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: Ola Fresca's 'Elixir'

Ola Fresca
Elixir
Pipiki Records

Cuban-American singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, Jose Conde, spices things up with a heady mix of Latin sounds and rhythms with his band, Ola Fresca. Steeped in a rich history of Cuban son, rumba, timba, salsa, Puerto Rican influences, and related styles, Elixir attempts to convey a tropical message of percussion-heavy, musical tunes. The nine energetic tracks are marked by great vocals, heavy percussion, sweeping piano, and traditional instrumentation for a truly magical experience. The Latin horns are equally enthralling and cement Ola Fresca's musical presence in Latin, Caribbean, and tropical genres. This is ideal for tropical, beach parties, lounging, weddings, or other special occasions. It is even suitable for lazy, unproductive days when you can't (or won't) do any chores! Available as a download, CD, or LP. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: FatDog's 'New Found Land'

FatDog
New Found Land
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

FatDog is an engaging folk music troupe with members from Sweden, England, and Norway. The group is rich in roots and jazz styles, too. The European group incorporates diverse instruments, including cittern, concertina, guitar, clarinet, flute, trumpet, sax, bass, and hurdy-gurdy. All the members chime in from time to time on vocals. There are Scandinavian dance elements and other Western European musical styles that propel the music into a very intriguing and addictive whirlwind of aural color. The percussion is produced from various instruments, but there are no drums on the recording. The brass keep the music moving along into some jazzy realms, while the strings and vocals keep it well-rooted in Scandinavian ancestry. At any rate, the twelve tunes are mostly traditional, but arranged by FatDog. Fans of European jigs, reels, sailor songs, folk music, and roots music will find New Found Land a necessary listening experience. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Zvuloon Dub System's 'Anbessa Dub'

Zvuloon Dub System
Anbessa Dub
Self-Release

The Tel-Aviv-based reggae/Ethiopian jazz group, Zvuloon Dub System, seamlessly merges two unique musical styles together to form a danceable and very likable beat. The group infuses reggae beats on several tracks with a little Amharic to mix it up just a little bit. Roots reggae, jazz, and East African soul explains what is going on here. The moving beats and diverse vocals attract equally-great instrumental portions that are like little morsels of delicious candy. There are traditional reggae instruments, including the piano, organ, guitars, bass, drums, sax, trumpet, and trombone, along with Ethiopian krar (a plucked harp) and a masinko (a type of small fiddle). Mahmoud Ahmed is a featured and well-known performer here, but Zemene Melesse, Yaacov Lilay, and Shay Sattaman Jacovi add vocals, too. Otherwise, Gili Yalo is the lead vocalist. The East African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean influences are evident and pervasive, but everything is used in moderation. Anyone seeking reggae beats via Israel, Ethiopia, and beyond will have fun with Anbessa Dub. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Karikatura's 'Eyes Wide'

Karikatura
Eyes Wide
Ropeadope

The New York City-based Karikatura produces a worldwide release of music inspired by many different countries and cultures. For example, there is nostalgic psych-funk inherent in "Someone," while a Balkan-Klezmer beat pervades "Brighton Beach" and a reggae beat percolates through "NYC Hustle." The band comprises of Ryan Acquaotta on lead vocals and percussion, Dima Kay on guitars, samples, back-up vocals, and glockenspeil, Eric Legaspi on bass, Morgan Greentstreet on drums, percussion, back-up vocals, and samples, Joe MF Wilson on sax and glockenspiel, and Ric Becker on trombone. Karikatura seems to capture different musical styles and make them their own. Where else could you find Zimbabwean chimurenga music and Klezmer music all on the same album? Eyes Wide is meant to open one's eyes and hearts to other musical styles and cultures. Karikatura still retains a unique voice amid all the influences and instruments. Everyone should check out Karikatura. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bio Ritmo's 'Puerta Del Sur'

Bio Ritmo
Puerta Del Sur
Vampisoul

Afro-Cuban salsa from Virginia? You bet. The guys of Bio Ritmo create foot-stompin' and head-bobbin' melodies ripe with salsa elements, vintage melodies, gritty guitars, punchy horns, and funky-experimental songs that are multinational and multi-faceted. There are glittering keyboard arrangements, down-and-dirty percussive set-ups, and fluid bass-lines. The last track, "Codeina," is more of a classical tune with strings at the beginning of the song, which then fade to make way for a Middle Eastern percussive section and vocal arrangements of a similar vein with a bit of electronica and jazz thrown in for fun. At any rate, the Latin groove, contemporary arrangements, and psych-funk-jazz concoctions are very enjoyable and a perfect companion for anyone seeking inventive and creative Afro-Cuban music with a few variations and influences. ~ 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: Steve Kroon's 'On The #1'

Steve Kroon
On The #1
Kroonatune Records

Queens and Harlem-based music connoisseur, Steve Kroon, has been wowing crowds for a few decades and continues to do so on his latest and fifth recording, On The #1. The new nine-track release contains instrumental tunes with Latin and jazz percussion-themed compositions arranged by Oscar Hernandez, Igor Atalita, James Shipp, Donald Vega, Bryan Carrott, and Marty Sheller. The music is steeped in jazzy horns, congos, flutes, vibraphones, piano, and other assorted instruments. The melodies and rhythms are laid-back, danceable, and relaxing--all at the same time. Steve's inherent knowledge and performance of the music is unmatched in today's Latin jazz scene. Years of music-making and performing shine through on Steve's latest release. It is called On The #1 for a reason--since I cannot think of any other number it deserves. ~ 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: 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: Bill O'Connell & The Latin Jazz All-Stars' 'Zocalo'

Bill O'Connell & The Latin Jazz All-Stars
Zocalo
Savant

Anyone with a knack for Latin jazz and instrumental magnificence will appreciate the jazzy and Latin leanings of Bill O'Connell and his Latin Jazz All-Stars. Zocalo contains nine long tracks rich with energetic percussion and jazzy pizzazz. Bill is a pianist that enlists the aid of Steve Slagle on alto/soprano sax, Conrad Herwig on trombone, Richie Flores on congas, Luques Curtis on bass, and Adam Cruz on drums. The heady opener, "Big Sur," is a great mix of instrumentation with lively percussion and entrancing horns. "Nothing But The Truth" is a very up-tempo number on piano, percussion, and horns. The rapid musical textures are jazzy and Latin-esque. This is definitely not a lazy tune. "Eric's Song" is a stark contrast from "Nothing But The Truth," because the music is slower, softer, and more spacious. The twinkling piano keys, brushy percussion, and sauntering horns provide a relaxed sound. There is something for everyone on Zocalo. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Go: Organic Orchestra's 'Sonic Mandala'

Go: Organic Orchestra
Sonic Mandala
Meta Records

Composer, Adam Rudolph, brings us thirteen sensational, improvisational, and mesmerizing world fusion tracks and Brahim Fribgane composes the last track, "Part Twelve." As a composer and conductor, Adam leads a group of thirty-some musicians to musical greatness with loads of cinematic flavors, classical renderings, and world percussion with a dash of strings and horns for good measure. There are elements from South Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The organic elements are fairly evident with mostly instrumental arrangements and very little vocal appearances. Anyone with a passion for various flutes, horns, conchs, didgeridoos, zithers, and assorted percussion from around the world will love the fluid, punchy, and expressive display of musicianship throughout the album. Some of the tunes are mysterious, suspenseful, and free-flowing. Do not let this one get away! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Battle of Santiago's 'Followed By Thousands'

The Battle of Santiago
Followed By Thousands
MWPC Records

The Battle of Santiago is a Canadian band that incorporates jazz rhythms, Latin horns, and alternative contemporary musical leanings that span an entire continent or two. The music takes on an almost Afro-Cuban tone in places, but the diverse musical roots of Latin, hip hop, jazz, rock, dub, and experimental crop up throughout. The heady beats, rhythms, and melodies are very intriguing and contain a rather contemporary approach to instrumental music-making. However, fans of Latin beat, experimental Afro-Cuban concoctions, and urban new age will love Followed By Thousands no matter where they (or you) are from. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Plena Libre's 'Corazon'

Plena Libre
Corazon
GN Musica

Plena Libre is a vibrant dance group to come out of Puerto Rico. The band presents us with plena and bomba dance beats with an equal dose of meringue, songo, Latin jazz, and some rock elements. The energetic music is characteristic of many groups in Latin America and the Caribbean. The rich percussion, horns, vocals, and melodies are never boring or lacking enthusiasm. The lush harmonies and upbeat jibaro grooves are something to enjoy. The director, Gary Nunez, plays the bass, while others play various hand drums, guiro, keyboards, congas, piano, timbale, and trombones. The fluid melodies are indicative of Brazilian samba, but the music is definitely inspired by the danceable rhythms of the Caribbean. Corazon is the heart and soul of Puerto Rican music. ~ 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: Empresarios' 'El Sonido Magico'

Empresarios
El Sonido Magico
Fort Knox

Washington, DC's Empresarios know how to rock the world with tropical beats, electronic horns, languid melodies, and dance-floor dubs better than any group out there. The blazing horns, sparkling keys, airy flutes, urban beats, and thick percussion signal a great recording from each repeated listen. The gritty beats and in-your-face-lyrics are Spanish and fiery to the touch. There are thirteen upbeat tracks to feast on. There are salsa, dub, cumbia, house, trance, reggae, rock, electronica, and urban music styles represented here. Fans of contemporary Latin downtempo and Latin-beat music will love Empresarios' latest recording. I'm impressed with Empresarios. You will be, too. ~ 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: Municipale Balcanica's 'Offbeat'

Municipale Balcanica
Offbeat
Red Tomato Records

The Italian band, Municipale Balcanica, rattles the airwaves with a bit of Balkan music that is hip, contemporary, and rock-inspired, which is similar in tone to klezmer, jazz, and gypsy music. The instrumental music is a party in itself, but some vocals are present in English. The music is lavishly illustrated with numerous instruments, including clarinet, sax, congas, cajon, santoor, cymbals, trumpet, bass, guitar, violin, accordion, among others. The upbeat melodies and brassy rhythms make Offbeat a fascinating recording that is anything but 'offbeat.' In fact, Municipale Balcanica hits the right beats and chords to make this new recording an unforgettable experience. While other musicians tend to rely solely on brassy horns, Municipale Balcanica mixes it up enough to give equal time to most of the instruments involved. There is something magical about this album. It is one of the best progressive Mediterranean albums in a long time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra's 'I Lumia Mo Kher'

Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra
I Lumia Mo Kher
Excelsior Recordings

The Antwerp, Belgium-based, Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra is a purveyor of Balkan-ska-punk music with a lively vibe of crazy horns, wild beats, and party atmospheres that will last long after the tracks end. The group incorporates Belgian, Serbian, Chilean, and Balkan roots with innovative and jaunty tunes. The first track, "Basalaja," features Marko Markovic, while "A La Truko" features MC Sebo and the "Roma Project" features the Kocani Orkestar. The eleven tracks traverse a plethora of styles and languages with rap, reggae, pop, big band, gypsy, klezmer, Balkan, Mediterranean, and ska-punk music topping the primary influences. The album title, which means 'The World Is My House' in Serbian Romani, is a perfect caricature of the group's musical style and arrangements. Gypsy music fans have another fine recording to acquire, thanks to the Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra. ~ Matthew Forss