CD Review: Various Artists' 'Afro-Caribbean Party'

Various Artists
Afro-Caribbean Party
Putumayo

Putumayo releases another gem of a recording and this time they celebrate the music of Afro-Caribbean lands for their aptly-titled, Afro-Caribbean Party. The new album contains a cast of ten different musicians hailing from Martinique, Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. You will hear the Cape Verde and New Orleans jazz-inspired medley of Kali, rolling reggae melodies by Clinton Fearon, jazzy ska by Ska Cubano and Wesli, Afro-Latin dance by Michel Blaise, Latin jazz from Asere, Mandingo reggae with Famara, island rhythms from Jan Sebon and Kazak International, Afro-Latin jazz and folk with a classic tone by Chispa Labori, and mostly instrumental Bahamian folk music from Fred Ferguson & Grafitti. The diverse musical line-up showcases a good overview of typical Afro-Caribbean examples, but it is in no way complete or covers strictly traditional music from the above-mentioned regions. Still, it is a vibrant and dance-worthy album that runs a little short (38:42), but it makes up for it with repeated listens. Plus, a refreshing Caribbean punch recipe is included. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Women Of Brazil'

Various Artists
Women Of Brazil
Putumayo Records

The breezy and laidback samba, bossa nova, and Latin jazz of Brazil's many ethnic communities comes alive on a classic compilation of new artists and contemporary compositions. The music is characteristically Brazilian, which does not include electronic, techno, rock, or dance-type musical styles. Fans of traditional music will love the new Putumayo release. You will hear new music from Nossa Alma Canta, Graca Cunha, Clara Moreno, Flavia Coelho, Maguinha, Aline Morales, Luisa Maita, Juliana Kehl, Mart'nalia, Miriam Aida, and Miriam Maria. Anyone familiar with South American music that incorporates jazz elements and a few delicate electronic embellishments will desire the Women Of Brazil with open ears. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Vintage France'

Various Artists
Vintage France
Putumayo

The new Putumayo release, Vintage France, celebrates vintage French songs and musicians. There are twelve songs in all, which include twelve different singers, such as Juliette Greco, Patrick Nugier, Daniel Roure, Jean-Claude Laudat, Philippe Gautier, Asier Etxeandia, and many others. The music is highly-addictive and extremely pleasant throughout. There are whispy violins, classical piano, upbeat jazz melodies, and French pop constructions that are charming, easy-listening, and nostalgic. The rich rhythmic and melodic structures are especially appealing, along with the male and female vocals. There is a sense of class, exquisitive taste, and cafe sounds that certainly and adequately celebrate French chanson traditions. The not-so-common musicians on this album are not especially well-known in other parts of the globe, so do not expect to find Carla Bruni, Francois Hardy, Patricia Kaas, and Edith Piaf on this one. Nevertheless, I am always impressed by the musical concoctions discovered by the folks at Putumayo. This one ranks high up there. What a surprise! ~ 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: Putumayo's 'Brazilian Beat'

Various Artists
Brazilian Beat
Putumayo

The Afro-Brazilian rhythms, samba soul, and steamy, South American sensibilities makes Brazilian Beat a sure-fire hit for a holiday season gift. The funky grooves and fluid vocals are percussion-heavy and psychedelic with loads of hip-swaying melodies and lounge elements. The smooth sounds of the 1970's are certainly evident on most of the tracks. A host of not-so-well-known musicians, including Fino Coletivo, Brazuka Fina, Marcello, Roge, Tamy, Bruna Caram, and others, produce infectious sounds with Latin bossa nova and jazzy horns. The result is astounding, pleasing, and ear-friendly. The mix of sounds and artists are diverse enough to keep the seasoned Brazilian music listener very pre-occupied with plenty of music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Putumayo's Yoga

Various Artists

Yoga

Putumayo

The folks at Putumayo continue to release superb albums. Yoga is no different. As the title suggests, the music is quite relaxing and meditative. Though, it is more lively than other yoga music. A variety of artists from around the world contribute to the compilation. The project coordinator, Sean Johnson, among others, provides a track with the Wild Lotus Band on "Om Hari Om/Sharanam Ganesha". In addition, the Lucknow Project's Chilean singer, Sangeeta Levine, offers her vocals on the opening track, "Ghungate Ke". The husband-wife duo, Shantala, sing a melancholic "Purnamadah". Yoga-pop's star, Wah!, sings an edgy pop song about the Indian epic Ramayana on "Bolo Ram". The groovy "Cerulean" by composer and instrumentalist Ben Leinbach and Geoffrey Gordon on tabla are joined by Jai Uttal on dotar. The track is remarkably modern, but it still retains an element of tradition. Other artists such as Karnamrita Dasi, U.K.'s Niraj Chag, Amounsulu, Gaura Vani, Susheela Raman, Krishna Das, Ablaye Cissoko, Yogini, Volker Goetze, and Jean-Philippe Rykiel round out the list. This is a nice collection of mostly modern vocal yoga music for yoga or other occasions. ~ Matthew Forss