken er mit fedreland
KKV

Norway's Solfrid Molland is a talented vocalist, accordionist, and pianist with an ear for European, Scandinavian, and gypsy rhythms and melodies. Solfrid's new album attempts to highlight the Roma music genre of gypsy with regards to Norway's influence. Solfrid is joined by Gheorgie Vasile, Valentin Vasile, Ion Cantaragiu Rasturnel, Gjermund Silset, Lars Tormod Jenset, and a choir. The heart-felt violin pulls at the heart-strings, but it is very fitting. The gypsy rhythms are rich and moving. The instruments come together in a whirling fashion to create a mesmerizing, instrumental interplay between vocals and heritage. The neo-classical, world fusion, balkan jazz, and gypsy melodies makes the album shine with memorable sounds. Anyone interested in gypsy music and Norwegian music will love Solfrid's Musikken er mit fedreland. ~ 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: Mehmet Sanlikol's 'whatsnext?'

Mehmet Sanlikol
whatsnext?
Dunya

Hailing from Turkey and based on the East Coast of the U.S.A., Mehmet Sanlikol takes a cinematic side of jazz-inspired, lounge tunes with lively trombone, trumpet, sax, piano, bass, drums, and Central Asian/Middle Eastern percussion. The instrumental tracks are long, varied, and very moving. The edgy percussion, horns, and dramatic overtones resemble the suspenseful spy film soundtracks of the 1970's. The album contains nine diverse tracks with varying degrees of jazzy ambiances that possess avant-garde nuances and swishy, percussion-heavy interludes punctuated by punchy horn-driven arrangements. The swirling melodies and rhythms are energetic and engaging without a lack of direction and substance. All of the tracks are instrumental in form. The jazz-noir melodies are poignant and creative without negative side effects. Anyone with an interest in instrumental jazz and Turkish fusion will love Mehmet's compositions. The entire album is dedicated to Aydin Esen. ~ 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: Tev Stevig's 'Jeni Jol'

Tev Stevig
Jeni Jol
Self-Release

Jeni Jol, which means 'new path,' is a perfect album that explores the experimental, instrumental, and fusion music of the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Tev incorporates the fretless nylon string guitar, fretted steel string guitar, and gourd banjo. The music is instrumental and sparkles with Turkish delight. The heady mix of sounds swirl around sensual rhythms and fluid guitar calisthenics. The music is very fitting for fans of alternative guitar music, Middle Eastern instrumentals, and world fusion with guitars as the primary instrument. The spacious sounds are ripe with lively cultural textures that are not very superficial. The new and traditional compositions reflect a thorough understanding of cross-cultural instrumental music. Fans of the late-Bob Brozman and Shawn Lane will be pleased. No one will be dissatisfied with this release. It's that good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: BluRum13's 'Inverted'

BluRum13
Inverted
Self-Release

BluRum13 was born in New York and based in Maryland, but his verbose beauty represents many different genres and world fusion styles. However, the primary genre revolves around rap/hip hop, and jazz. The lounge music is rather urban, too. The poetic verbal flow of "Venga" is relatively trance-heavy with jazzy interludes of punchy brass, languid electronics, and an atmospheric beat that echoes and reverberates with underground liveliness. "Cereal" is another exciting track, but the verbal wordplay is a bit more energetic and the instrumentation is much faster. "TLO" contains a lot of electronic swishy sounds, rap vocals, and progressive rock beats. "Distortion" is a rather languid down-tempo masterpiece with glittery sounds, fluid soul elements, and swishy noises with urban vocals. "Quixotic" is punchy and rhythmic with Eminem-like tendencies with much more intelligence and creative juices shining through. The diverse, urban creations of BluRum13 are something to ponder, since each listen reveals something new and fresh. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Brazil-native, Antonio Loureiro, Releases 'So'

Antonio Loureiro
So
Boranda

A master of vibraphone, drum, percussion, piano, bass, guitar, and vocals, Antonio Loureiro knows how to make lively music with a passionate and playful tone that is unforgettable and spontaneous. The ten-track release is mostly instrumental, but some vocals show up from time to time. There are over one dozen additional guest musicians, which supply a good degree of musical accompaniment on jazzy percussion, playful horns, and classical fusion with various degrees of ethnic elements cropping up, too. The Brazilian roots shine through on every track with lively percussion, playful piano melodies, and a host of fusion elements that scream South American influences. Fans of Brazilian jazz and folk music will love this one. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Wouter Kellerman's 'Mzansi'

Wouter Kellerman
Mzansi
Kellerman Music

Hailing from South Africa, Wouter Kellerman is a flautist with an ear for European and African melodies and rhythms. There are a variety of languages and vocal arrangements. For instance, there are reggae-fused vocals, backup vocals, scat singing, and others. The popular African song, "Malaika," is covered here in Swahili. Basic Afro-pop instrumentation is all here, but the songs possess a multicultural vein truly is "African and otherwise...," according to Wouter Kellerman. There are lush melodies, airy flutes, pensive piano, heady percussion, and world fusion sounds that awaken the spirit and lift the feet. With a diverse musical background, guest musicians from different countries, and a wide variety of instruments, Mzansi is a world fusion feast for the ears. Anyone with an interest in world jazz, African music, world fusion, instrumental, and rhythmic, musical wanderings will love Mzansi. ~ Matthew Forss