CD Review: Maya Kamaty's 'Santie Papang'

Maya Kamaty
Santie Papang
Sakifo Records/Atmospheriques

Reunion is an island primarily known for the music of international sensation Danyel Waro, but another Reunion-native, Maya Kamaty, who is a very beautiful and talented songstress that sings in French and Reunion Creole, makes the island known on the female side of music. The new album, Santie Papang, is a hearty mix of world music songs that incorporate a bit of French pop blends, Madagascar pop rhythms, and Brazilian melodies. The diverse cultural attributes are only fitting for a diverse island nation located off the east coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The breezy sounds are ripe with light rhythms that are catchy and airy. "Comme Un Refrain" is one of the best songs on the album--noted for its splendid arrangements of ukulele inclusions, sensual vocals, and sparkling percussion that connotes a light French style with a hint of Brazilian charm. "Move Rev" is a bluesy, French tune with emotive vocals in a storytelling delivery. "Veli" is a sweet, neo-classical song with plaintive guitar and evocative vocalizations. "Dernie Viraz" is a punchy, guitar tune that is a bit of French rock in a lighter setting, but the vocals are akin to Patricia Kaas. Overall, Maya Kamaty is one of the best new artists to grace this blog. Fans of great, female world music with French, Brazil, African, and pop qualities will love it. In fact, everyone will love this one. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Ahmed's 'Dhaalu Raa'

Ahmed
Dhaalu Raa
Asasi Records

Ahmed Nasheed hails from The Maldives--a tiny group of islands off the coast of India. Ahmed weaves melodies and rhythms of The Maldives with acoustic and electric guitars, drums, sax, percussion, bass, organ, and euphonium. The contemporary instruments are played right alongside traditional, percussion instruments, such as boduberu and dhandi. The soft and laidback "Dhiyaanaage Huvafen" is poignant and emotive with arrangements akin to Daby Toure of West Africa. The upbeat "Alifuthu" provides lots of log drum rhythms and rockin' guitars in a pop-focused arrangement. "Dhoni" contains great vocal harmonies and sweet guitar sounds in a classic, laidback melody that resembles world folk at its best. "Magumathi" is a jazzy and punchy tune with guitar rhythm rich in roots and fusion. "Manjemen" is another stellar track with soft vocals and light guitar work. The rock guitar elements electrify the notes on "Rasge." Overall, the songs are sweet and melodic with very inviting elements from an ocean community rarely heard in the West--or other places, for that matter. Think of Gurrumul meets Daby Toure. Take a trip to The Maldives and let Ahmed be your musical guide. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Simangavole from Reunion Island

Simangavole
Maloya Manier Fanm
Maron Productions

The music of Reunion Island is relatively underrepresented in today's world music industry. Thankfully, Simangavole is here to change all that. Located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, the island boasts a range of highly-percussive and vocal music traditions. Simangavole sing Creole songs and include a host of traditional percussion instruments with lively, upbeat rhythms. The female vocals border on the voice of Benin's Angelique Kidjo, but with a little less intensity and softer vocal range. At any rate, the chorus of singers and percussion set is vibrant, Sufi-like music with Afro-pop vocal patterns, but with a more limited melodic range. The music is quite similar to the music of kirtan in an Afro-Indian sort of way. The songs are rather short in length, and the whole album comes in under 40 minutes. Still, the music of Reunion is unique, refreshing, and worth the listen. Buy it today. ~ Matthew Forss