CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'Raya'

Raya Brass Band
Raya
Self-Release

The New York-based sextet, Raya Brass Band, brings to life the music of Eastern Europe and Balkan regions on their latest release, Raya. The sax, trumpet, accordion, keyboards, tupan, snare drum, and assorted percussion are all the Raya Brass Band needs to produce great, instrumental music. The horns, tuba, and percussion are quite varied and innovative, but nothing too far from historical traditions. The nine-track album features a rousing mix of sounds emanating from a variety of instruments that work harmoniously together to create an engaging and upbeat result. Though, the album is under forty-minutes in length, there is plenty of music to cheer about. The punchy, jazz-laden tune, "Sugar and Salt," adds a swirling mix of heady horns and great percussion for a slightly Gypsy/neo-classical approach that would be equally-at home on the classic Seven Brides For Seven Brothers film soundtrack. Overall, the music is diverse enough to capture the ears of listeners everywhere. Fans of brass bands, Gypsy music, instrumental tunes, world jazz, and fusion will find Raya very raya-mazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Allan Moon's 'Children Of The Call'

Allan Moon
Children Of The Call
Songbird Records

Children Of The Call is a laid-back, funky, and jazz-inflected journey resulting from Allan Moon's global lifestyle in Canada, New York, and Israel. Allan's classic tone bridges alternative leanings with folk and rock beats that shimmer with raw and inspiring lyrics. The slow, symphonic beats of the crooner, "New York City," Allan blends American 1970's folk styles with a bluesy, Southern feel for a truly enigmatic result. "Children Of The Call" is an anthem that combines the vocal talents akin to Cat Stevens and Tom Petty with a heady mix of classic roots and folk. "Karolina" is another bluesy tune with classic vocals that encapsulates everything good about contemporary pop and rock music. Overall, the album brings together a mix of blues, folk, roots, rock, pop, funk, and alternative leanings in one indelible package. All the songs are in English with liner notes detailing each song. Fans of classic rock and folk with a bluesy and innovative edge will find comfort in these tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Violette's 'Falling Strong'

Violette
Falling Strong
Self-Release

A native, French chanteuse, Violette brings together warm song of incredible complexity and life with swirling piano melodies and somewhat bluesy, pop song creations on her latest release, Falling Strong. Now based in Brooklyn, Violette does not stray too far from her French song origins. There are classical, jazz, pop, rock, and folk elements throughout. Each song is catchy and beautifully-executed with vocals as sweet as sugar and melodies as fluid as a babbling brook. With vocals akin to Michelle Branch and Norah Jones, Violette knows how to evoke images of love, happiness, and hope with lyrical stories. Fans of piano, pop, rock, ballads, and a few French-lyric songs will love Violette's latest offering. The album is so good it should be 'falling' up the charts! ~ Matthew Forss

Digital/Vinyl Review: Nihkil P. Yerawadekar & Low Mentality's 'Reel It In'

Nikhil P. Yerawadekar & Low Mentality
Reel It In
3rd Generation

Brooklyn-based beatmeister, Nikhil P. Yerawadekar and his group, Low Mentality, release a two-song release inspired by the edgy, psych-infused beats of West Africa, the Caribbean, and East African funk. The result is a heady, beat-driven and classic, funk-laden tune, "Reel It In," which features a rollicking rhythm and North American funk beat that is jazzy, classy, and timeless. Nikhil is joined by Pavel Kogan-Liakhov on guitar, Chauncey Yearwood on percussion and vocals, Omar Little on trumpet, keyboard and samples, Timothy Allen on bass and vocals, and James Windsor-Wells on drums and vocals. The sub-five-minute track contains enough beats, sounds, and melodies to keep you on your toes...literally. The second track, "Vultures," is also sub-five-minutes in length, but it more aligned to North American funk and psych elements. Still, the same West African and East African influences are present throughout. All of the vocals are in English, but they are not too prevalent. The entire recording is under ten minutes long, but it only serves as a glimpse into the complete musical capabilities of Nikhil P. Yerawadekar and Low Mentality. Own it today on vinyl or as a digital release! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brooklynshanti's 'Bedstuyle'

Brooklynshanti
Bedstuyle
Rhythm & Culture/Someplace Called Brooklyn

Brooklynshanti's dance and electronic musings incorporate urban, reggae, hip-hop, soul, South Indian, and world fusions that are all delectable and sunny. The reggae fusions on "This Feeling" and contemporary hip-pop of "She" brings a bit of rock and pop to the forefront, but the vocals are still the major part of the song. The sunny and scintillating dance tune, "Sun Salutation," is ripe with killer grooves, female vocals, and great use of percussion and keyboard effects. "Garden Of Ghosts" is a sweet, electronic song with light female vocals and sparkling percussion and digital effects in the vein of Beth Orton. Some tracks feature the music of Karsh Kale, Dani Mari, Tinakristina, Vanessa Beatriz, Evelyn Sharma, Jahdan Blakkamoore, and others. The music is relatively lo-fi with an emphasis on grooves and instrumental medleys providing a majority of the accompaniment, but the vocals are equally important and varied. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nitya Thomas' 'Awakenings'

Nitya Thomas
Awakenings
Watchfire Music

Awakenings is a three-track release that is ripe with joyous, Christian melodies. The first track, "O Dreamer," is a traditional Irish melody by lyricist, Rosa M. Turner. The song begins with a few keyboard chords followed by Nitya's sparkling vocals and guitar sounds. "My Grateful Spirit Sings" is a song by Sally DeFord with a popular sound that brings together gospel, classical, and new age. "Psalm 23" is the only song written by Nitya. There are classical piano sounds and classical strings that set the mood for the Bible-based composition. Anyone with an interest in contemporary vocal performances with a Christian foundation will love Nitya's soulful and heavenly release. The vocals are strong and clear throughout. Fans of Christian music, new age, piano pop, and female vocal music should check it out! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Srikalogy's 'New Paradigm'

Srikalogy
New Paradigm
Black Swan Sounds

Srikalogy is a New York-based DJ, MC, producer, and percussionist with a connection to the West Indies, Caribbean, and a NYC Ashram. These life experiences were perfect for poetic storytelling through carefully-selected beats in the world music, electronica, and hip hop worlds. There is a South Asian vein that extends to kirtan or yoga-based stylings. The trumpet, mrdanga, keyboard, guitar, kalimba, and didgeridoo sets the tone for the urban and contemporary beats. Srikalogy's vocals are hip-hop based and a great delivery vehicle for his message. The electronic drones, punchy percussion, Enigma-like compositions are something worth listening to. Anyone with an interest in urban yoga music will love the compositions on New Paradigm. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Peter Calandra's 'Ashokan Memories'

Peter Calandra
Ashokan Memories
Self-Release

Based in New York City and inspired by the sights and sounds of New York's Upper Hudson River Valley, Peter Calandra presents us with an emotive, contemplative, and wholly instrumental release of solo piano music. The music is gentle and sweeping with delicate fingerings and soft tonal pleasure throughout. The dreamy "Mettcohonts Flowing," is akin to the delicate flowing properties of a babbling brook that are interjected with brighter hints of tonal color on the higher piano registers. "Gertrude's Nose" is a very pensive and twinkling piano delight that flows freely in an almost jaunty manner. "The Ice Caves" is a more lounge jazz-focused piece with multiple piano notes being played at the same time. Furthermore, the piano notes are produced in light waves of dreamy sound. There are eighteen tracks in all. The sweeping melodies on "Overlook" should not be missed. Fans of new age, solo instrumental piano, and jazz will appreciate the subtle and not-so-subtle nuances of Peter Calandra's latest release that is inspired by nature and made for Man. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Jamie Block's 'Whitecaps On The Hudson'

Jamie Block
Whitecaps On The Hudson
Self-Release

The anti-folk and alternative musical creations of New York's Jamie Block are anything but ordinary here. Jamie's voice is somewhere between Cake and Wilco. The poetic and historic vocal delivery of "Whitecaps On The Hudson" create an almost Native American-like folk beat indicative of John Trudell. However, the song is purely an invention of Jamie Block with an achingly beautiful instrumental display near the end of the song. "Kate" is a quiet little ditty with light percussion and scintillating acoustic guitar. The folksy stylings include some guitar drones that pierce the melody with poignant charm. "Show You Mine" opens with a rumbling guitar and percussion set and Jamie's vocals with a slight nostalgic presence--even if it is only the 1990's. "Sam Patch" is another poetic masterpiece with an almost spoken delivery throughout that includes a heady drum beat, squeaky and grungy guitars, and other industrial, steampunk noises. "Black Eyed Susan" opens with a sauntering, acoustic folk beat and carefree vocals that drift into a dreamy sequence of alt-folk brilliance. There are thirteen songs in all. Anyone with an interest in anti-folk, alternative folk, or even Americana will love Jamie Block's new release. Five stars all the way! ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Mercedes Bahleda's ' Path To Bliss'

Mercedes Bahleda
Path To Bliss
White Swan

Based in New York, Mercedes Bahleda incorporates meditative mantras with Hindu, Sanskrit, and yoga-inspired overtones into remarkable kirtan songs. There are seven songs that run about a total length of one-hour. There are loads of heavenly vocals and instruments. For instance, the harmonium, tabla, djembe, violin, cello, guitar, tampura, kalimba, and piano make an appearance on several tracks. The upbeat tracks present the listener with soul-inspiring and soul-defining songs and harmonic textures that transport anyone who listens to the message into the outer realms of humanity. A skilled teacher of devotional music, yoga, and meditation, Mercedes is glad to perform blissful music and teach it to fellow listeners. This is an album that will be loved for all that it is...and more. ~ 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: Simon Spire's 'Uncomfortable'

Simon Spire
Uncomfortable
Self-Release

Born in New Zealand and based in New York City, Simon Spire is a great pop singer and guitarist with a knack for creating moving, upbeat, and catchy songs that are memorable and anything but uncomfortable. The clear vocals and good riffs are nothing to shake a stick at. "Today" is an upbeat pop-rock tune with full guitar sounds, harmony-laden vocals, and sparkling electronic additions that make the music shine with contemporary qualities. "The Blue Pill" contains a little piano accompaniment and a rousing vocal performance with limited percussion and instrumentation. "Liberate Your Love" contains an upbeat, dance melody with guitars, drums, and bass. Overall, the vocals are somewhere between Michael Stipe (REM) and Fountains Of Wayne. Check it out today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'World Yoga'

Various Artists
World Yoga
Putumayo

Anyone familiar with the relaxing qualities of yoga will be familiar with the music that goes along with it. Our friends at Putumayo have put together an incredible collection of soothing, relaxing, and creative music for yoga--or other relaxing ventures. The music is culled from a variety of musicians, including Sona Jobarteh, Quentin Dujardin, Deva Premal & Miten, DJ Drez, Ara Dinkjian, Geoffrey Oryema, Kelsang Chukie Tethong, Stevin McNamara, and others. The quiet, reflective, and mood-quenching music incorporates scintillating guitar work, vocal harmonies, transcendental arrangements, and contemporary spiritual influences that astound listeners and rejuvenate souls. With musicians from diverse regions as Gambia, Wales, Portugal, Mali, Armenia, Sweden, Tibet, Uganda, and others, World Yoga is truly a global collective of musical styles for the yoga genre. Overall, the music is meditative, vocal, instrumental, and serene. In fact, I cannot stop listening to it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tarrus Riley's 'Mecoustic'

Tarrus Riley
Mecoustic
Soulbeats

Tarrus Riley is a Jamaican-American Rastafarian singer based in Bronx, NY. His style is easy-going reggae music with a soulful attitude and slight pop focus. The scintillating rhythms are smooth, infectious, and easy to listen to. The use of strings, guitars, horns, keyboards, and bass combine with bluesy and powerful vocals with accompanying backup voices representing a slight gospel edge. The English vocals contain a Jamaican presence that is always pleasant and relaxing. The militaristic march style of "She's Royal" is a heartfelt track all the way through. The piano sounds of "Eye Sight" are slightly jazzy, but Tarrus' vocals remind us we are in reggae territory. The typical staccato reggae beats are not particularly evident throughout the album. The poppy "Paradise" tune is a bright mix of sax, guitars, percussion, and backup vocals. Still, reggae fans will love the accessibility of all the songs no matter what their background or preference may be. Mecoustic is not about egos or selfishness; it's about music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kelly Padrick's 'Soulmate'

Kelly Padrick
Soulmate
Self-Release

The Providence, Rhode Island-born electronica temptress, Kelly Padrick, flexes her angelic wings on this dreamy, gritty, and laid-back recording of heavenly noise. Kelly's down-tempo grooves and sweet vocals are backed by a little keyboard tones, acoustic guitar, lilting percussion, and cinematic string sounds. The effect is similar to anything laid-back by Lolo, Katie Melua, or Hooverphonic. The opening crystalline tones, scattered percussion, and electronic ambiance of the first track, "Piercing," is only some of what Kelly Padrick is all about. The bluesy, gritty, and Western-tinged electronica tune, "Tangled Forest," is something that one would likely hear in the opening sequences of HBO's True Blood, but this is only a comparison, as Kelly does not have any connection with the show. At any rate, "This Time" contains a breakbeat sound that is quite acoustic and groundbreaking with a slight dance tone and full cinematic beauty. "So Long" opens with a bit of acoustic guitar, which is a small departure from the other songs. This is more of a drawn out acoustic guitar song with some electronic pings, washes, and fluctuations. The eleven songs are perfect for the down-tempo, lounge, and trip-hop music fan. I give it five stars out of five. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jeremy Schonfeld's 'Iron & Coal'

Jeremy Schonfeld
Iron & Coal
Self-Release

The talented, NYC-pianist, Jeremy Schonfeld, explores the music of the Holocaust—inspired by his father—with soulful vocals, cinematic strings, rock and pop arrangements, and folksy rhythms.  The opening track, “The Mourner’s Kaddish,” opens with a chorus of voices singing in the Hebrew language.  Jeremy’s voice joins in to make the track sound rich with a theatrical presence and all the joys of a cinematic piano and slightly folk-centered atmosphere.  The bluesy-rock anthem, “Dead Beat Heart,” is a roots-rock masterpiece.  The mix of rock, avant-garde folk, pop, theatrical, filmic, and grunge music styles make Iron & Coal sound like an interesting listening journey nonetheless.  In fact, Iron & Coal contains a variety of styles and vocal differences that are more pertinent for the urban, folk/rock hipster with a knack for slower, soulful music in the vein of Josh Groban or David Foster.  The thirteen tracks are unique enough to warrant replay, because many of the songs contain varying song structures that often sound like two different songs on each track.  In a similar manner, some of the songs seem to lack direction and instrumental cohesiveness. Generally, Jeremy’s songwriting and musicianship are quite genuine, but the result is relatively average.  

Review by Matthew Forss
Rating:  3.5 stars  (out of 5)

CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'Dancing On Roses, Dancing On Cinders'

Raya Brass Band
Dancing On Roses, Dancing On Cinders
Self-Release

NYC-based and Balkan-driven, the Raya Brass Band is anything but boring. The riotous and raucus sounds emanating from the whirling brass stems from Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Greece, and other regions with Gypsy rhythms and soul. The frenetic brass is clever, inventive, and diverse. Mostly an intrumental effort, Dancing On Roses, Dancing On Cinders also contains some vocals on "Srpski Splet." A variety of instruments are utilized, including the trumpet, tuba, accordion, sax, clarinet, and assorted percussion. The high-energy and party-like musical atmosphere is perfect for any occasion that requires dancing. The upbeat brass and melodies borders on Klezmer music, too. The Raya Brass Band's music is as sweet as a blossoming rose with equal amounts of fiery passion. Anyone with an interest in Balkan brass music will love the edgy and fun sounds of the Raya Brass Band. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: World Jazz from the Matt Geraghty Project

Matt Geraghty Project

Departures

Omnilingual Records

Acoustic and electric bassman, Matt Geraghty, entices listener's ears to come closer and never look back. The smooth jazz idiom and world jazz components are quite clear. Matt's incorporation of a slew of instruments including the sarangi, trumpet, drums, piano, accordion, guitar, cumbus, oud, rhodes, and others, make Departures sound like a world-class journey through Latin America, Europe, South Asia, and everywhere else for that matter. The Polish language lyrics by Anna Maria Jopek add a touch of nostalgic splendor best-suited for a high-end, lounge club. Thankfully, Departures is only a download or CD-away from stirring the mind and soul of anyone who listens to the music. The Matt Geraghty Project features scattered vocals, Weather Channel Local Forecast-type melodies (this is a plus here), and a global mix of influences that are not too overt. Departures is perfect for those airport delays or the comfort of one's sunlit patio. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Oscar Penas' 'From Now On'

Oscar Penas

From Now On

BJURecords

Oscar Penas' latest work is a Spanish/Jazz excursion that is full of smooth rhythms, cool grooves, and improvisational goodness. As a guitarist and composer, Oscar strikes a perfect balance between Spanish and jazz music. A bit of flamenco-type rhythms, Latin sensibilities, and smooth jazz leanings make From Now On a classy little gem. Oscar is joined by Dan Blake on saxophones, Moto Fukushima on electric bass, Richie Barshay on drums, Gil Goldstein on accordion and piano, and Franco Pinna on bombo leguero (Argentinian drum). Smooth jazz characterizations aside, Oscar also employs a Brazilian presence with "Choro N. 1" and "Choro N. 2". The entire album is instrumental. The soothing sounds of Oscar's guitar and additional work by assorted musicians makes From Now On an exciting musical journey for everyone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nadav Remez from Israel

Nadav Remez

So Far

BJURecords

Israeli-born, Boston-based Nadav Remez is a talented guitarist that finds perfection in the jazzy classics of a Depression-era lounge club. The opener, "So Far," is a two-and-a-half minute instrumental piece with all the smooth jazz fixings. The instrumental repertoire consists of alto sax, clarinet, tenor sax, trumpet, piano, rhodes, organ, bass, and drums. "Pinchas" is an eight-and-a-half minute song with smooth jazz leanings and breezy percussion leading the set. Nine tracks run about an hour in length. Only one song, "Lecha Dodi," was not written or arranged by Nadav Remez. "From Above" is a swayback to the past with nostalgic percussion and horns. Think of the big band era meeting smooth jazz somewhere in a hip New York jazz club today. So Far does not contain any vocal songs or noticeable Klezmer influences. The quieter "Susu" is an ideal end to the album with subtle guitar nuances and little in the way of additional instrumentation. All in all, So Far so good...very good! ~ Matthew Forss