CD Review: The Afrorockerz's Self-Titled Release

The Afrorockerz
The Afrorockerz
Buda Musique

Paris-based and soon-to-be-world-known, The Afrorockerz, combine the elements of a West African night-club with the action-packed sound of Euro-jazz and American soul for a truly pleasant recording. The funky rhythms are spearheaded by vocalist, Allonymous and Emma Ladji, while Sylvain Daniel is in charge of bass, keyboards, and programming. Though, the brainchild of the album, Julien Jujju Raulet, is a master guitarist, percussionist, and drummer. The group includes the percussion talents of Frederic Jean, Maxime Zampiere, Eric Durand, and keyboard credits from Guillaume Poncelet. Some of the tunes are edgy and urban-esque, but not too dissimilar from typical West and Central African funk and jazz. The group's eerie keyboard sounds and pervasive beats that change direction without notice are all very attractive elements on the album. There are even a few rock guitar displays. Still, anyone into Afro-funk and jazz will love The Afrorockerz. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yasmine Hamdan's 'Ya Nass'

Yasmine Hamdan
Ya Nass
Kwaidan Records/Crammed Discs

Lebanese-singer, Yasmine Hamdan, is currently based in Paris, France, but her work extends beyond Europe and the Middle East with her latest release, Ya Nass. The contemporary music contained throughout the album is slightly organic, electronic, and dreamy. This is not dance music or Arabic percussion music, but it does contain some elements of both. Though, Yasmine sticks to a highly modern result with atmospheric electronics and a sweet vocal set-up. The edgy youthfulness of "Shouei," "Samar," and "Deny," represent some laid-back rhythms and melodies that are rather cosmopolitan and adventurous. "Enta Fen, Again" blends some trip-hop, dance motifs with the Arabic vocals. Yasmine tones it down a bit on "Nediya," which provides a more steady almost indifferent beat throughout. At any rate, Ya Nass is an album steeped in Middle Eastern and Arabic sensibilities with contemporary and mature edge that satisfies the soul and moves the body. Buy it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Karlex's 'Paris/New York/Port Au Prince'

Karlex
Paris/New York/Port Au Prince
Lil'people Records

Paris/New York/Port Au Prince reflects Karlex's multi-national roots and residences over the years. Hailing originally from Haiti, Karlex brings together a fusion of Caribbean, American, and French pop confections with good amounts of funk, jazz, and folk that are all raw and brilliant. The songs are sung in English, French, and Haitian Creole. "Regarder La Verite" opens with a jaunty beat and earthy vocals that reflect a slight reggae tone and dreamy, nostalgic folk-rock with an Americana foundation. "Restavek" begins with blurby electronica and dance-laden percussion that is groovy and hip-hop focused. The rap vocals are accompanied by swift guitar-work and urban lyrics that are driven by instrumentation. "I Say Hey" begins with a reverberating electric guitar and swishy electronic embellishments. The Afro-Caribbean grooves are based on gritty jazz elements with an almost aboriginal rock beat. "Miami Beach" opens with a jazzy, but swishy rock tune with shimmering electronic inclusions. The twelve songs reflect a wide array of vocal and instrumental arrangements that are anything but dull. The music is not characteristic reggae, rock, jazz, pop, or classical. Instead, Karlex explores the popular melodies and rhythms of the Caribbean, Africa, France, and the United States. Essentially, Karlex should be on the playlists for anyone seriously interested in multi-ethnic roots music and French Diaspora music in particular. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Roger Matura's 'World Gone Wrong'

Roger Matura
World Gone Wrong
Ozella Music

Nearly an hour of music sets the stage for a wonderful folk album of inner peace and outer joy. World Gone Wrong is a wry, witty, and charismatic recording of folk music with hints of harmonica, piano, sax, flugelhorn, violin, bandoneon, and assorted percussion. Roger's raspy voice is Dylan-esque, but more defined. Roger's German upbringing shines through the tracks, but the music is in English and some of the melodies resemble folk tunes from the streets of Paris or Dublin. The twenty-two songs represent a host of emotions, relationships, and thoughts that culminate into a broad-scoped recording of intelligent writing and evocative delivery. Roger's seemingly reserved vocal range appropriately matches the bluesy, folksy, and jazzy rhythms. Fans of singer/songwriter music will love Roger's new work. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kouyate-Neerman's 'Skyscrapers & Deities'

Kouyate-Neerman
Skyscrapers & Deities
No Format Records

Kouyate-Neerman is the shortened version of the names Lansine Kouyate and David Neerman. Lansine is a Paris-based and Malian-born balafon extraordinaire, while David is a French musician with piano and percussion training. David plays the vibraphone throughout the album, with additional noise effects and distortions for a truly, avant-garde musical experience that is more urban than traditional. The mostly instrumental music stems from the double bass, balafon, vibraphone, kora, and drums. The only vocals on the album occur on 'Haiti' by Anthony Joseph. Famed kora maestro, Ballake Sissoko, adds his personal touches throughout with crystalline results. Skyscrapers & Deities surfs a fine line between traditionalism and modernism, whilst covering new age, jazz, downtempo, trance, and experimental genres in the process. Kouyate-Neerman is a solid duo with something to offer for everyone. ~ Matthew Forss