CD Review: Folkbeat RF's 'In Mixt'

Folkbeat RF
In Mixt
Sketis Music

The vocal quartet, Folkbeat RF, features the music of four Russian women, Svetlana Ivanova, Maria Zibrova, Svetlana Shestopalova, and Alyona Minulina on an incredible, contemporary release, In Mixt. The vocal harmonies are a bit like Finland's Varttina in parts, while some of the more popular arrangements are evocative of urban beatbox. However, the beatbox stylings are very appropriate and intriguing. There is a historic quality to the vocals, which stems from the ancient Russian influences. Sacred and choral music of Europe can be heard as a strong influence here. There are various electronic programming touches that bring about a new age and alternative presence. The songs are based on folkloric foundations, but the contemporary appeal reaches across genres and geographic boundaries with tunes that everyone can relate to. Fans of Russian vocal music, rap, dance, folktronica, and world fusion will find In Mixt to be a 'mixt' bag of wholly likable hits! No complaints here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Opycham's 'new-age.om'

Opycham
new-age.om
Sketis Music

Opycham's latest release, new.age.om, was recorded in Tuva, which is spearheaded by drummer and percussionist, Rasputin (of Yat-Kha-fame). The meditative and monastic eight-track release celebrates various religions including Russian faiths, Buddhism, and Shamanism. The album contains a backdrop of various rain sounds, fire, birds, insects, and water-flows for a very earthy element. The pensive instrumentation is rather light and alternative and comprises the cello, djumbush (like a Turkish tanbur), guitar, and hand-percussion. The music is vocal, but very entrancing overall. The subtle inflections of earthy elements and hypnotic vocals make Opycham's latest release well-worth a listen. Fans of shamanic, alternative, new age, Russian folk, and European music will love it. It's a great way to unwind! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Axel Krygier's 'Hombre De Piedra'

Axel Krygier
Hombre De Piedra
Crammed 

The contemporary recording, Hombre De Piedra, showcases an experimental vein of Axel Krygier's cross-cultural side. As a singer and composer, Axel brings together spaghetti Western, folk, Balkan, French cafe, blues, electronica, funk, and jazz influences for a truly exciting collection of songs that are never boring. The musical origins stem from Axel's Argentinian background, but this is not your typical tourist trap music. Instead, Axel combines edgy French, Russian, and Latin-American song styles for an enthralling release. A diverse instrumental repertoire helps the songs reach new heights and incredible appeal. Whether it is down-tempo or world music, Axel manages to create wonderful songs that are highly catchy and always memorable. If you are into new music with an ear-friendly beat; then try Axel's new release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Vasily Evhimovich's 'Hurdy Gurdy, Accordion, and Vasily Evhimovich'

Vasily Evhimovich
Hurdy Gurdy, Accordion, and Vasily Evhimovich
Sketis Music

Vasily Evhimovich is a talented vocalist, accordion player, and hurdy-gurdy specialist on his latest recording, Hurdy Gurdy, Accordion, and Vasily Evhimovich. Vasily brings in a few other vocalists for acapella singing. Most of the time, Vasily plays the accordion or hurdy-gurdy along with the vocal segments. Based on the Volga River, Vasily recorded the album in his studio workshop. The folk songs originate from the Oka River region, as well as Belgorod, Northern Russia, Siberia, and Tatarstan. The drone of the accordion or hurdy-gurdy provide contemplative and entrancing moments between purely vocal parts. Over seventy-minutes of music and nineteen songs round out the album. The song titles are translated in Russian and English on the album back. Fans of Russian vocal music, folk music, and traditional instruments will find it most satisfying. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Stranniki's 'Light Moon'

Stranniki
Light Moon
Sketis Music

Stranniki is a Russian folk group that resurrects Slavic folklore songs by utilizing an array of folk music instruments and ancient melodies. The vocals are often arranged like chants with several singers singing at once in a choral fashion. The result is a sound akin to Finland's Varttina. The instruments are performed in a very artistic manner by paying close attention to historic styles and folk arrangements. Besides vocals, there is a gusli, okarina, jaleika, whistle, bansuri, bawu, kalyuka, quena, kaval, gajde, guitar, bass, drums, and assorted percussion. The contemporary instruments are a great companion to the traditional instruments. Each tune is fresh and inventive. There are only forty-two minutes of music on the album, but it is never boring. Fans of folk music, Slavic and Russian vocal music, traditional instruments, and contemporary Russian music will love the history presented by Stranniki. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Baraka's Double-Disc 'Shams'

Baraka
Shams [2-CD]
Sketis Music

The Latvian band, Baraka, brings us a double-disc release of music celebrating the contemporary styles of Tajikistan. However, the music incorporates the help of Latvian, Russian, Tajiki, Lebanese, Nepalese, and Afghani musicians for a truly world music result. The Farsi or Tajiki vocals are used sparingly in ballads, folk songs, and jazzy songs throughout. There is a strong element of world jazz and lounge music, but some of the songs incorporate more of a Middle Eastern vein. Nevertheless, there is something for everyone here--from hip hop vocals to swaying jazz and funky Tajiki melodies. The songs are all very solid compositions with clear vocals and instrumental splendor. There are some traditional instruments, including the iconic dutar, setor, rubab, sitar, duduk, dilraba, and saz. The contemporary sounds stem from keyboards, guitars, bass, piano, and horns. Baraka does a great job blending the past with the present by not resorting to ho-hum melodies and rhythms, but rather bringing to life various instruments and styles indigenous to the Central Asian Republics, the Middle East, and Western Europe and Russia. Nearly two-hours of music are included with liner notes. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: The Grass Harp's 2-CD Self-Release

The Grass Harp
The Grass Harp [2-CD]
Sketis Music

The folk music of Western Russia is diverse from a vocal and instrumental perspective. The Grass Harp proves music is a thing of beauty with the release of their new double-CD, self-titled album. There are Finno-Ugric leanings to to the music, as well as musical styles from Moldavian, German, Russian, and West African regions. Stefan Charisius is a teacher and composer with playing abilities on the kora, as well as Maria Korepanova on vocals, Matthia Schneider-Hollek on computer programming, Andrej Mikhajlov on percussion and wind instruments, Leonid Immenich on accordion, and Sergej Misjurev on other instruments. The blend of delicate rhythms, melodies, and instrumental interactions are beautiful, improvisational, and historic. It seems as if the music from centuries ago comes alive throughout both album discs in a very organic and trouble-free manner. There are metallic sounds, crystalline noises, and animal-like sounds that emanate from the various instruments. The vocal traditions are definitely of the folk music variety with various chants and tunes presented in a rather abrupt and solid way. Fans of Russian folk, Finno-Ugric musical styles, vocal traditions, shamanic styles, and music with a sort of fusion backbone will love The Grass Harp. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Algambra's Self-Titled Release

Algambra
Algambra
Sketis Music

Algambra is a Russian music group with a knack for improvisational and instrumental styles that incorporate South Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and contemporary forms of fusion in one exciting package. The primary instrument is the hang, which is a metallic idiophone in the shape of a UFO that is played with hands and it is an instrument that was invented only fifteen years ago in Switzerland. The hang sounds are multi-faceted and sound similar to the udu, ghatam, and steel pan instruments. The sounds are fluid and softer than a steel pan, but a great accompaniment for the other instruments on the album, including the harp, cello, caisa, guitar, and assorted percussion. The album is mostly instrumental; except for "Made In India." The music is sparkling, bubbling, and entrancing with new age, improvisational, and avant-garde arrangements that are very likable and a welcome addition to and world music percussion collection. If anything, buy it for the hang. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Vasily Vecher's 'Siberia Land - Russian Traditional Songs Of The Western Siberia'

Vasily Vecher
Siberia Land - Russian Traditional Songs Of The Western Siberia
Sketis Music

Named after St. Basil's Day Eve, one of the most popular Russian traditional feasts, Vasily Vecher perform and study the culture of Western Siberia's peasant culture from the 16th to 18th centuries. The music contained herein is purely vocal without any instrumental accompaniment. Anyone interested in world chants, liturgical compositions, European folk music, and Slavic singing traditions, in addition to Siberian and Russian musical styles, will love it. The entire album is nearly fifty-five minutes long. It is a mix of solo and group vocal accompaniment. The songs are sung in Russian with English title translations on the back cover. There are Cyrillic Russian notes and lyrics throughout the liner booklet. This is a great ethnomusicological recording of historic significance, since it highlights the musical and vocal traditions of a bygone-era, but it is produced in a contemporary time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Artem Uzunov's 'Let's Do It - Darbuka Stories'

Artem Uzunov
Let's Do It - Darbuka Stories
Sketis Music

This is a percussionist's dream. Artem Uzunov brings out the best of percussion utilizing a host of instruments in his repertoire, including the darbuka, dhol, cajon, dohola, bendir, riq, sagats, duduk, brazilian percussion, and guitar. There are twenty-one tracks with heart-pounding, bellydance-moving, and toe-tapping compositions that are primarily instrumental with only a few indiscriminate vocals thrown in. Each song is typically three to four-minutes long. The combination of darbuka and assorted instruments provides a more complex and deep rhythm section that is never boring or dull.  Some tunes are more involved musically than others, but that doesn't make the others less important. Fans of darbuka percussion, Arabic music, Middle Eastern music, and instrumental tunes will love Artem Uzunov's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Vozvraschenie's 'Spring Land'

Vozvraschenie
Spring Land 
Sketis Music

The best in contemporary Russian rock 'n' roll is alive and well in Vozvraschenie's newest release, Spring Land. The eleven-track release contains heady vocals and gorgeous rock melodies with guitars, bass, percussion, and assorted instrumentation of ocarina, igil, jaw-harp, mandolin, virtual instruments, and others. It is rare every song on an album is great, but Spring Land proves it's possible. From the opening, driving melody of "Kapel" to the Celtic-rock and punk-inspired sounds of "Skomoroshya Dolya," Vozvraschenie is comfortable in any genre and style. However, rock and pop sounds are the primary influence here. There are a few displays of rock guitar splendor, but Vozvraschenie do their best to stick to solid, catchy rock grooves that are unforgettable. "Kapel" and "Zodchy" are two of the best tracks of any artist in any genre to come out this year. The mix of guitars, flute sounds, assorted strings, and the buzzing, electric bagpipe effects of the zhaleyka aerophone on "Zodchy" are definitely worthwhile. All the songs are in Russian. However, every song is excellent irregardless of language barriers. Anyone into Russian folk/rock will love it. One of the best recordings of 2014. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Muha's 'Reka'

Muha
Reka
Self-Release

With roots in British, Indian, Latvian, and Ukrainian music, Muha is an interesting folk and roots group that transcends borders and genres. The edgy folk stylings of "Kateryna" bring an essence that is unsurpassed in folk music. "Reka" is another great tune with excellent vocals and a meandering rhythm that brings to mind Russian folk elements. The percussion is really laid-back, too. Even though the group is based in the U.K., there are elements that extend far beyond the country's borders. The bluesy "Sketches" contains a little jazz and folk. "NY Talk" is actually a flamenco-tinged tune with stellar guitar work and great vocals. There are nine total tracks that are all diverse and deeply-rooted in folk music styles of Europe. Anyone interested in folk, vocal, European, and world music will find true happiness within the tracks of Reka. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Volga's 'Kumushki Pjut'

Volga
Kumushki Pjut
Asphalt Tango Records

Led by Armenian, Anzhelika Manukyan, Volga reinvents the traditional music of Russia using delicate house, dance, trance, and dub sounds that effervesce with soothing melodies and punchy rhythms. The Russian group resurrects ancient texts and performs them in modern contexts. The group comprises of Grammy Winner, Uri Balashov on zvukosuk and Tibetan cup, Alexey Ostashev on bass guitar, Sergei Klevensky on jaleika and bagpipe, and Roman Lebedev on guitar and electronic arrangements. Anzhelika is the lead vocalist. The poignant rhythms and electronic overtones are carefully selected and executed for a great result that is never too over-the-top. The mix of historical roots, modern rhythms, and various instruments make for a great album. The lilting melodies of "Kaverzi" appropriately demonstrates Anzhelika's emotive vocals and the sauntering guitar arrangements in a laid-back setting. "Postylyi Muzh" contains a pulsating rock guitar beat as an opener with recurring beats throughout. "Mala Nochka" possesses a cheery rhythm with rollicking bass, guitar, and percussion that eloquently accents the subtle electronic touches. Overall, Volga is one of the best groups to come out of Russia in recent memory. Enjoy it for yourself! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Kyzyl-Moscow III'

Various Artists
Kyzyl-Moscow III
Sketis Music

This collection of Tuvan throat-singing music spans twenty tracks and numerous, well-known artists from the region. You will hear the Tuvan Ensemble, Eduard Damdyn, Vadim Oorzhak, Ayas Kuular, Evgeny Saryglar, and Mai-ool Sedip. There are sung melodies, as well a throat singing accompaniment throughout. There are plenty of traditional instruments backing the vocals, including the igil, chanzy, kengirge, dungur, byzaanchi, and doshpuluur. These instruments are various percussion and string accompaniments that accentuate the gritty and soaring vocals. Kyzyl-Moscow is actually a festival held every year in Moscow since 2004. It was organized by George Arat Beletsky--a talented producer, musician, and music promoter. Anyone interested in the effervescent melodies of Tuvan instrumental music and throat-singing styles should check out Kyzyl-Moscow III. Very listenable. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bubamara Brass Band's 'Balkanteka'

Bubamara Brass Band
Balkanteka
Sketis Music

A Balkan music group from Russia? Absolutely. In fact, Bubamara Brass Band wastes no time throwing out the punchy brass melodies and rhythms with an earnest fervor. The upbeat, almost Middle Eastern-tinged percussion tracks combine a bit of gypsy music with bellydance. At any rate, the music will get your body moving. Bubamara even employs the musical talent of famed-Balkan maestro, Marko Markovic. The dozen tracks represent a structured, yet zany whirlwind of brassy tunes with a heady fever of a pace. Balkanteka is a moving album with danceable consequences that are anything but boring. The vocals are very good, too. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Balkan music--no matter where it's from--will love Bubamara Brass Band. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Baraka's 'Tribute To Nargis'

Baraka
Tribute To Nargis
Sketis Music

Baraka is an ethno-jazz group spearheaded by band leader and arranger, Dmitry Evsikov and his daughter, Devika. Tribute To Nargis explores Central Asian music traditions of the late-Pamir singer, Nargis Bandishoeva, who hailed from Tajikistan. Devika brings the folk songs and ballads to life with smooth vocals and stellar instrumental backing that is very relaxing, jazzy, and lounge-ready. There are a few hit songs from fellow Tajiki singer and composer, Oleg Fesov. Notably, "Lalaik", "Dar In Shab Mastun," and "Khudat Medoni." The rippling keyboards, bubbly bass, fluid song lines, and light percussion with some seasoned rock elements round out the album. Anyone with an even passive interest in the traditional music of Central Asia will appreciate Baraka. Celebrate Nargis' life whenever you play this album. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Avis Dei's 'Early European Dance'

Avis Dei
Early European Dance
Sketis Music

Russia's Avis Dei produces an exciting album of very early music that is instrumental and steeped in the 15th and 16th centuries. This form of Middle Ages or Renaissance music contains traditional instrumentation from the bagpipes, mandolin, assorted percussion, recorders, cittern, cello, and others. The fanciful delivery is very moving and pleasant. The music stems from English, Italian, and Belgium ancestries. There are nineteen great songs that showcase the dance sounds of the Middle Ages. A fan of Renaissance fairs, Middle Ages history, and early classical music will appreciate the music contained herein. However, the music is so accessible that anyone will appreciate its inner and outer beauty. The Middle Ages have been known as a dark period with little innovation and new discoveries. Though, Avis Dei proves the Middle Ages can be a fun time with Early European Dance. Liner notes are in English and Russian. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dmitry Novokolsky and Yury Krivoshein's 'That Job Is Over'

Dmitry Novokolsky and Yury Krivoshein
That Job Is Over
Sketis Music

Lead singer, guitarist, harmonica player, and percussionist, Dmitry Novokolsky, joins Yury Krivoshein--another talented guitarist with bass, keyboard, and programming skills. The Russian duo perform English-lyric songs with an Americana, bluegrass, country, and folk edge. The thirteen songs feel more like an American experiment than a truly Russian compilation. At any rate, the swinging, bluesy, and folksy tunes are catchy, classy, and creative. Some of the songs include "Cotton Joe From New Orleans," "Still A Rambler," "Gimme Some Gumbo," "This Blues Is Real," and "That Job Is Over." It is easy to see why fans of classic Americana music will love it. Hopefully, others will love it, too. This is the way country music should sound. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yagoda Galo's 'Polar'

Yagoda Galo
Polar
Sketis Music

Based in Arkhangelsk, Russia--Russia's northwest region on the White Sea, Yagoda Galo performs folk, traditional, and original compositions from all around the North and in Russian lyrics. The eleven-track release contains some of the most beautiful and innovative Russian folk music ever recorded. The ensemble utilizes various instruments, including the didgeridoo, acoustic guitar, domra, mandolin, flute, clarinet, bongo, djembe, jew's harp, drums, bass guitar, and a few others. The result is a complex mix of songs that are vocally and instrumentally-rich. Many of the songs resemble early European or Scandinavian sea-faring songs, but these contain a Russian edge. At any rate, "By The Sea," "Far Away," and "Dreamboat" contain the most sea-faring elements. The best track on the album is probably "Around The Town." This track contains an extremely catchy melody and killer instrumental bridge at the end of the song. If you had to hear one song before you died; this would be it. I would not hesitate placing in the top ten best world music song list of all time. Polar combines the vocal/instrumental traditions of the Cold North, but presents us with the inner warmth of feel-good rhythms and melodies that shine beyond borders...and expectations. Polar is one of the best albums of music anywhere and at any time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Morpheus Hang's 'Listening In The Dark'

Morpheus Hang
Listening In The Dark
Sketis Music

Yuri Rubin (aka Morpheus Hang) is a Russian composer and performer on the hang and steel drum. The hang is an instrument currently only made in Bern, Switzerland that is an idiophone played with fingers and hands. It is a UFO-shaped steel sheets welded together as two discs. The instrument is played on the lap in both horizontal and vertical positions. The sound is quite indicative of the steel pan, but that is typically brighter in tone. The hang is more muted in tone, which adds a kind of bass sound to the songs. There are no additional instruments or vocals on the eight tracks that range over forty-minutes in length. The tonal qualities overall are very contemplative and meditative. The hang is very dreamy and melodic. Yuri succeeds with Listening In The Dark. ~ Matthew Forss