CD Review: Gao Hong and Friends' 'Pipa Potluck'

Gao Hong and Friends
Pipa Potluck
Innova

Pipa, a Chinese plucked lute, is the central component of the new album, Pipa Potluck, by Gao Hong and several guest musicians. This is where Asian folk meets American roots, bluegrass, and classical music. The instrumental album begins with a rousing bluegrass number, "Cluck Old Hen," which features the banjo of Alison Brown, the fiddle by Matt Combs, and bass by Garry West. "Friendship" is more of a contemplative Arabic concoction with oud, percussion, and of course, the pipa. The pipa and guitar complement each other quite nicely on the excellent "Golden Season." Likewise, the slack key guitar by George Kahumoku, Jr. and the pipa create another friendly and enjoyable medley on "Mosquito Song." The bluegrass and folk stylings come back on "Sally Johnson." The serene "Lutes Around The World" finishes the album with poignant strings and delightful melodies. Fans of strings, lutes, Chinese folk, neo-classical, new age, bluegrass, Arabic, folk, Americana, and world music in general will love to sample Pipa Potluck. Remember to leave room on your plate for additional listens! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Xylouris White's 'Goats'

Xylouris White
Goats
Other Music Recording Co.

Xylouris White is a group formed from George Xylouris and Jim White. George is a very talented Greek lute player with one vocal song on the new album, Goats. Jim White is a percussionist from Australia with a penchant for creating rhythms characteristic of goats traversing rocky hill-sides. The lute adds an element of surprise to the entire album with diverse tunings, playing styles, and an unabashed ability to create diverse and engaging tunes. There are nine total tracks, but only one contains vocals and George is the vocalist. The entire album is around thirty-five minutes in length, but it should not be ignored. The triumphant silences and sounds of the opener, "Pulling The Bricks," intrigues the listener with its divergent sound. The minstrel-like lute sounds of many of the tracks suggests a Medieval presence, too. Overall, Xylouris White is a great duo that knows how to entertain humans and goats with ease. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Soname's 'Natural Mind'

Soname
Natural Mind
Enja Records

Soname Yangchen is a vocalist from Tibet that draws upon traditional instrumental melodies and a seemingly never-ending supply of vocal fortitude. The pleasant melodies are accompanied by guitar, cello, kora, Tibetan lute, and drums for a truly serene and enticing set of songs. The music is more melodic and structured than another Tibetan songstress—Yungchen Lhamo. At any rate, the music is relatively contemporary with folk music influences and some pop elements, but this is not rock music or dance music. The thirteen songs are pleasant to the ears. There are also moments that are more reflective of Scandinavian folk music. All in all, Soname strikes a nice balance between traditional and contemporary compositions without sounding too overt. It should be easy to make up your mind for Natural Mind. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Leni Stern's 'Smoke No Fire'

Leni Stern
Smoke No Fire
Self-Release

New York's Leni Stern is a singer and instrumentalist with a passion for the n'goni. As a vocalist, n'goni player, guitarist, and percussionist, Leni creates evocative songs with a bluesy, African, and folk sensibility. The guest rap vocals on a track or two are particularly inviting. The folksy stylings of the n'goni, guitar, and vocals are amazing throughout. Leni is fluent in English and Bambara. The ten songs are perfect for anyone interested in North African fusion, blues, and folk music. There is something for everyone on here. The music is never dull or univiting. The sounds awaken a deep, cultural presence in the instruments and the vocals. This is perfect for fans of Bassekou Kouyate and Boolumbal. A nice gift for anyone interested in North African music! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Roksonaki's 'Nauryz'

Roksonaki
Nauryz
Mosaiqa

Kazakhstan's Roksonaki is an ethnic ensemble with traditional instruments and tunes that highlight the beautiful music indigenous to the region of Central Asia on the historic Silk Road route. The music is diverse and pop-focused on two tracks--"Saulem-ai" and "Aitys." The first is rather melodic and catchy with a folk-rock style and backup vocals. The latter is a more contemporary tune with atmospheric winds and bossa nova style embellishments. However, the throaty, guttural vocals remind us we are not too far from Central Asia. However, the song merges into a pop-driven medley of angelic voices and showtune-type arrangements with operatic vocals and Broadway-esque renditions. The other tracks contain Jew's harp, drum-kit, keyboard, danyrga, bagpipes, dombra, hand drum, kyl-kobyz, acoustic guitar, saz-syrnay, and assorted percussion. The eleven tracks are a perfect accompaniment to anyone's Central Asian music library. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nisos' 'Nisos'

Nisos
Nisos
Kania Brothers Entertainment

The Czech Republic-based band, Nisos, is a lively, contemplative, and folk-based, world music group that incorporates a plethora of styles from Turkey to Greece. The Greek influences are found in the instruments and rhythms. Furthermore, the band name means "island" in Greek. It appears their musical influences from Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Israel reflect the folk traditions inherent in these distinct cultures. However, Nisos attempts to combine them into a sort of fusion that sounds natural and very appealing. A variety of pleasant instruments are utilized, including the lyra, santuri, buzuki, saz, clarinet, kaval, oud, guitar, lute, trombone, trumpet, kanun, and double bass. The music is only around half-an-hour long, but the quality makes up for any time deficiencies. The vocals and instruments are worth their weight in gold....or "Mana" (my favorite track). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Love From Baghdad

Various Artists
Give Me Love: Songs of the Brokenhearted - Baghdad, 1925-1929
Honest Jon's Records

For anyone interested in high-quality historical recordings, Give Me Love... is a true gem for such connoisseurs. This compilation features music from the Iraq region and it is completely void of contemporary electronic beats and arrangements. However, the music was first recorded in the 1920's for 78 rpms. The sound clarity is superb throughout the CD. This is Arabic folk music that features characteristic, male and female vocals and the violin, zurna, lute, and various percussion. Some of the music is from Kuwait and Bahrain. 20 musicians are featured. The music of a classic era in Kurdish history is not to be missed. It is a real treat to discover early, recorded music. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the flavorful tastes and sounds of the Middle East with Give Me Love: Songs of the Brokenhearted... ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tibet's New Voice

Namgyal Lhamo
Pure
Silk Road Productions

Appropriately titled, Pure is a masterful display of vocal prowess and sensual instrumental sensibilities. Namgyal's voice is filled with emotion and a high degree of fluidity. In short, it is a perfect accompaniment to the dulcimer-like instrument, plucked lute and atmospheric elements. There are two instrumental tracks that should satisfy anyone interested in Central Asian and Chinese folk music. Additionally, a 16th and 17th century song conveys the traditional spirit of Tibet's distant past. Even though Namgyal lives in the Netherlands, her voice and spirit are still in Tibet. Anyone familiar with Yungchen Lhamo or Kelsang Tethong will thoroughly enjoy all three of Namgyal's available recordings. Pure is slightly more traditional than The Enchanted Land... album. Nevertheless, make an effort to acquire this contemplative and moving album of Tibetan music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: China's Wu Man [2 CD]

Wu Man
Wu Man [2 CD]
Nimbus

Wu Man is a popular pipa player from China. This exciting 2-CD set of traditional pipa music is a must-have for lute lovers and folk music collectors. The first CD features Wu Man's skilled pipa mastery on 7 tracks running a total length of 71 minutes. There are no vocals on both CD's. The second CD runs over 63 minutes in length and includes 9 tracks. While Wu's pipa is mostly unaccompanied on the first CD, she is joined by an ensemble on the second CD. The ensemble consists of erhu, gaohu, zheng, dizi, xiao, and suona. This adds some color to the musical repertoire, as well as textural tones that brighten the compositions. A 16-page booklet details the music of the pipa, as well as notes on the songs and performers. A pleasant listening experience for sure. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Eja - A Swedish Quartet

Eja
Alruna
Footprint Records

Eja is a Swedish quartet consisting of percussionist, celloist, Arabian lutist, and vocalist. They play traditional psalms and hymns of Nordic origin. Eva Rune provides the Swedish vocals. Her clear vocals are reminiscent of other Nordic folk music groups, such as, Gjallarhorn, Garmarna, and Triakel. The Arabic lute, played by Robert Folsch, adds a transglobal element to the group with high applause all around. The content of the songs contains elements of Biblical faith, joy and happiness, and the emotions of daily living. Liner notes include Swedish titles and lyrics. On the whole, Alruna transcends the Nordic spirit and brings forth long-standing traditions for a new generation. ~ Matthew Forss