CD Review: The Dolomites' 'Japan Years Volumes I, II, & III'

The Dolomites
Japan Years Volumes I, II, & III [3-CD]
Alien Arts Alliance

The Dolomites, led by Stevhen Koji Baianu, create stirring melodies and rhythms caught between the past and the future by incorporating a mix of influences from Japanese enka to gypsy, Balkan-inspired tunes, and Latin-American cumbia. Confused yet? Need not be. The group, which consists of nearly 70 members from different areas of the globe, celebrates the best of their work in a three-volume EP set comprised of certain years, such as 2006-2009, 2007-2010, and 2006-2010. Each album contains five tracks for approximately twenty-minutes an album. There is a mix of music on each album, but all of it draws upon electronica, cumbia, folk, roots, Balkan, Gypsy, neo-classical, enka, horn-powered ballads, and quirky, percussive renderings throughout. Stevhen's vocals are ruddy and charismatic with similarities to darker Russian folk groups or even ErsatzMusika from Germany. Moreover, the album art should clue you in that this is going to be an interesting ride. For instance, the Jamiroquai or Batman-influenced silhouette artwork on the back of the albums should alert everyone that this is a unique production. Though, some of the vocals are a little rough, out of tune, or drunk-like in nature, but that does not make it a terrible listen. In fact, anyone seeking unique, world music with numerous geographic influences will find The Dolomites solid as a rock (pun intended). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jalilah's Raks Sharki's 'Stagecuts'

Jalilah's Raks Sharki
Stagecuts
Piranha

Jalilah's Raks Sharki is part of an oriental dance series in sixteen tracks or 'stagecuts', which highlight the best dance form influenced by Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey. The instrumental tracks are orchestral, full of percussion, and loads of danceable rhythms in every tempo imaginable. The group is spearheaded by Jalilah (AKA Lorraine Zamora Chamas), Mokhtar Al-Said, Hossam Shaker, and Ihsan Al-Mounzer. There are doumbek solos and tabla showcases, which will blow you away. The incredible musicianship is heartily apparent after the first few sounds on the first track. The entire project contains tracks pulled from six previous albums. Stagecuts does not have lengthy dance tracks, which were something rather commonplace years ago. Instead, the tracks are mostly four to five minutes long. Anyone interested in bellydance, Middle Eastern and African percussion, and Hossam Ramzy will love Stagecuts. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pete Alderton's 'Living On Love'

Pete Alderton
Living On Love
Ozella Music

Born in England, based in Germany, and vocals in English, Pete Alderton is a blues king with classic influences and thought-provoking storytelling on his debut release, Living On Love, which is a remastered version of the original release in 2006. "Song For David" is somewhat bluesy, but it takes on an alternative vein with a pop/rock setup on guitar. A piano tune, "Have The Roses Gone Dry," creates a more reflective tone with heartfelt vocals in an earthy manner. The ballad-esque tune is poignant and sweet. A number of tunes bring out the blues essence with organic vocals and a stellar delivery. "Living On Love" is a jaunty, blues-infused tune that encapsulates the real message of the album. There are seventeen tracks in all, but a few are spoken word skits or intros, which set the pace and tone appropriately. Pete's mature vocals and bluesy tunes go hand in hand. Anyone familiar with Pete's work will love it and anyone interested in blues music should check it out. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gjertrud Lunde's 'Hjemklang'

Gjertrud Lunde
Hjemklang
Ozella Music

The German-based group spearheaded by Gjertrud Lunde brings a Norwegian presence to the mix, as all of the songs are sung in Norwegian, as well as French, English, and Portuguese. The album, which means "home sounds," is an excellent reflection of Gjertrud's heritage. The four-piece band incorporates a little guitar, electronics, piano, rhodes, percussion, drums, tabla, and trumpet. The plaintive piano melody of "Going Home" is a reflection of peace and solitude with yearning at the forefront. The jazzy and equally-contemplative, "Marche vers l'Aube" showcases trumpet and electronics in a new light without any vocalizations during the first two minutes of the song. At any rate, the jazzy piano, light percussion, worldly vocals, and experimental rhythms make Hjemklang stand out from other albums. Anyone interested in Scandinavian jazz, European pop, and great music in general, will love Gjertrud Lunde's first, full-length effort running over one hour in length. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ego Vs. Emo's Self-Titled Release

Ego Vs. Emo
Ego Vs. Emo
Egotop Rec

German electro-klezmer music? Yes, indeed. That is the only way to describe Ego Vs. Emo's latest musical offering. The album contains seven long tracks of instrumental glory littered with danceable elements, brassy and bossy klezmer sounds, and swirling melodies and rhythms that are punchy and original. The songs are full of vibrant sax, violin, drums, accordion, guitar, and electronic programming. The songs are titled in German, but consist of various numbers. There are a couple spoken, German vocals on "Hundertdrei," but the majority of music is instrumental. Balkan jazz, klezmer, big band, and psychedelic constructions define the primary theme of Ego Vs. Emo's self-titled album. If the band's name won't draw you in, then the music will. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Earl Mobile Orquestra's 'Mosaiq'

Earl Mobile Orquestra
Mosaiq
Out - O - Space Records

The Germany-based group, Earl Mobile Orquestra, incorporates swinging, Balkan, jazz, and Latin-infused elements throughout the ten tracks for a truly world fusion release of danceable music on Mosaiq. The jazzy sounds are upbeat, very moving, and top-notch. The tracks are wholly instrumental and the band is named after the general manager. The group's repertoire includes a pianist, bassist, drummer, violinist, guitarist, and trumpeter. The punchy sounds are worthy of repeated listens, as each listen brings out something new. The jaunty piano, punchy brass, and swirling melodies are something reminiscent of Balkan jazz, gypsy rhythms, and folk music. This is some of the best music to come out of Germany--especially with a Balkan twist. Get it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jaro Milko & The Cubalkanics' Cigarros Explosives!'

Jaro Milko & The Cubalkanics
Cigarros Explosives!
Asphalt-Tango Records

The Switzerland-based band, Jaro Milko & The Cubalkanics, combine edgy, Latin percussion from Cuba and punchy, horn-driven, gypsy music from the Balkans. The seemingly unlikely combination of instruments and styles comes together to form a unique and fluid blend of world fusion at its finest. The musical syncopation adds a little psychedelic moments, while other sounds take on a neo-ska origin. At any rate, The thirteen tracks are diverse, catchy, and very danceable. The surf-like guitar accompaniments and fluid bass-lines bring out the best in Cuban, Balkan, and gypsy music. Fans of heart-pounding dance riffs, punchy percussion and horns, and Latin rhythms inspired by the 1960's and 70's will especially love its resilient and memorable sound. Cigarros Explosives! is what results when you travel through Hungary, Switzerland, and Cuba--all at the same time! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Leni Stern's 'Jelell'

Leni Stern
Jelell
Self-Release

German-born and US-based, Leni Stern, brings us an inviting mix of North African guitar songs with hearty percussion and bluesy grooves. Leni plays the guitar, baritone guitar, n'goni, and provides lead vocals. However, additional musical accompaniment is provided by Mamadou Ba on bass, Alioune Faye on djembe, calabash, and percussion, Sabar Percussion Ensemble, Haurona Samake on camele n'goni, Leo Genovese on keys, Idriss Diop and Jazz on vocals, and Marieme on backing vocals. The music is recorded in Senegal, mixed in Mali, and enjoyed by the world-over. "Babacar" is a carefree romp through the desert with ambulating beats, experimental blues guitar stylings, and a myriad of other intriguing sounds produced in subtle ways. "Jelell," which means 'take it,' contains heady percussion and jazzy nuances with Leni's vocals leading the charge. "Dimbali Ma" begins with up-tempo percussion and folksy vocalizations by Leni. Her smoky vocals and emotive deliveries are paramount. The sweet guitar sounds emanate with such a strong life force on this track and others. There is a good mix of instrumental and vocal tracks throughout, but the combination of traditional percussion and up-beat guitar, bass, and keys move the music into another dimension. Great stuff. ~ Matthew Forss
  

CD Review: Stone Diamond's 'We Stole The Stars From The Black Night'

Stone Diamond
We Stole The Stars From The Black Night
Davin Enterprises

With ties to New York and Germany, Stone Diamond rocks out with some heady blues-inspired tunes with an alternative--almost grungy--edge. The solid vocals are not too loud or intrusive. There are rock harmonies and swirling guitar melodies that do not disappoint. The entire album was produced, composed, and engineered by lead vocalist and bassist, Cy. Cy is joined by Josh on vocals and guitar, along with The Tongue on drums. The trio perform hard-hitting, yet melodic anthems of blues-rock greatness. "Tattoo" leaves its mark with Soundgarden-esque vocals and guitar arrangements. "U Know" is a more languid tune with grungy guitar arrangements that meander with a mysterious beat that is more thriller or spy film soundtrack related than modern rock band performance. At any rate, this showcases the diverse song stylings and sounds Stone Diamond has no problem creating. "When We Were Young" contains a little alt-country rock and blues elements with a classy, almost vintage feel. The guitar and percussion beats resemble early U2. "Long Hard 5 Days" reaches into some grungy, rock-infused music with electronic voicings and punchy bass. Overall, there are eleven tracks that feature a range of grungy, alt-rock, and blues-infused concoctions that are not for the faint of heart (aka Top 40 listener). However, the songs may make the Top 40 list in the future, but Stone Diamond contains a hard edge that is surprisingly easy to listen to. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz' 'Go Calypsonian'

Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz
Go Calypsonian
Piranha

Calypso from Germany? You bet. Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz are a calypso band from Berlin, Germany. Interestingly, none of the members are from the Caribbean. However, the rhythms are steeped in vintage calypso melodies and influences. The lyrics are in English, but the melodies are rich with Caribbean brilliance. Moreover, there is an element of Latin and Spanish, too. The highly-danceable music is edgy, moving, and inspirational. Calypso fusion is a rather narrow niche genre characterization. Still, Lord Mouse & Company have no problem finding that niche and making it work. A large German fan base will be expanding around the world as the calypso fever catches on. It is impossible to not like this music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Koby Israelite's 'Blues From Elsewhere'

Koby Israelite
Blues From Elsewhere
Asphalt Tango Records

The bluesy side of world music is eloquently captured on accordion, percussion, and melodies straight out of the Balkan region. There is a heavy dose of rock instrumentals, too. The Israel-born Koby does not feel discouraged about mixing different genres of music to create a pumped-up Balkan rock sound with a hint of Ladino or Klezmer punk-funk. Whatever it is called, the music speaks volumes--especially when turned up! At any rate, the music is steeped in rock-driven folk music with an element of Balkan passion thrown in for flavoring. There are some more solemn moments, but the album as a whole is energetic, upbeat, and driven by multinational charm. Everyone will notice the music contains an edge. The sixteen tracks represent Koby's ideal perception of what blues music should be--wherever it is found. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Seda Bagcan's 'Sunrise'

Seda Bagcan
Sunrise
Spirit Voyage

Turkish-born and German-based, Seda Bagcan creates moving Central Asian-tinged tunes reflecting a yogic presence and Sanskrit vocals. Yoga music lovers will appreciate the wistful and airy melodies, but the piano and some Central Asian percussion and strings take over. This is not your typical kirtan music, but then again, what is typical nowadays? At any rate, the music is mantra based and highly reflective. The soul-stirring voice of Seda is heavenly and blissful. The new album contains eight songs that are a mix of yogic, tantra-based music and Central Asian or Middle-Eastern-tinged elements. The result is a very good album that is easy to listen to for any relaxing or meditative occasion. Seda Bagcan is a talented songstress that knows how to focus on music with a purpose. Sunrise is good from sun-up to sun-down. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Robert Soko and His BalkanBeats' 'BalkanBeats Soundlab'

Robert Soko and His Balkan Beats
BalkanBeats Soundlab
Piranha

Bosnian Balkan-beat master, Robert Soko, presents an array of musicians that know how to perform danceable, Balkan beats. You will hear Watcha Clan, Slavic Soul Party, Besh O Drom, Romzil, Los Colorados, Shukar Collective, Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orkestra, Florian Mikuta, Mode Plagal, Deladap, and others. This is one wild ride into the contemporary world of Balkan music. Nothing is left undone here. There are wild rhythms, boisterous horns, and seemingly cacophonous musical wanderings. However, the result is much more focused and purposeful. There are vocals on some of the tracks, but the instrumental abilities win out hands down. Anyone interested in the skittish Balkan beats and loud horns will love Robert Soko’s selections and mixes. Balkan DJs rejoice and world music fans unite for an unforgettable, foot-stomping, and heart-pounding journey through Europe’s musical corridor. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: White Canvas' 'Hundreds Of Ways'

White Canvas
Hundreds Of Ways
Ozella Music

White Canvas is vocalist Rena Meyer Wiel and guitarist Rolf Beydemueller. Together, the German duo create natural soundscapes of aural color with new age nuances and improvisational, experimental, and divine melodies. Rena's diverse, but poetic, vocal style is at times very spiritual and pleasant. The vocals are artfully constructed with a Sufi spirit, which is where the album title originates. In fact, a line from the Sufi poet Rumi describes the nature of the music. Hundreds Of Ways connotes a world of improvisation and spirituality with fine guitar strumming and soundscape embellishments. The avant-garde elements are inventive, ear-friendly, and solemn. The mournful and wistful vocals are a thing of beauty. Coincidentally, there are also a hundred ways to love this album! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mara & David's 'Once We Were Gods'

Mara & David
Once We Were Gods
Ozella Music

Germany's Mara & David brings us a warm world of cozy, alternative folk songs with a classical and pop vein. Mara's vocals accompany the acoustic guitar work of David, but Stephan Braun adds some cello and double bass to round out the repertoire. The folk leanings are contemporary in a similar company with Katie Melua or Heidi Talbot without drum accompaniments. Mara's soothing, almost sultry voice, carries sweetly throughout the album. Eleven songs highlight a relatively quiet, simple, and rustic sound. The intimate recording may be recorded in Germany, but the lyrics are in English with more resemblance to English or Scottish compositions. Some of the songs contain poetic verses with very little singing, while others contain more elaborate vocal displays. The punchy strings and lively guitar are neo-classical or alternative pop overall. Mara & David are 'gods' when it comes to music-making. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amana Melome's 'Phoenix Rising'

Amana Melome'
Phoenix Rising
Savana Records

Born in Germany and prior resident at various places around the world, Amana Melome' produces an Afro-pop album with reggae, neo-soul, funk, and jazz influences that pervade the music. With a voice not unlike Nelly Furtado, Amana spreads her wings and flies high with catchy tunes that are uplifting and charismatic. The music is not overdone or mindless. In fact, Amana's songs are carefree, candid, and introspective. The jazzy, sauntering, and laid-back song, "Lazy Sunday," brings to mind a throwback to neo-soul of the 1970s or 80s. At any rate, the music is made for today. The blended concoctions of jazz, blues, soul, rock, and pop form a remarkable album of creative ingenuity that hits the human soul with waves of unending beauty.  "Ao Meio Dia" is a hint at Brazilian samba or jazz that latches onto one's soul and never lets go. Twelve tracks round out the album for a fifty-minute journey. Hopefully, Phoenix Rising will make a nice addition to your global music library. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Electric Balkan Jazz Club's 'Balkan Dogs'

Electric Balkan Jazz Club
Balkan Dog
Musique Estetica

From the Mediterranean to the Balkans, Electric Balkan Jazz Club presents an exciting mix of music inspired by Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, and German music traditions. The upbeat percussion, wailing brass, and whirling melodies are accomplished with the guitar, bass, accordion, bouzouki, oud, saz, mandolin, darbuka, sax, clarinet, and others. The twelve tracks contain energetic rhythms and melodies that are reminiscent of klezmer and gypsy songs, too. The mix of vocal and instrumental songs provides a great selection of danceable tunes. The emotive vocals and ballad-esque repertoire on some occasions, makes Balkan Dog nothing to 'balk' at! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dotschy Reinhardt's 'Pani Sindhu'

Dotschy Reinhardt
Pani Sindhu
Galileo Records

The music of the Roma and Sinti peoples bridge the social and cultural link between German and Indian/Pakistan music. Thankfully, Dotschy Reinhardt's enthusiastic release, Pani Sindhu, traverses the spectrum of musical genres, from classic Brazilian, flamenco, Portuguese, Spanish, jazz, improvisational, and traditional Indian music. The tabla and sitar make an appearance on several tracks. However, the music is mixed with equal doses of Dotschy's jazz standard vocals, piano, and lounge club percussion. Dostchy's sweet and tender vocals are in the Romanes language. The throwback to the 1960s or 70s South American jazz tunes are not particularly far-fetched on Pani Sindhu. The addition of Indian/Pakistani musical and instrumental elements makes Pani Sindhu exciting for fans of South American jazz, improvisational music, Indian music, and European notions. The result is a new form of music cleverly-defined as Rom-Indo music. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Trio Bravo's Self-Titled Release From Germany

Trio Bravo
Trio Bravo
Ozella Music

Though a Trio, there are several musicians on this exciting recording from Germany. The instrumental album contains cross-genre music incorporating North and South American, European, and Asian influences. Some instruments utilized include violin, piano, double bass, drums, marimba, cello, kontrabass, and assorted percussion. The fluid piano playing and spritely strings combine perfectly with the other instruments. Many of the songs are easy to imagine on a soundtrack. The gitty and jazzy "Wiener Wuerstchen" is a downtempo gem with violin work and folkish melodies. The klezmer-esque tunes are appropriately-matched with the upbeat strings and Eurocentric leanings. Nineteen tracks take on many characteristics of the classical and fusion worlds. Keep in mind the music is not amped up with guitars or keyboards, which is fine for a recording of this sort. The entire album can be summed up in one word: ausgezeichnet! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Roger Matura's 'World Gone Wrong'

Roger Matura
World Gone Wrong
Ozella Music

Nearly an hour of music sets the stage for a wonderful folk album of inner peace and outer joy. World Gone Wrong is a wry, witty, and charismatic recording of folk music with hints of harmonica, piano, sax, flugelhorn, violin, bandoneon, and assorted percussion. Roger's raspy voice is Dylan-esque, but more defined. Roger's German upbringing shines through the tracks, but the music is in English and some of the melodies resemble folk tunes from the streets of Paris or Dublin. The twenty-two songs represent a host of emotions, relationships, and thoughts that culminate into a broad-scoped recording of intelligent writing and evocative delivery. Roger's seemingly reserved vocal range appropriately matches the bluesy, folksy, and jazzy rhythms. Fans of singer/songwriter music will love Roger's new work. ~ Matthew Forss