CD Review: Ntjam Rosie's 'The One'

Ntjam Rosie
The One
Gentle Daze Records

Cameroonian, Ntjam Rosie is clearly influenced by the subtle, electronic nuances of down-tempo, jazz, and laid-back pop with a European and African foundation. The vocals are relatively fluid and soft with poetic underpinnings and a slight urban presence. However, this is not a full-fledged hip hop or R&B compilation. Instead, Ntjam's musical concoctions flow from a diverse and multi-layered creativity that is very soothing and memorable. "The One" contains vocals that are very smooth, as well as on "Forever Love." Nevertheless, the entire album features a great mix of musical subtleties, such as the sparse, instrumentation akin to Rokia Traore's music. At times, the vocals imbue a sense of surrealism and utter beauty without adding redundant beats or loud guitars. Some of the supple tones and notes are due to some strings and piano sounds for a truly, world jazz mix. What is more, the vocals are very similar to Binki Shapiro's work with the electronic lo-fi group, Zero 7. Anyone seeking some light fanfare from Cameroon (via The Netherlands), then this is 'the one' for you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: King Ayisoba's 'Wicked Leaders'

King Ayisoba
Wicked Leaders
Makkum Records

Born in Ghana, King Ayisoba is an accomplished kologo player and vocalist. The kologo is a two-stringed lute with a very organic sound somewhat aligned with a n'goni. The ten-track release features a few guest artists, including Ayuune Sulley, Solomon Abusoro, Zea, Mbo, Banasko, and Isaac. Besides the kologo, the music incorporates other indigenous instruments, including the sinyaka, gulugo drum, doo (horn), xylophone, dondo drum, and djembe drum. The rhythmic vocals and diverse instrumentation produces an entrancing result that is akin to gnawa music. The scintillating kologo is plaintive, energetic, and emotive--all on the same recording. Some of the vocals are similar to some of the Mongolian and Siberian utterances, but that is where the similarities end. This is a distinctly African release that is refreshing and contemporary. Fans of Ghanaian music, North African tunes, and percussion instruments will love Wicked Leaders. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pablo Ziegler & Metropole Orkest's 'Amsterdam Meets New Tango'

Pablo Ziegler & Metropole Orkest
Amsterdam Meets New Tango
Zoho

A contemporary in the world of Argentinian music, Pablo Ziegler melds tango music, classical, and folk traditions with music from The Netherlands--thanks to Metropole Orkest. Pablo is a talented pianist that includes luminaries, such as Quique Sinesi on guitar, Walther Castro on bandoneon, and percussionist, Quintino Cinalli. The instrumental ensemble is backed with the talented orchestrations and classical-themed medleys of Metropole Orkest. There are nine long tracks that shimmer with fiery jazz-lines, cinematic washes of symphonic beauty, and edgy melodies that inspire and entertain. There are slower jazz melodies and rhythms, along with more energetic displays of musicianship that is anything but boring. The lively bandoneon and emotive strings are classic, yet modern. Anyone looking for new tango music with a jazzy, classical, and symphonic edge, then Amsterdam Meets New Tango is highly recommended. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tanah Broadcast's 'Resonance'

Tanah Broadcast
Resonance
Perlot

Hailing from The Netherlands, Tanah Broadcast produces beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental tunes from various world regions, notably Africa. The combination of European folk, experimental music, and improvisational world jazz-pop sounds makes Resonance shine with luscious melodies and stirring rhythms. The production is relatively low-key, but that does not mean the ear-catching melodies are nonexistent. Instead, the music is quaint, but richly-textured. The beautiful rhythms and instrumentation make the album pop with freshness. The upbeat "Kayu Kaya" is a fine example of world pop at its best. "N'Dudu" is a guitar-centric instrumental tune with some vocals and a Euro-centric pop vein with some African influences. Resonance is somewhat hard to describe, but the end result is an engaging set of songs that are perfect for the world music fan. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amsterdam Klezmer Band's 'Mokum'

Amsterdam Klezmer Band
Mokum
Essay Recordings

The brash, Balkan brass is alive on this live recording of the Amsterdam Klezmer Band in the Netherlands. Sixteen long tracks showcase the group's magnificent playing abilities, danceable tunes, and lively vocals. The brass tunes and jaunty rhythms celebrate the Klezmer musical life with equal doses of gypsy, jazz, and folk melodies. Fans of Boban, Klezmatics, and other balkan music groups will quickly identify with the band's upbeat sense of style and brassy swagger not normally observed in comparable groups. Overall, the Amsterdam Klezmer Band is ideal for fans of klezmer, yiddish, gypsy, instrumental, brass band, and party music with a folksy side. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Parne Gadje 'Kefi Kefi'

Parne Gadje
Kefi Kefi
Smoked Recordings

The whirling, folk melodies of the Netherlands-based Parne Gadje captures the essence of Balkan, Gypsy, hora, klezmer, and Mediterranean musical roots. Thirteen tracks of vocal and instrumental gold showcases the wide-ranging abilities of the musicians. The emotional tone, vocal calisthenics, and magical playing abilities are characteristic qualities of Parne Gadje's repertoire. A mix of traditional and original tunes provide a nice palette of musical color. Fans of gypsy, Balkan, klezmer, Mediterranean, North African, European, and instrumental music will appreciate Parne Gadje's unique blend of music the most. Recommended tracks: "Afghan," "Sa tele zhav," "Merzifon," and "Mercedes." ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kasha Nasha's 'Ministry Of Carnival'

Kasha Nasha

Ministry Of Carnival

I-C-U-B4-T

Kasha Nasha is a band hailing from the Netherlands with a repertoire of Gypsy, European, and Russian musical tones. The prevalent Gypsy band element is surprisingly authentic, despite the fact none of the band members are of Roma descent. Still, the Bulgarian, Romanian, Moldovan, Russian, Hungarian, Macedonian, and Armenian influences are present throughout. The electric guitar shines through on a few tracks with the familiar Gypsy rhythms of brass and strings. A comedic track, "Horo Zhipoesjnetni," is an ode for Borat Sagdiyev from the film Borat. The fast-paced "High Speed Shoarma Eating Contest," the rocked-out "Worst Kaas Scenario," and the Cuban-tinged "Qbuzz," represent some of the diversity on Ministry Of Carnival. Whether you are Roma or not, Kasha Nasha proves that Gypsy music is fun, accessible, and in short, a riot. Ministry Of Carnival is a party of Kasha Nasha-nomic proportions! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Izaline Calister's "Speransa"

Izaline Calister

Speransa

Brigadoon/Flow Records

Hailing from the Netherlands Antilles island of Curacao, Izaline Calister brings the music of the Lesser Antilles to life on Speransa. The album title, which means "hope", is an introspective album of breezy island songs with a classic jazz sound. Of course, Latin and flamenco elements are present, though the music is more closely related to Venezuela, Brazil, or the Cape Verdes. Izaline sings in her native language of Papiamentu, which is comprised of a mixture of Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, English, and African languages. Throughout the album, Izaline's voice carries a range of tones, but effortlessly accompanies the guitar, flugelhorn, piano, percussion, and bass. The shining tracks are "Awa", "Speransa", "Jung", "Preteksto", "Kadena Enkanta", and "La La La". Izaline is prepared to bring the music of Curacao to the rest of the world, along with her four other solo albums. This is easily one of the best world music albums I have ever reviewed. ~ Matthew Forss