CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'Raya'

Raya Brass Band
Raya
Self-Release

The New York-based sextet, Raya Brass Band, brings to life the music of Eastern Europe and Balkan regions on their latest release, Raya. The sax, trumpet, accordion, keyboards, tupan, snare drum, and assorted percussion are all the Raya Brass Band needs to produce great, instrumental music. The horns, tuba, and percussion are quite varied and innovative, but nothing too far from historical traditions. The nine-track album features a rousing mix of sounds emanating from a variety of instruments that work harmoniously together to create an engaging and upbeat result. Though, the album is under forty-minutes in length, there is plenty of music to cheer about. The punchy, jazz-laden tune, "Sugar and Salt," adds a swirling mix of heady horns and great percussion for a slightly Gypsy/neo-classical approach that would be equally-at home on the classic Seven Brides For Seven Brothers film soundtrack. Overall, the music is diverse enough to capture the ears of listeners everywhere. Fans of brass bands, Gypsy music, instrumental tunes, world jazz, and fusion will find Raya very raya-mazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Argentina's Gabriel Palatchi Releases 'Trivolution'

Gabriel Palatchi
Trivolution
Self-Release

Argentinian pianist and synth player, Gabriel Palatchi, is joined by Kerry Galloway on electric bass and Jose Maria Gonzalez on drums and percussion. Trivolution is a work of three band members that are not alone, as a few additional performers are added to the mix. The down-tempo, psych-driven grooves are jazz-infused and South American-tinged. The synths create a fluid, smooth jazz feel at times. On "Sefarad Roots," the music takes a Klezmer turn with a Gypsy-esque beat and melody. In fact, 'sefarad' suggests a Ladino presence with Old Spain. The funky sounds of "What Da Funk" contain a few vocals by David Gall. "Vive" is the only other track with vocals. Some of the songs are ripe with Latin brass and heavy percussion, while not straying too far from their South American jazz roots. The punchy and varied beats are a must-hear for fans of world jazz, South American music, and psych-funk concoctions. Trivolution is an excellent album. Join in the fun! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Taraf de Haidouks' 'Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts'

Taraf de Haidouks
Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute Skirts
Crammed Discs

The iconic, Gypsy music band from Romania, Taraf de Haidouks, releases yet another glorious album of European and Turkish-infused tunes with a bit of Romanian pizzazz and Balkan candor. The fourteen, dizzying tunes feature the best in Gypsy strings, wind instruments, percussion, and other indelible musical attributes that are top-notch. There are instrumental portions, but this is not an instrumental album. The vocals are very straight-forward, earthy, and neo-classical. The jaunty rhythms are what you would expect from a group of this caliber. Every song is like a mini-party that is full of high energy and nostalgic embellishments. The track titles are translated in English and Romanian on the album. The liner notes contain English and French translations of song meanings. Overall, fans of Gypsy music should already know about Taraf de Haidouks, but if not, this would be an excellent introduction to the band. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hot Club Of The Americas' 'Federico Britos Presents...'

Hot Club Of The Americas
Federico Britos Presents Hot Club Of The Americas
3 Knocks Entertainment

As a tribute to the music of The Hot Club of France and led by violin-wielding Federico Britos, the Hot Club Of The Americas, brings us a world-class recording with North American jazz sounds, Latin elements, South American folk, and Cuban percussion for a spectacular result. A native of Uruguay, Federico knows how to liven up any composition with earthy strings, bouncy rhythms, and jazzy interludes that are full of vivacity. A dozen songs feature a host of guest musicians, including Hendrik Meurkens, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Antonio Adolfo, in addition to the regular line-up of Federico, Jorge Garcia (guitar), Felix Gomex (piano), Renyel Rivero (bass), Edwin Bonilla (percussion), and Carlomagno Araya (drums). In short, there are plenty of Gypsy and Latin-influenced jazz with a good deal of folk and classical thrown in rather appropriately. The  mostly instrumental album reinvents the jazzy 1960's era with engaging, moving, and lounge-ready songs that sway along in a lazy manner like a sultry, mid-summer afternoon on a quiet, Havana beach. Anyone with a fascination in world jazz and Latin/Gypsy concoctions will love Hot Club Of The Americas. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pajala Tatawin's Self-Titled Release From Sweden And Tunisia

Pajala Tatawin
Pajala Tatawin
Knapsu

The unlikely pairing of music from Sweden and Tunisia is eloquently-illustrated on Pajala Tatawin's new, self-titled release. With Scandinavian melodies, folk roots, and the Arabic classicism of Tunisia's Amina Annabi, the music showcases some magical moments with joyous vocals, chants, heady rhythms, and diverse instrumentation that consists of double bass, accordion, kalimba, guitars, percussion, and piano. "Koskenkorva" is a splendid song with various vocalizations, symphonic sounds, edgy folk roots, light rock accompaniment, and Scandinavian sounds that leave listeners yearning for a repeat. The accordion-led, "Maa On Musta," is a reflective song set in a traditional setting that is quaint and somewhat French-inspired. The dance-friendly, "Muhamed," is an Arabic and European-inspired whirlwind of ecstatic beauty and earthly roots. There are Gypsy moments, Arabic grooves, Scandinavian roots, and global rhythms and vocals throughout for a very cohesive and enjoyable journey. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cocek Brass Band's 'Here Comes Shlomo'

Cocek Brass Band
Here Comes Shlomo
Self-Release

The five-piece brass band, Cocek Brass Band, instills the Balkan spirit of brass and jazz on their debut release, Here Comes Shlomo. The band formed in the Northeastern U.S., but their roots extend far beyond the borders of North America--with swirling, bubbling brass melodies blurting out from two trumpets and a tuba--all highlight the band's international style and presence. The music is a mix of Roma, gypsy, klezmer, New Orleans jazz, and Dixieland orchestrations that are highly-textured and classically-significant. The sauntering tunes are completely instrumental without any vocal accompaniment, which suits the music perfectly. The album is based on Balkan cocek dance tunes. Anyone with an interest in traditional Balkan music will find the music very entertaining and upbeat. All jazz, brass, and band fans unite! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bombay Rickey's 'Cinefonia'

Bombay Rickey
Cinefonia
Cowboys & Indian

The seven-piece ensemble, Bombay Rickey, includes Kamala Sankaram on vocals and accordion; Drew Fleming on guitars and vocals; Jeff Hudgins on reeds, vocals, and keyboards; Gil Smuskowitz on contrabass; Timothy Quigley and Brian Adler on percussion; and Sam Merrick on drums. Cinefonia boasts a world fusion of sorts that incorporates a bit of gypsy, psych, funk, Hindi, and folk melodies with modern keyboards and guitars. The surfadelic, Pondicherry Surf Goddess, is a psychedelic, surf gem with reverberating guitars, pulsating keys, and flowing vocals amidst a punchy bass-line and melody. The instrumental sections blend Latin, Indian, and North American percussion styles into one, indelible concoction of music. If you are interested in contemporary fusion, South Asian-inspired music, and music with great beats and vocals; you will absolutely love Bombay Rickey. ~ 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: Hanami's 'Philomelos'

Hanami
Philomelos
Smugglers Records

UK's Hanami brings us an energetic, avant-garde, and folksy recording with gypsy and troubadour-type songs of a wayward music duo. The music seems experimental and alternative, which is some of the appeal. The ten songs contain great folk rhythms, minimal instrumentation and production cues, and yearning vocals. The song titles are as diverse as the music, such as "Into The Mystic," "Long Gone Mobile," and "Go Tell Someone Who Gives A F***." The delicate melodies are jaunty, poetic, and cafe-worthy, which are all positive traits. The artsy-folksy musical constructions are somewhere between Neutral Milk Hotel and Gogol Bordello. Anyone with an interest in folk-driven alternative music will love Hanami. Discover them today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: She'Koyokh's 'Wild Goats & Unmarried Women'

She'Koyokh
Wild Goats & Unmarried Women
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Based in the U.K., She'Koyokh bring us rollicking good fun with brassy instruments, pulsating gypsy rhythms, and klezmer-inspired traditions on their latest release, Wild Goats & Unmarried Women. The album title is as fun as the music, which traverses the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The jazzy horns, punchy rhythms, and unmistakable melodies are great for dancing and enjoying what the musical world has to offer. Interestingly, the album's title refers to male goats jumping up and down during mating season to attract female goats, which is similar to dancing movements inspired by the music contained herein. At any rate, She'Koyokh knows how to combine classic klezmer grooves with gypsy sounds and pan-European influences. The music is both vocal and instrumental throughout. Fans of klezmer, gypsy, brass, jazz, and world music should check out She'Koyokh today. Don't delay! ~ 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: 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: Kevin Connor Swingtet's 'Guitar And Tres'

Kevin Connor Swingtet
Guitar And Tres
Self-Release

The Kevin Connor Swingtet brings to life Cuban son and jazz with lush song structures and tropical rhythms performed on guitar, tres, coro, clarinet, bass, drums, percussion, and vocals. The music is upbeat and danceable with a bouncy medley of jazz, gypsy rhythms, and Latin flavors that ignite soulful passion in listeners everywhere. The eleven tracks are varied, but the result is the same: a perfect concoction of vibrant, soul-stirring, Cuban jazz and swing that is anything but boring. Besides Kevin Connor, the Swingtet also incorporates the musicianship of Craig Flory, Jeff Norwood, Joseph Mascorella, Pedro Vargas, and Carlos Cascante. The talented cast shine through with various instruments and compositions. Nothing is amiss here. Fans of Cuban jazz, Cuban son, swing, Latin, and tropical music will find it deeply satisfying. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Boris Kovac & La Campanella's 'Eastern Moon Rising'

Boris Kovac & La Campanella
Eastern Moon Rising
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Balkan jazz artists, Boris Kovac & La Campella, know how to entertain the masses with their latest release, Eastern Moon Rising. Steeped in Balkan rhythms and gypsy melodies with jazz music at its core, Boris Kovac brings to life his Serbian roots on a marvelous quasi-classical and folk product. The album incorporates indigenous rhythms and melodies with equally-relevant instrumentation to create a truly remarkable world music recording. The folks at Riverboat/WMN know a thing or two about world music and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Eastern Moon Rising is a Balkan jazz and European music winner with vibrant strings, horns, percussion, and miscellaneous instrumentation. However, the loud, energetic, Balkan music most people know and love are not really found here. Think of the lighter sounds of the late-Cesaria Evora's band. Nearly an hour of music marks the album's eleven tracks. Fans of Balkan music, jazz, gypsy music, and world fusion will love the mostly instrumental tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Turkey's Cigdem Aslan Releases 'Mortissa'

Cigdem Aslan
Mortissa
Asphalt Tango

Turkish-born singer, Cigdem Aslan, presents us with a debut album of rousing smyrniac, rebetiko, Balkan, gypsy, and Greek-themed compositions. There are also Sephardic, Turkish, Kurdish, Bulgarian, Roma, and Ladino leanings. Cigdem's voice is timeless and youthful. The thirteen songs are lively, refreshing, and upbeat. Most of the songs are reinvented from the 1920s and 30s. Mortissas are women that are independent and do not behave as society expects, which gives Cigdem's album a fitting title. Not exactly a rebel, Cigdem stays true to Mediterranean, Grecian, and Turkish roots with memorable rhythms, vocals, and melodies. There is even a Central Asian tone; especially with the qanun and baglama. At any rate, Cigdem Aslan creates beautiful songs that deserve to be heard around the world. Start listening today! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Brasslands: A Motion Picture Soundtrack'

Various Artists
Brasslands: A Motion Picture Soundtrack
Evergreene Music

Balkan Gypsy, klezmer, and jazz music is represented here with a dozen tracks by some of the world's best-loved and least-known brass bands on Brasslands..., which is a film of the same name. You will hear the instrumental prowess of Slavic Soul Party!, Demiran Cerimovic Orchestra, Zlatne Uste, Raya Brass Band, Veveritse Brass Band, and others. The album centers around a Serbian village festival in Guca, where one of the world's largest brass band competition is held. Most of the bands profiled on this recording are from Serbia with a Romani heritage, but Zlatne Uste is from The United States. However, this soundtrack features music and musicians from western and southern Serbia where different ethnic communities compose different styles of brass band music. At any rate, the music is upbeat, instrumental, and distinctly Balkan. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Txutxukan's 'Surf The River Lee'

Txutxukan
Surf The River Lee
Wild Boar Music

Hailing from France, Txutxukan (pron: tchoo-tchoo-ken) is a Balkan/Gypsy group named after the Basque phrase for "puttering about" or "doing odd jobs". However, Txutxukan shows no signs of puttering out or about on their latest release, Surf The River Lee. The group is comprised of Dylan Gully on clarinet, sax, kaval, and recorder; Bruno Hollemaert on guitar, bouzouki, accordion, and banjo; Eric Belot on upright bass and electric bass; Joachim Mouflin on percussion, drum kit, and bouzouki; and Joseph Detailleur on accordion. Special guest musician, Stella Rodrigues, plays the gamelan on "El Din." There are a few vocals for added effects. However, the majority of the album is largely instrumental. The instruments come together to form a Klezmer, Gypsy, and Balkan result that is edgy, dance-laden, and always moving. There is a bit of jazz, classical, and avant-garde influences, but nothing is too overt. The sauntering melodies, uppity percussion, and catchy rhythms are breezy, addictive, and richly-textured. Discover Txutxukan today! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Gypsophilia's 'Horska'

Gypsophilia
Horska
Forward Music Group/Factor

The Halifax, NS-based Gypsophilia brings us an energetic mix of instrumental jazz tunes with a good does of gypsy pizazz and fusion styles bordering on swing, alternative, new age, and roots. The septet plays piano, accordion, guitar, trumpet, double bass, and violin. The septet sounds like a session group with jazzy leanings and an instrumental prowess rarely achieved by other groups of this stature. Horksa is a short album of only six songs. However, the music is still remarkable and memorable. "Bir Hakeim" is a swing-inflected, jazz song that is classic and fresh. "Oh My Oma" is a more relaxed tune with somber violin tones, drifting guitar strums, and very light percussion. The jaunty, "Corentin Cariou," is a quick little ditty with carousel-type musicality and a youthful vigor with violin, piano, percussion, and trumpet. The quick-changing tempos are delightful. Overall, Gypsophilia's new work is a highly-recommended recording of creative gypsy music that encapsulates the world of jazz in a world music setting. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarah Alden's 'Fists Of Violets'

Sarah Alden
Fists Of Violets
Hearth Music

The Appalachians are explored with Sarah Alden's classic voice and earthy fiddle. The folksy vocals are very nostalgic with hints of bluegrass, old-time, and European folk. There are various waltzes, dance tunes, and traditional tunes. The jaunty piano tune, "Old Man Moon," reflects an old-timey presence that is pure gold. The country-tinged, "Ruby, Honey Are You Mad At Your Man?," is a classy, folk-riddled tune that would seem quite fitting on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. "Dink's Tune" is a reflective tune with light percussion and fiddle fun that is somewhat indicative of Canada's April Verch. At any rate, the ten tracks reflect a great cross-section of folk, country, bluegrass, and even gypsy-type music. Fans of Euro folk, fiddle music, bluegrass, waltzes, Appalachian music, and old-time music will gobble up Sarah's Fists of Violets. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Stand Up, People - Gypsy Pop Songs From Tito's Yugoslavia 1964-1980

Various Artists
Stand Up, People - Gypsy Pop Songs From Tito's Yugoslavia 1964-1980
Asphalt Tango Records

This collection of rare, socialist-era folk and pop songs from Yugoslavia contains lively gypsy rhythms, Bollywood influences, psychedelic pop, and whirling melodies that scream Balkan. There are nineteen tracks in all. Some of the songs are rather upbeat and moving. There are a mix of male and female vocals throughout. These songs originate from Serbia, Macedonia, and Kosovo and highlight the Roma Gypsy culture. Some of the musicians featured include Nehat Gasi, Muharem Serbezovski, Medo Cun, Esma Redzepova, Ava Selimi, Saban Bajramovic, and a few others. The music is purely Balkan with some Mediterranean, Turkish, and Caucasian influences. Anyone with a passion for Balkan music and rare, folk music from around the world will love this new release. There are enough great vocals and superb instrumentals to make it 'stand up' and stand out. The liner notes contain English translations of the songs. It is also available as a double-LP release. ~ Matthew Forss