CD Review: Toto La Momposina's 'Tambolero'

Toto La Momposina
Tambolero
Real World

Colombia's Toto La Momposina has done for Colombia what Cesaria Evora did for the Cape Verdes--bring vibrant, traditional music to the indigenous peoples, as well as people and cultures beyond their respective country's borders. Spanning nearly sixty-years in the musical realm, Toto La Momposina brings together the ethnic influences of African, Indian, and Spanish roots for a re-imagined hour of music originally released in 1993 as La Candela Viva. My first taste of Toto La Momposina's music began in 2000 with Pacanto (World Village). The same musical styles are present, but Tambolero is more rhythmic, dynamic, and percussion-friendly. There are dance-worthy tunes throughout. The fusion of traditional South American and Latin American instrumentation and melodies makes this one stand-out from 'typical' Latin or Spanish releases. A dozen tracks grace the album with tons of traditional elements and vocal gems. There are airy flutes on "Curura" and rapid hand-claps on "Gallinacito." Other attributes include heavy percussion, poignant ballads, and mesmerizing and complex melodies--which are also quite timeless. Fans of tropical, folk, traditional Spanish, Latin, South American, and Colombian music will be fascinated by the colorful tunes of Toto La Momposina's Tambolero. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Aurelio's 'Landini'

Aurelio
Landini
Real World

Garifuna singer and cultural ambassador, Aurelio Martinez, shares the music of Honduras through his Garifuna people for people everywhere. The music encompasses the traditions of Indian, African, and Caribbean roots, while English, French, and Spanish influences arrived later. Landini is an album of true authenticity devoted to Garifuna music about the life and culture of the region. The recording was actually recorded at Stonetree Records in Belize. The dozen tracks represent a musically-complex arrangement of songs that draw upon many different cultures and influences, which makes this recording a must-have. The mix of guitars, percussion, strings, and various intonations makes Landini a pivotal and recommended recording of a rare musical style. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 9Bach's 'Tincian'

9Bach
Tincian
Real World

Founded by singer Lisa Jen and guitarist Martin Hoyland, 9Bach takes the world by storm with inventive, contemporary Welsh music. The group's name is a play on words using the numeral "9" as "nain" and "bach" together to connote a cozy, warm frame of reference. Whether it is cozy, inviting, or infectious, 9Bach knows how to create meaningful sounds and melodies with equally-compelling vocals. The modern effort brings together folk, alternative, pop, and electronic elements to form a cohesive type of music that is memorable and refreshing. The diverse influences are what makes the music interesting and catchy. There is almost an ambient or new age feel to some of the songs. The Welsh vocals are unique and beautiful in the same manner. Some of the melodies are reminiscent of one of Hooverphonic's modern works. There are ten songs in all. There are no disappointments here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Spiro's 'Kaleidophonica'

Spiro
Kaleidophonica
Real World

Spiro is a British band that incorporates folk instruments, but the group is anything but folk. There is a strong kaleidoscopic element of whirling violins, acoustic guitar, mandolin, accordion, and cello, which showcase a strong, instrumental medley throughout. The contemporary folk music is unique and fresh without ho-hum melodies and banal tendencies. The instrumental delights do not include vocals, which lets the instruments sing out with tonal pleasures. There is an element of dance, classical, and new age influences that cannot be ignored. The writhing, driving rhythms and melodies may seem a bit redundant, but that is part of the charm. The songs whirl and swirl the listener into a super folk world of imaginative bliss. Spiro is not to be missed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Creole Choir of Cuba's 'Santiman'

The Creole Choir of Cuba
Santiman
Real World

The Creole Choir of Cuba is comprised of six women and four men that are accompaned by Cuban claves, congas, piano, trumpet, and flute. The mostly vocal group celebrates Caribbean history and culture from Haiti in particular. Songs are sung in Spanish and Haitian Creole, which add to the musical beauty of the album. Formed in Cuba with members of Haitian descent, The Creole Choir of Cuba is a world music gem with globetrotting experience. The fifteen tracks represent a vivid display of vocal prowess throughout. Santiman and The Creole Choir of Cuba is the Caribbean equivalent of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The music is vocal, energetic, and refreshing. There are Afro-Caribbean elements, operatic moments, and lively instrumentation throughout. Santiman is worthwhile for fans of Caribbean vocal music and traditional tunes from Haiti or Cuba. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Iarla O Lionaird's 'Foxlight'

Iarla O Lionaird

Foxlight
RealWorld

Ethereal world music is Iarla’s middle name—in fact, it is his entire name. Working with the Afro Celt Sound System, Iarla set the stage for success with a solo career. Hailing from Ireland, Iarla sings contemporary Gaelic songs that incorporate a plethora of pleasant percussion, sweeping electronic washes, and twinkling string arrangements. Leo Abrahams plays a large role in programming, special effects, electric guitar and piano. “Daybreak” is a meditative song with vocals akin to Girish. Interestingly, the addition of Sara Marielle Gaup from Norway is a talented and necessary part of “Daybreak,” since she adds some joik, which is Sami vocal music that is similar to Central Asian throat-singing. The relative low-key vocals and instrumentation provide a new age element throughout. However, world music renderings are evident with soulful vocals, soothing instrumentation, and plaintive percussion. The dozen tracks are an insightful romp through the musical repertoire of a candid and creative performer. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Samuel Yirga's 'Guzo'

Samuel Yirga
Guzo
Real World

Samuel Yirga's Ethiojazz renderings are thought-provoking, instrumental, and vocally-strong. The musical traditions of Ethiopia--notably, the jazz epicenter of Addis Ababa--is the central focal point for the creative output of Samuel Yirga. The title, which means 'journey' in Amharic, is poignant and fitting for a release with so many influences. The jazzy, downtempo leanings of "Abet Abet," are contemporary and futuristic with a nice dose of improvisation and classic percussion. The piano is a featured instrument on many of the songs, especially on "Tiwista." There are a few guest appearances by the infamous Creole Choir of Cuba on "Nou Se Soleil" and "I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun." The Haitian and Caribbean influences are most pronounced on the aforementioned tracks. Though, an element of American jazz and funk is evident throughout the album, Samuel creates evocative compositions that move in many directions, but all roads lead to something amazing. The cinematic wanderings of  "Ye Bati Koyita" bring to mind the piano compositions of Thomas Newman. Some of the tracks focus more heavily on piano, which may not be as exciting as the other instruments. Nevertheless, Samuel produces a fine recording with multiple influences and styles to keep everyone very happy for a very long time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dub Colossus' 'Addis Through The Looking Glass'

Dub Colossus

Addis Through The Looking Glass

Real World

Ethiopian dub 'n' jazz is showcased on Dub Colossus' most recent effort, Addis Through The Looking Glass. The inclusion of Ethiopian singers, Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe, Teremage Woretaw, and Tsedenia Gebremarkos, sets the stage for a brilliant work on several tracks. The opening, title-track starts the mood with a jazzy, funky, and classic instrumental tone with minimal dub and electronica. Fourteen tracks of traditional and contemporary arrangements and instrumentation provide the listener with a high-quality and memorable recording experience. The more traditional "Yeh Shimbraw Tir Tir" is a perfect track for experiencing roots music, while the reggae-dubbed "Satta Massagana" displays the far-reaching and diverse characteristics of Ethiopian jazz. The more orchestral "Feqer Aydelem Wey" is a rousing track oozing with Ethiopian jazz and nostalgia. All in all, Dub Colossus presents a solid release that rivals anything they've done before. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Creole Choir of Cuba's 'Tande-La'

Creole Choir of Cuba

Tande-La

Real World

The six women and four men that comprise the Creole Choir of Cuba bring us songs of Haiti's past. Haitian ancestors were brought to Cuba to work on the sugar and coffee plantations. The Caribbean music is very classical, operatic, and a vocal work of art with some fiery percussion and additional instruments that add a joyous and/or contemplative mood. The twelve songs are sung in Spanish, French, and Creole. The melding of vocals and instrumentation provide the listener with a mesmerizing combination of sounds emanating from an Afro-Cuban mix. The vocal delivery is quite similar to the choir groups of South Africa. However, the music is inherently Cuban and Haitian, with a theatrical element that rivals any Broadway production. Tande-La, which means "listen," is what all listeners will do once they hear the Creole Choir of Cuba. Hear it today! ~ Matthew Forss