CD Review: Sally Nyolo's 'Tiger Run'

Sally Nyolo
Tiger Run
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Cameroon's Sally Nyolo has released a few albums over the years and they continue to provide an introspective and awe-inspiring window into her personality and creative style. The Afro-pop foundation of her songs are still inherent on Tiger Run, but there seems to be more attention given to other influences. For example, there are South Asian undertones on "Me So Wa Yen." "Bidjegui" is inherently-African, but it tends to be rather repetitive. "Tiger Run" is more like a ballad from a lounge club or jazz club somewhere in North America. The bubbly guitars of "Eeeh," signify a true, West African song rich in vibrant percussion and a fast tempo. The entire album is only thirty-eight-minutes long, which may be disappointing. Nevertheless, Sally Nyolo returns to the studio with a rather admirable result with only minor adjustments needed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Simo Lagnawi's 'The Gnawa Berber'

Simo Lagnawi
The Gnawa Berber
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Based in the U.K., but inspired his Moroccan-Berber origins, Simo Lagnawi presents us with an exciting and entrancing album of a dozen songs that successfully and faithfully adheres to North African gnawa traditions. There is some improvisation of sorts, which cover Saharan folk songs and ceremonial compositions. All of the songs are diverse and feature the guimbri -- a plucked lute that is native to North Africa. The authentic and tribal sound of the guimbri is haunting and natural with vocals, flute, fiddle, and banjo accompaniment in spots. Hassan Hakmoun fans will find some similarities, but the music is not electronic or rock-oriented. This is for fans seeking unadulterated gnawan trance music. Find your inner gnawa today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chlopcy Kontra Basia's 'Oj Tak!'

Chlopcy Kontra Basia
Oj Tak!
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Anyone with an interest in Polish vocal music will love Chlopcy Kontra Basia's intelligent and interesting mix of vocal and classical elements on their latest release, Oj Tak!. The female vocals are blended with double-bass and percussion for a rather lo-fi result that is never boring. The quirky and fast vocals are a great addition to the Polish music scene. The group mixes traditional musical styles with alternative and contemporary avant-garde and pop styles for a truly world fusion experience. Of course, there are neo-classical and jazz undertones throughout, but they do a good job creating a sound that is seemingly-indescribable. In one case, "Kasia," only contains vocals without any instrumentation. Anyone familiar with Polish folk music will love the new sounds emanating from Oj Tak!. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Boris Kovac & La Campanella's 'Eastern Moon Rising'

Boris Kovac & La Campanella
Eastern Moon Rising
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Balkan jazz artists, Boris Kovac & La Campella, know how to entertain the masses with their latest release, Eastern Moon Rising. Steeped in Balkan rhythms and gypsy melodies with jazz music at its core, Boris Kovac brings to life his Serbian roots on a marvelous quasi-classical and folk product. The album incorporates indigenous rhythms and melodies with equally-relevant instrumentation to create a truly remarkable world music recording. The folks at Riverboat/WMN know a thing or two about world music and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Eastern Moon Rising is a Balkan jazz and European music winner with vibrant strings, horns, percussion, and miscellaneous instrumentation. However, the loud, energetic, Balkan music most people know and love are not really found here. Think of the lighter sounds of the late-Cesaria Evora's band. Nearly an hour of music marks the album's eleven tracks. Fans of Balkan music, jazz, gypsy music, and world fusion will love the mostly instrumental tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lala Njava's 'Malagasy Blues Song'

Lala Njava
Malagasy Blues Song
Riverboat/World Music Network

Anyone familiar with Malagasy music knows about the valiha (tube zither) and probably Tarika - one of the most popular bands from Madagascar. However, you need to know about another group spearheaded by blues songstress, Lala Njava. Lala creates moving, contemporary, and bluesy tunes with lush Afropop rhythms and melodies that are very accessible. Lala is the chief vocalist, but is joined by Dozzy Njava on guitars, Pata Njava on drums/percussion, and Maximin Njava on bass. There are also backing vocals in the mix, along with a banjo and accordion making an appearance on a few tracks. Lala's vocals are rather choppy and mature beyond her years, but that breaks up the backing vocals and crystalline instrumentation. Vocally, Lala is the African equivalent of Stevie Nicks. ~ Matthew Forss