CD Review: Galliano Sommavilla's 'Vol. 30 Ambient and Mellow'

Galliano Sommavilla
Vol. 30 Ambient and Mellow
Self-Release

Galliano Sommavilla, hailing from Australia, has released his latest compilation of songs borne out of a-song-a-day-project. Having released several albums of songs created each day over one year as part of his 365 project, Galliano continues to amaze listeners with his instrumental splendor on keyboards, guitars, percussion, and piano sounds. The latest album, Vol. 30..., contains fourteen tracks that are found in no particular order and titled "song/day". The whole feel of the album encompasses a more down-tempo theme that is serene and exploratory with a blissful side.

"Song/Day 110" begins with a sauntering piano-like melody with piercing atmospheric washes, and jazzy percussion that incorporates a sexy brass sound. The rolling bass and fluid, yet uppity tune, conjures up images of a smoky jazz lounge or a down-tempo gem that will not get out of one's head after listening to it the first time. Mesmerizing electric guitar sounds are rather solid near the end of the song. The twinkling piano keys and fluid bass-line with a sporadic blurts of trumpet make "110" a necessary listen.

"Song/Day 317" opens with a blurby, electronic-tinged intro with sweeping atmospheric sounds, punchy sounds, and horn-driven noises amidst a lush bass-line and percolating guitar strums. The song moves along with new age elements and a jazzy beat that is very calming, but equally enigmatic and engaging. The horn-like sounds and dizzying cascade of swishy whirs makes the song come alive.

"Song/Day 151" contains a breezy flute, light percussion, and jazzy atmospheric opener with a cheery foundation and soundtrack-esque qualities that seem to float effortlessly on sound waves. The song is more structured than other songs on the album, but it still retains a unique blend of improvisational quirks that make it one of the best songs on the album. Over two-minutes into the song, the jazzy chorus shines on in utter beauty without faltering.

"Song/Day 55" opens with a light, sauntering jazzy side with atmospheric washes and a glowing, smooth keyboard style. The smattering of percussion, driving beat, and atmospheric elements arouse an inventive element that is not to dissimilar than a good Zero 7 instrumental. A few trumpet sounds give the track a sultry side. The horn-driven, electric guitar sounds awaken the track with a little psychedelic panache. Overall, the song is another jazzy masterpiece in-line with Galliano's best works.

"Song/Day 40" begins with a soft, yet majestic arrangement of atmospheric washes, stark piano keys, and neo-classical elements that are thought-provoking and timeless. There is a percussive element about one-minute into the song. The poignant piano sounds and wash of cymbals melds nicely with the mellow foundation. The hand-percussion sounds give the song a more organic feel overall. The sweeping piano sounds and atmospheric washes cement the tune into another solid recording from Galliano.

All in all, Galliano Sommavilla satisfies new age tastes, down-tempo lovers, and instrumental connoisseurs with a knack for neo-classical, alternative jazz, and electronic music. Honestly, Galliano excels with another excellent compilation of songs to come out of the 2013 to 2014 project. Collect all the recordings by one of the most talented musicians in the down-tempo and electronic genres. Review by Matthew Forss

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: Visual Music Circus' New Self-Titled Release

Visual Music Circus
Visual Music Circus
Self-Release

Petros Sakelliou, a native of Athens, Greece, is the brainchild behind the new album, Visual Music Circus. The circus theme is found in the carnival-esque melodies and moods represented throughout the eight tracks and several diverse musical instruments, including the piano, accordion, sax, vibraphone, clarinet, flute, piccolo, violin, upright bass, percussion, and drum-set. The multi-layered sounds conjure up images of Brazilian lounge bars, sultry beaches, and smoky nightclubs. There is a mix of jazz, classical, Latin, and nostalgic music akin to the 1960's and 70's era. The result is a playful and well-orchestrated album that is full of serene melodies, writhing rhythms, and unique sounds that bring a fresh perspective to the area of world fusion. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Bria Skonberg's 'Into Your Own'

Bria Skonberg
Into Your Own
Random Act Records

Bria Skonberg is a trumpeter, singer, and composer with a knack for finding a happy medium between traditional and contemporary world jazz. The earthy vocals, punchy piano, light bass, soft sax, and flugelhorn all play a necessary role in Bria's music. The vocal stylings are a mix of lounge club and session jams. At any rate, a dozen songs round out the album with heartfelt vocals, soft horns, and sweet melodies that are classy and creative. Some of the songs a bit folksy with a funky, bluesy tone and pop standard vocals. However, the jazz vein is the strongest influence. Into Your Own is an aptly-titled album that showcases Bria's comfort and satisfaction with the new album. Fans of world jazz, pop standards, theatrical songs, and Americana will need to acquire this one asap. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Charlie Dennard's 'From Brazil To New Orleans'

Charlie Dennard 
From Brazil To New Orleans
Self-Release

Charlie Dennard takes listeners on a jazz journey through lounge, boogaloo, fusion, and Brazilian music throughout the nine long tracks on the new album. As the title of the album implies, Charlie brings us a mix of jazz-inspired tunes with an homage to Brazilian composers and the multi-cultural powerhouse of southern Louisiana. The instrumental tunes are full of jazzy melodies and rhythms that contain punchy horns, folksy percussion, and contemporary jazz elements. The lounge jazz feel of some of the tracks is permeated with some Brazilian fusion and improvisational elements, which only adds to the enjoyment of the entire album. The piano offers some meditative influences on "Asa Branca" and "Senhorinha." The bluesy side of jazz rears its head on "Valsa Luisiana." The smooth jazz and Afro-funk fusion of "Africa Mae" is stellar. Overall, Charlie releases a great final product, which bridges the gap between Brazil and New Orleans from a musical standpoint. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ernest Ranglin & Avila's 'Bless Up'

Ernest Ranglin & Avila
Bless Up
Avila Street Records

Jamaican-born guitarist and composer, Ernest Ranglin, has been wowing crowds and countries for decades with his signature style of ska, jazz, mento, reggae, and blues music. The instrumental tunes on Bless Up are very classy and rich with jazzy leanings, ska infusions, and island charisma. The rootsy jazz guitar stylings on "Bless Up" cement Ernest's reputation for indelible recordings and compositions. The rippling guitar and piano melody are backed by a beautiful, laid-back percussion section. The jazzy, reggae-tinged "Joan's Pen" is a heady mixture of classic vs. contemporary that finds an inner balance for everything to work just right. The swaying melody of "Follow On" showcases more diverse talent from Ernest's finger-tips. The sassy piano and horn section adds some pizzazz to the jazzy rhythm and guitar arrangements. There are sixteen tracks in all that span the gamut from jazz, lounge, tropical, roots, reggae, ska, and blues. Bless Up is a step up from other recordings that may be similar, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone comparable to the great Ernest Ranglin. He's 81 and still cranking out the tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Thomas Blondet's 'Futureworld'

Thomas Blondet
Futureworld
Rhythm & Culture Music

Washington, DC-based DJ, producer, and global connoisseur, Thomas Blondet, brings us a rich, cinematic, and dance-laden collection of multicultural rhythms, melodies, and works of art. The globally-infused music brings together Indian, Balkan, Latin, and Caribbean influences with traditional vocals and stirring melodies that are awe-inspiring, pulsating, and unforgettable. This is not your typical heart-pounding dance repertoire. Instead, the music is more laid-back with a fusion of trip hop and lounge music coming to the forefront. Most of the tracks include featured musicians, such as Tina M, Monsoon, Carol C., Leyla Chatti, Kiran Gandhi, Filip Novosel,and Subatomic Sound System. The musical terrain traverses a range of styles and multicultural influences, but the music cinematic and dance elements are not to be missed. Futureworld should be heard by everyone in the presentworld. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kobo Town's Trinidadian Rumblings On 'Jumbie In The Jukebox'

Kobo Town
Jumbie In The Jukebox
Stonetree/Cumbancha

Canadian transplant and Trinidadian native, Drew Gonsalves, brings us a rousing mix of calypso, reggae, acoustic, and island music rhythms on Jumbie In The Jukebox. There is an element of nostalgic fusion, jazz, lounge, and classical music, which blends perfectly with the calypso and roots percussion and beats. One hip hop and ska-inspired tune, "Postcard Poverty," is a bit punchy, jazzy, and urban overall. Don't worry; it's hip hop for the whole family. There are punchy dancehall tunes, mellow grooves, intelligent lyrics, and dub-influenced sounds that incorporate a bit of everything from Portuguese rhythms, Congolese guitar riffs, Caribbean dance elements, and calypso-roots music. Each tune is different and present something very likable. Anyone interested in calypso-inspired tunes will love Kobo Town's latest offering. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Markeisha Ensley's 'Talk To Me'

Markeisha Ensley
Talk To Me
Emporia Records

Markeisha's soulful and swaying ballads feature doo wop melodies, jazz interludes, and New York City's classic, vocal melting pot conjures up images of smoky clubs and timeless lyrics on her latest release, Talk To Me. The gospel-tinged ballads feature classic rhythms and moods that can only be created by Markeisha. The new five-track release is energetic, jazzy, and full of pop flavor. The slow, piano-playing, jazzy vocals, and sauntering beats of the pop standard gem, "Maybe," is full of spirited emotion delivered in a mature way without needless electronica or overt rock tunes. "Still Yours" is an upbeat ska and jazz tune with a little roots and gospel thrown in for good measure. "Talk To Me" is a slow tune with light percussion and sultry vocals. "Break Free" is a gospel-tinged song about love and moving on. "Someone To Love" is a slow song with piano and strings that form a more introspective result. At any rate, Markeisha presents us with a good set of soulful gospel, classic songs that showcase a full vocal range. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Get Tipsy with 'Tipsy'

Tipsy
Buzzz
Ipecac Recordings

Fans of world music tend to be drawn toward the seemingly exotic or the unusual. In this case, Tipsy (USA) brings us something not only exotic or unusual, but 'otherworldly'. Welcome to the world of atmospheric downtempo music. The closest genre style represented here would be jazz. However, the spacey and electronic nature of the compositions provides the listener with a perfect backdrop for transcendence to another world. Buzzz contains echoing vibraphones, sporadic trumpets and sax, drums, flutes, and keyboard wizardry. A mostly instrumental effort, a Japanese singer, Coppe', lends vocals on a track. This album could very well be the soundtrack for an intergalactic experience, though it is equally well-suited for Earthlings. Fans of downtempo bands like Air, Zero 7, Everything But The Girl, or Action Figure Party should check out the psychedelic-electronica of Tipsy. ~ Matthew Forss