CD Review: Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann's 'Beyond Borders'

Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann
Beyond Borders
UMP Records

Beyond Borders is beyond the ordinary when it comes to the musical explorations of Randy Armstrong and Volker Nahrmann. Upon listening to the first track, "Ciao Bella," one can easily discover the nod to groovy, South American and Brazilian brilliance with sweeping vocals, breezy percussion, and smooth rhythms punctuated with bass, guitars, and other instruments. The percussive sounds heat up on "Fear Not Fear" in a sort of instrumental jazz vein. "Shanti Om" is dedicated to Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, so you know it is going to be a good one. In fact, it contains trance-inducing sitar amidst a plethora of instrumentation that flows from one chord to another, while truly exemplifying the genre of world music. Eleven tracks are included for your listening pleasure. Travel the world through the sounds on Beyond Borders. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Emma Donovan & The Putbacks' 'Dawn'

Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
Dawn
Hope Street Recordings

Australian vocalist, Emma Donovan, joins her rhythm section, The Pubacks, on her latest release of bluesy, jazzy, and funk-infused concoctions on Dawn. The opening song, Black Woman, is a punchy, funk-filled anthem that sounds like a classic American hit from the 1970's, but this is completely Australian and filled with innovative funk elements. The swaying melodies and vocals of "My Goodness" showcases Emma's talent. The musical abilities are boundless and timeless here. The entire album is full of funk, roots, and pop elements that are unforgettable and highly-recommended. Emma Donovan & The Putbacks are not something you want to 'put back' on the shelf. These musicians are not to be missed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Christos DC's 'Long Road'

Christos DC
Long Road
Honest Music

Washington DC-native, Christos DC, releases a new album steeped in Jamaican reggae, R&B, and urban grooves that are ready to excite listeners seeking for something more. The new fourteen-track release features some down-tempo grooves, jazzy bass-lines, and hip-hop inspired elements for a truly contemporary recording. Christos DC's varied instrumental accompaniment and laid-back vocals provides a rich musical product that should win over everyone that listens to it. The groove-induced hooks of "Lovely Lady," "Just Talk To Me," "Another Day," and many others, solidifies Christos DC's mark on the musical world in a very positive light. The vocals are akin to Jack Johnson and John Mayer with more of a reggae voice throughout. At any rate, Long Road is a great musical journey that begins and ends with Christos DC. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alific's 'Echoes From The Soul'

Alific
Echoes From The Soul
Rootfire

Alific (aka Brendan Dane) combines down-tempo electronica with world reggae beats for an unforgettable musical journey on Echoes From The Soul. Alific collaborates with KBong, Lenny Kurlou, Stick Figure, Mateo Monk, Haile Supreme, and even Frank Mitchell Jr. of Thievery Corporation-fame. This is a DJ's paradise with urban grooves, world fusion, catchy loops, and vibrant percussion with fluid vocals and atmospheric embellishments. There are fourteen tunes with great instrumental set-ups and world grooves with English vocals on most tracks. Alific's impressive nightclub resume stems from experience in both California and Washington, D.C.. The dub and reggae sounds resonate with such splendor and grandeur throughout. Electronic, dub, reggae, and upbeat down-tempo lovers will find happiness in these tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: DJ Sun's 'One Hundred'

DJ Sun
One Hundred
Self-Release

Houston, Texas-based DJ and music aficionado, DJ Sun, releases a hit list of nineteen exciting tracks that span the globe. The music is highly danceable, but not too fast relaxation is out of the question. The trippy grooves and electronic samples with lively vocals are adventurous and captivating. There are loads of instrumental embellishments from horns to harps and everything in-between. The sonic structures reflect a global fusion of sorts that are great for the dance hall or bedroom. The deep sounds and sketchy scratches are somewhat reminiscent of Royskopp. This music is richly-textured from global wanderings and unique, down-tempo lounge sounds. Anyone with an interest in electronic music, groove music, down-tempo, hip-hop instrumentals, and soul-funk will love DJ Sun. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Choban Elektrik's Self-Titled Release From The Balkans By Way Of Brooklyn

Choban Elektrik
Choban Elektrik
Self-Release

Choban Elektrik, which means 'electric shepherds,' is a rousing recording with Balkan gusto and instrumental tunes that are steeped in Bulgarian, Macedonian, Albanian, Greek, Armenian, and other styles. The use of Hammond organ, rhodes, electric guitar, accordion, piano, synth, bass, drums, kanjira, marimba, riqq, pandeiro, and violin, make Choban Elektrik stand out from the crowd, due to its folksy, psychedelic, and funky dance grooves that eloquently bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary. The rock guitar elements of "Moj Xhemile," represent an almost Saharan rock guitar arrangement--but this is not an African music recording. This only solidifies Choban Elektrik's uncanny ability to use different rhythms, styles, and instruments in their creative purposes for a meaningful and memorable result. Though, this is mostly an instrumental effort, Eva Salina Primack adds her vocal talents on "Moj Xhemile" and "Cobankat." This is a perfect album for fans of Balkan folk, rock, psych, and dance without all the brass that is typically associated with Balkan music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Afrolicious' 'Pleasuretime'

Afrolicious
Pleasuretime
ESL Music

With the success of Dub For Mali, Afrolicious attempts to create yet another mesmerizing mix of groovy, dub-laden tracks with a strong African and dance club vein. The result is a jazzy, groove-laden mix of swirling beats and melodies that are perfect for relaxing or dancing. The influences of Africa and the Caribbean are evident with a light dose of dub-n-bass, funk, and electronica. The use of ngoni, trumpet, congas, sax, flute, drums, bass, keyboard, and various programming provides a good instrumental package for the songs. The mostly instrumental tunes only run for about thirty-minutes in length, but the short journey of funky, hip beats are both pleasurable and afrolicious. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Funkees' 'Dancing Time: The Best Of Eastern Nigeria's Afro Rock Exponents 1973-77'

The Funkees
Dancing Time: The Best Of Nigeria's Afro Rock Exponents 1973-77
Soundway

Nigeria's premier funk music group, The Funkees, were purveyors of contemporary music and a formidable force for hey-day, Lagos-based bands, MonoMono and BLO. Eighteen happy grooves sweating with killer tunes selected by Miles Cleret from their two full-length albums and several 45s. The Funkees were also featured on Soundway's Nigeria Special and Nigeria Rock Special recordings within the last few years. The writhing and raw melodies are produced by some of the finest guitar work and percussion examples to come out of Nigeria in years. The extended instrumental pieces are especially evocative. The pulsating grooves and Nigerian styles are funk-driven, rock-driven, and percussion-laden. Fans of Joni Haastrup, Femi Kuti, Lijadu Sisters, Prince Nico Mbarga, MonoMono, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Sir Warrior and His Oriental Brothers, and Tirogo will probably already know about The Funkees. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: El Rego's Self-Titled Release

El Rego
El Rego
Daptone Records

El Rego, known as Theophile Do Rego, was an African music legend in his native land of Benin. DJ Frank Gossner put together this incredible collection of music from 45's released in the 1960's and 70's. Twelve tracks, a twenty-page booklet, and a bonus, limited edition 45 of "Se Na Min" and "E Ma Non Tin Me." The music is largely funk, soul, afro-beat, and jazz-driven in the vein of Fela Kuti, James Brown, and John Lee Hooker. "Djobime" is a rousing tune and a sure-fire dance track. "Dis-Moi Oui" is an almost-Ethiopian influenced track with good percussion and fiery vocals. El Rego's instrumental repertoire is limited to drums, guitars, horns, keyboards, and bass, but that does not mean the music is lacking anything. In fact, each track moves with a high degree of aural fluidity unsurpassed by other musicians. If you love the afro-beat and funk styles of West Africa's coast from the 1960's and 70's, then El Rego is a must-have. ~ Matthew Forss