Song Review: Freddie Atlas' "Wicked Game"

Freddie Atlas
Song: "Wicked Game"

Freddie Atlas, a very talented musician born in Montreal, Canada, now lives in New York and dedicates his life to creating masterful pieces of musical art with slight influences stemming from the 1990's chamber pop sounds and sweepingly beautiful neo-classical orchestrations. The music of "Wicked Game" is no different. However, this is not an original tune, as it was originally conceived by Chris Isaak in 1989. Still, the result is a spot-on vocal twin to Chris, but the music is more breathtaking and slightly slower overall. The down-tempo approach allows for Freddie's vocals to magically waft through the air in a poetic harmony never-before-created by today's contemporary musicians. The music is simply backed by piano without any additional instrumentation. Freddie's vocals are also comparable to Ed Kowalczyk (of Live-fame). Overall, the four-and-a-half-minute remake contains a good amount of sweeping piano melodies and spot-on vocals that are unforgettable. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Barefoot Divas' 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes'

Barefoot Divas
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
VGM/MGM

Barefoot Divas is a collective of six women with a connection to the indigenous people's of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The vocal group is comprised of Aboriginals Ursula Yovich and Emma Donovan, Maori's Whirimako Black, Maisey Rika and Merenia. Ngaiire represents the Papua New Guinea connection. The opening vocal track by Maisey Rika is rather contemplative without any instrumentation. The serenity is short-lived, as "Never Forget" brings an amped-up, R&B and gospel composition to light. The Spanish-tinged, "Fortuna," is driven by the world fusion repertoire representing Greek, Chilean, and Peruvian elements. The work is largely vocal with a poetic, social commentary. However, the combination of vocals and contemporary instrumentation represents an edgy mix of world fusion worth listening to over and over. There are fourteen tracks in all. The recording was recorded live in 2012 at the Sydney Festival. This project could not have been possible without the group's creator, manager, and producer, Vicki Gordon. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Jeff Clark's 'Just Visiting'

Jeff Clark
Just Visiting
Self-Release

The Texas-based vocalist and guitarist, Jeff Clark, brings us groovy Southern tunes with gritty guitars and crystalline pop melodies that are reminiscent of classic folk-rock anthems. The dozen tunes represent a catchy musical masterpiece echoing America's hey-day of easy listening magnificence. "You Are My Life" is a classy vocal and guitar tune with great percussion and sparkling sounds. "Mamie Mama" is a grungy and squawky-guitar driven track that represents a solid rock base with some electronic additions. "25 Years Later" is a classic 1970's American folk song made for today. The light percussion and slightly giddy melody combine with male and female vocals to make a memorable tune come alive with creative charm. The mix of grungy and gritty guitars with classy folk vocals and Southern spunk make Just Visiting something that will be around for a long time. There is a nice balance of gritty rock with classic American folk fusion that is sure to be a hit with adventurous Southern rock fans everywhere. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band with Univ. of Mary Washington's Philharmonic Orchestra's 'A Fiddler's Holiday'

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band
A Fiddler's Holiday
Rounder

The end of the year boasts numerous holidays and celebrations--many of them, musical. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason join the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra for an outstanding live performance of over one dozen toe-tapping instrumental tunes that celebrate the holiday season after Thanksgiving. There are no vocals, but some of the song introductions contain background on the songs. The soulful fiddling, folksy-picking, and pensive piano with galloping percussion in the Celtic, European, and Folk-driven genres. There are danceable tunes throughout with little in the way for relaxing. However, some of the tunes are somber and reflective, but the vocals on "Darkest Days, Brightest Nights" are sweet and evocative. Anyone with an interest in live folk recordings with a Celtic edge honoring Christmas, Chanukah, Solstice, etc. will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mali's Vieux Farka Toure is LIVE!

Vieux Farka Toure

Live

Six Degrees

The desert blues guitar style popularized by Vieux's father, the late-Ali Farka Toure, is at the forefront of performance on this live CD. Anyone familiar with Vieux's songs should recognize these tracks from 2009's Fondo (Six Degrees) release. Best of all, a previously unreleased track, 'Maiga', is included as classic desert tune with certifiable groove appeal. The live performances are culled from various venues including the Thornbury Theatre, Colorado College, The Independent, and Brisbane Powerhouse. Surprisingly, the songs blend very well and do not sound pasted together artificially. The bluesy-electric guitar playing sometimes overshadows some of the more traditional instrumentation, but there are just as many instances where the quieter moments shine. For those seeking a more modern desert blues-rock sound, then check out Vieux Farka Toure's latest release, Live! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rounder Records 40 Years In The Making

Various Artists

Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Concert

Rounder

Recorded live, for the most part, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee on October 12th 2009, the 40th anniversary celebration of Rounder's existence showcases a wide array of folk, rock, blues, jazz, bluegrass, cajun, and roots music from some of the labels most iconic musicians. You will hear performances by Alison Krauss, Irma Thomas, Steve Martin, Minnie Driver, Bela Fleck, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas, and the downtempo-jazz queen, Madeleine Peyroux. Over 2,000 albums have been released by Rounder Records, including many in the international genres. However, this concert does not feature any musicians representative of the world music genre. Still, the album is a lively showcase of instrumental and vocal music that should be heard and enjoyed by all. If you are fans of the musicians mentioned above, then this is an especially important gift for you. For everyone else, the Rounder Records 40th anniversary concert is one for the ages and a symbol of American folk music at its best. The liner notes contain short biographies of each artist, along with some song information. Most of all, CD royalties will be donated to the Grammy in the Schools programs under the auspices of the Grammy Foundation. ~ Matthew Forss