CD Review: Jeff Oster's 'next'

Jeff Oster
next
Retso Records

Jeff' Oster is a very accomplished and revered trumpet and flugelhorn player. On next, which is purposefully-lower-cased, Jeff presents us with twelve unique gifts--gifts of music where each track is new and delightfully-inviting. The instrumental album contains a few spoken word lines, but that is it. The music is very relaxing, jazz-centered, and new age brilliant. In some cases, the percussive beat incorporates horns, guitars, piano, and other instruments. The title track, "Next," is a great introduction to the album with a rousing beat, swishy percussion, a jazzy vein, and sultry horn punctuated with crystal, clear keyboard tones. "Night Train To Sofia" begins with a sultry beat, atmospheric washes, horn accompaniment, and background voices that fill the instrumental track with Bulgarian-inspired choral vocals. "Half A Cookie" opens with atmospheric sounds, jazzy horns, light percussion, and a steady, new age beat with bright piano infusions and spacious soundscapes. "Heroes" is a triumphant horn tune with upbeat percussion in true Oster-fashion. All in all, Jeff brings in a talented group of musicians, producers, and talents, including Nile Rodgers, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Tony Levin, Michael Manring, Will Ackerman, Todd Boston, Shambhu, Carl Weingarten, Philip Aaberg, Catherine Marie Charlton, Ricky Kej, Bob Ludwig, Tom Eaton, and everyone at the great Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont, USA. Fans of new age, jazz, instrumental, lounge, and atmospheric music will love it. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tipsy Oxcart's 'Upside Down'

Tipsy Oxcart
Upside Down
Self-Release

Balkan music from Brooklyn? Yes, indeed. The instrumental ensemble creates dance-friendly tunes with lively percussion, trumpets, baritone/alto/tenor sax, trombone, accordion, violin, electric bass, and drums. Though, some of the songs are more contemplative and serene, a majority of the tracks are upbeat, edgy, and full of high-energy. "Homecoming" contains a Balkan-beat that is reminiscent of South American cumbia, but in a Balkan form. The frenzied "Tutti Frutti" is a rousing track with blaring horns, bubbly bass, and punchy drum beats throughout. There are eleven tracks in all. With track titles as diverse as "Fax Mission," "Honey Dripper," "Tipska," "Bone Dance," and others, Upside Down will astonish you with their uncanny rhythms and contemporary sounds in pure, Balkan music form. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mahala Rai Banda's 'Balkan Reggae'

Mahala Rai Banda
Balkan Reggae
Asphalt Tango Records

The Balkan beatmasters, Mahala Rai Banda, have their music reinvented and remixed by a host of talented world music artists, including Gregory Fabulous, Nick Manasseh, La Cherga, Adisa Zvekic, Mad Professor, G-Vibes, Errol Linton, Vibronics, Koby Israelite, Annique, Kanka, and Kyle Sicarius. The modern beatmasters provide an electrified dance sound to the already amped-up songs. The music celebrates Jamaica's fiftieth anniversary of independence, so the sound is somewhat reggae-tinged. The instrumental and vocal tunes are strong throughout. The music is upbeat and danceable to say the least. There is a nice combination of dub, dance, and electronica that is centered around a Balkan foundation. Nothing is amiss here. Groove out with Mahala Rai Banda's classic tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Skatalites' 'Walk With Me'

Skatalites
Walk With Me
Moon Dust Records

Based in Jamaica, Skatalites have been amazing crowds since the 1960's. Today, they release yet another album in their historic music-making process. The repertoire is composed of Lester Sterling on alto sax, Doreen Shaffer on vocals, Azemobo Audu on tenor sax, Andrae Murchison on trombone, Kevin Batchelo on trumpet, Val Douglas on bass guitar, Natty Frenchy on gutiar, Cameron Greenlee on keyboards, Lloyd Knibb on drums, and Trevor Thompson on drums. In addition, there are guest musicians on vocals and trumpet. This is Lloyd Knibb's last recording before his passing in 2012. There are enticing reggae-induced and jazz-inflected tunes of instrumental heaven that are not to be missed. The heady rhythms and punchy horns are unmatched by other groups. Fans of Caribbean, Latin, and Jamaican bands will love the groovy tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Toni Kitanovski & Cherkezi Orchestra's 'Shukar'

Toni Kitanovski & Cherkezi Orchestra
Shukar
Yellowbird

Gypsy band music has been universal ever since the popularity of Besh O Drom and others that have paved the way for global acceptance of such an incredible (and danceable) musical delight. The Macedonian-based Toni Kitanovski is joined by the Cherkezi Orchestra on his latest release, Shukar. Shukar, which means, "good," is probably an understatement if one is referring to the music. The music takes on gypsy qualities, but explores inter-related musical influences, too. For instance, "Addis Abeba" examines a little Ethiopian jazz, while "Lagrimas Negras" looks at a Cuban and Latin jazz influence. The trumpet is a powerful instrument that nicely accompanies the giddy and jazzy guitar playing. The vocals of Tehamana Skenderovska are also very appealing. The twelve tracks contain vocals, trumpet, tapan drum, tarabuka, bass, melodica, french horn, organ, and guitars, which round out the musical experiences. Toni & Cherkezi Orchestra touches on Latin, jazz, gypsy, and experimental music that is sure to elicit happiness in one's heart. ~ Matthew Forss