CD Review: Argentina's Gabriel Palatchi Releases 'Trivolution'

Gabriel Palatchi
Trivolution
Self-Release

Argentinian pianist and synth player, Gabriel Palatchi, is joined by Kerry Galloway on electric bass and Jose Maria Gonzalez on drums and percussion. Trivolution is a work of three band members that are not alone, as a few additional performers are added to the mix. The down-tempo, psych-driven grooves are jazz-infused and South American-tinged. The synths create a fluid, smooth jazz feel at times. On "Sefarad Roots," the music takes a Klezmer turn with a Gypsy-esque beat and melody. In fact, 'sefarad' suggests a Ladino presence with Old Spain. The funky sounds of "What Da Funk" contain a few vocals by David Gall. "Vive" is the only other track with vocals. Some of the songs are ripe with Latin brass and heavy percussion, while not straying too far from their South American jazz roots. The punchy and varied beats are a must-hear for fans of world jazz, South American music, and psych-funk concoctions. Trivolution is an excellent album. Join in the fun! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kimie Miner's New Self-Titled Release

Kimie Miner
Kimie Miner
Self-Release

Hawaii's Kimie Miner is a singer-songwriter of Hawaiian and Portuguese descent. The rousing tunes on her self-titled release are in English; except for "Kumulau." The melodies retain a slight R&B presence and lounge jazz sensibility that is refreshing, urban, and pop-focused. There are some danceable tunes with vocals not too unlike Nelly Furtado. A bouncy piano rhythm makes an appearance (along with Caleb Keolanui) on "Love's In The Melody." "Trouble" is a nod to South American alternative pop and electronica with a sassy reggae edge. While, "Make It To Morning," "Fallin' Again," "Lullabies," and "Shine" resemble the harmonic structures of The Beu Sisters' early work. Kimie's album contains equal parts of dance, electronica, guitar pop, reggae, and alternative genres for a great musical journey. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mara Measor's 'Naked Prayers'

Mara Measor
Naked Prayers
Self-Release

Chinese-American songstress, writer, and actor, Mara Measor, brings us a lively mix of personal songs with quaint instrumentation, sweet vocals, and spiritual undertones. Naked Prayers is a nine-track album under forty-minutes in length that contains several uplifting songs. In fact, all of the songs are really good with varying aural textures, melodies, and light rhythms bordering on new age-pop or alternative pop. Mara's sweet vocals resemble the Canadian group, Dala, as well as the U.K.'s Katie Melua, with similar instrumental set-ups akin to the former. The final number, "Love Will Find You," seems like a throwback to the funky, jazz standards of the 1970's. The calming and essentially word-less song, "Ooh," is a spiritual wonder with only Mara's voice leading the song and a distant thud of a drum. "You Saw Me" is a pensive, piano-driven song with guitars and percussion that are truly beautiful. All in all, Mara succeeds in creating a gorgeous album with memorable melodies, sweet vocals, and an underlying message of "good" without sacrificing anything. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Vahagni's 'Imagined Frequencies'

Vahagni
Imagined Frequencies
Self-Release

Armenian-born and LA-based, Vahagni is a talented guitarist and composer with an intuitive ability to cross genres and borders with his unique musical style. Vahagni weaves through flamenco, world jazz, classical, folk, and Afro-Spanish worlds via guitars and a range of strings, percussion, and sequencing. The flamenco-induced, "Sketches of Dali," is especially intriguing and upbeat. The Afro-Spanish-influenced, "Hov arek sarer jan," contains soft vocals from Buika for an otherwise Armenian song. The serene melodies are akin to Baaba Maal or other Senegalese performers. Vahagni brings in piano, bass, drums, percussion, blul, duduk, violin, cello, and a few other instruments for an adventurous palette of sound. The dreamy and somewhat pensive, "Pendulum," is ideal for relaxing or dreaming. Over forty-minutes and eleven tracks represent a wide range of music from Vahagni that is highly-praised for good reason. Fans of Matthew Montfort and Lawson Rawlins will enjoy Vahagni. Experience Vahagni's Imagined Frequencies for yourself (and for a friend). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Honeybird's 'Out Comes Woman'

Honeybird
Out Comes Woman
Duckhead Green Music

Honeybird incorporates a variety of world, jazz, urban, classical, and pop elements on Out Comes Woman. The fourteen tracks are uniquely-named and equally-enthralling from a musical perspective. Some of the titles include, "TMBLGBT," "Ex-Spearmint," and "Bi Dead Chickens." Some of the vocals are arranged in a scat jazz setting, while others are set in a theatrical or artsy context with whimsical instrumentation and short or fast beats. This is not a power pop album or rock album, for that matter. Instead, it is filled with poignant melodies, diverse vocals, and varied instrumentation arranged in delicate ways. The vocals are often reduced in more of a spoken word or poetic delivery--especially on "Wanted In Wanted Out." At any rate, Honeybird creates some sweet tunes for anyone looking for something different. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Donna De Lory's 'Universal Light'

Donna De Lory
Universal Light
Self-Release

The contemporary kirtan and dance princess, Donna De Lory, brings life to songs inspired from the heavens above on Universal Light. This album contains a dozen songs with remixes from some of the hottest DJ's and maestros around, including Carmen Rizzo, Atom Smith, Drumspyder, Willie Lewis, David Starfire, Freq Nasty, and Dub Kirtan Allstars. "Gayatri Mantra," "The Offering," "Praying For Love," "Jai Mata Kali," "Om Namah Shivayah," and "Luciana" are more dance-centered tracks. There is a trip-hop-infused version of the Christian classic, "Amazing Grace," while "Om Tare Tuttare," "Amma," and "By Your Grace" are more down-tempo and kirtan-influenced with lighter melodies and rhythms. Donna's vocals are bright, clear, and most of all--universal! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tina Malia's 'Bridge To Vallabha'

Tina Malia
Bridge To Vallabha
Self-Release

Tina Malia discovered the great mantras of South Indian devotional music just before working with Jai Uttal's Pagan Love Orchestra. Falling in love with Sanskrit mantras, Tina has released four previous albums covering different aspects of mantra music. The latest offering, Bridge To Vallabha, contains a host of vocalists, including Karnamrita Dasi, Peia, Donna DeLory, Heather Wertheimer, Jai-Jagdeesh, Sasha Rose, Al Torre, and a few others. In addition, Tina is not only a vocalist, but a skilled musician on various guitars, Rhodes, synths, vibraphone, charangon, and percussion. The rather symphonic, spacious, and awe-inspiring songs bring in cello, sarangi, lap steel, bass, tabla, piano, and shaker for a more textured result. The music is not as dance or urban-oriented as Wah! or Donna DeLory, but the end result is still impressive. There are mostly Sanskrit chants throughout, but a nod to Hebrew and Native American influences are present on two separate tracks. At any rate, Tina's vocals are atmospheric, light, and brilliant--all in the same breath. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: SLV's 'This Kind'

SLV
This Kind
Self-Release

SLV is Sandra Lilia Velasquez and the lead singer for the Latin band, Pistolera. SLV incorporates the work of Jordan Scannella from the electronic music group, Tortured Soul, as well as Nick Zammuto from an another electronic band. Is the music Latin, electronic, pop, or rock? Well, This Kind is special, because it includes musical styles that are rather undefinable. The influence is pop, while electronica leanings fill in the rest of the sound. "Limits" and "Situation" are an excellent example of pop/rock deliciousness with catchy melodies and great vocals. However, there are even reggae-type rhythms, new age orchestrations, and South American contemporary elements--notably from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina. Importantly, this is not a traditional album, but an album with modern elements with light ethnic ties. Still, SLV shines with great rhythms, sounds, and melodies that are rather fluid and emotive. Think of Katie Melua meets Ceu. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tipsy Oxcart's 'Upside Down'

Tipsy Oxcart
Upside Down
Self-Release

Balkan music from Brooklyn? Yes, indeed. The instrumental ensemble creates dance-friendly tunes with lively percussion, trumpets, baritone/alto/tenor sax, trombone, accordion, violin, electric bass, and drums. Though, some of the songs are more contemplative and serene, a majority of the tracks are upbeat, edgy, and full of high-energy. "Homecoming" contains a Balkan-beat that is reminiscent of South American cumbia, but in a Balkan form. The frenzied "Tutti Frutti" is a rousing track with blaring horns, bubbly bass, and punchy drum beats throughout. There are eleven tracks in all. With track titles as diverse as "Fax Mission," "Honey Dripper," "Tipska," "Bone Dance," and others, Upside Down will astonish you with their uncanny rhythms and contemporary sounds in pure, Balkan music form. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bill Gable's 'No Straight Lines'

Bill Gable
No Straight Lines
Self-Release

From the Midwestern United States, Bill Gable carves a niche in the pop and jazz standard genre with poignant and personal songs backed by flamenco, world jazz, neo-classical, and pop elements. The songs are slow-tempo morsels of ear candy that incorporates a stellar musical cast, including Steve Rodby, Jimmy Haslip, Larry Goldings, Greg Ellis, and a few others. Inspired by destinations never reached, No Straight Lines offers a spirited record of hope, love, and freedom to be one's self--no matter what people say. Subtle jazz horns, delicate acoustic guitars, and light percussive arrangements cement Bill Gable in a group of very talented musicians. Fans of laid-back, neo-classical, jazz, and pop standards with a world music presence will love No Straight Lines. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Visual Music Circus' New Self-Titled Release

Visual Music Circus
Visual Music Circus
Self-Release

Petros Sakelliou, a native of Athens, Greece, is the brainchild behind the new album, Visual Music Circus. The circus theme is found in the carnival-esque melodies and moods represented throughout the eight tracks and several diverse musical instruments, including the piano, accordion, sax, vibraphone, clarinet, flute, piccolo, violin, upright bass, percussion, and drum-set. The multi-layered sounds conjure up images of Brazilian lounge bars, sultry beaches, and smoky nightclubs. There is a mix of jazz, classical, Latin, and nostalgic music akin to the 1960's and 70's era. The result is a playful and well-orchestrated album that is full of serene melodies, writhing rhythms, and unique sounds that bring a fresh perspective to the area of world fusion. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Radius' 'Seven Tales'

Radius
Seven Tales
Self-Release

Justine and Harris are the duo, Radius, hailing from New Zealand. Their music of choice revolves around roots, jazz, folk, old-time, experimental, and instrumental with a dash of world fusion. The seven-track release, aptly-titled, Seven Tales, is a relaxing, instrumental effort with rustic dobro, sweeping sax melodies, plucked guitars, and the occasional banjo and ukulele. The soft sax creates a moving and meditative spirit to the music without sounding too jazz-centered or cheesy. The spacious dobro hints at Western connotations that matches the creative ingenuity of the late-Bob Brozman. At any rate, Radius is a small part in the circle of life, but it brings with it great music and memorable melodies. Perfect for contemplation and meditation, but energetic enough to keep one awake. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Fractal Control's 'Disconnection Equals Freedom'

Fractal Control
Disconnection Equals Freedom
Self-Release

Links: YouTube, SoundCloud

Fractal Control is Mike Louttit's new release of instrumental rock/metal, surf psych, and avant-garde stylings that are somewhat futuristic, but never dull. The Ohio-native wrestles with technological advances leaving real humanity in a social quandary. Regardless of the message, the mostly instrumental release contains seven thought-provoking tunes. The piano-driven, "Already Ourselves," is an instrumental ode to humanity that contains brief atmospheric washes and an artificial intelligence voice that describes an introspective analysis of life. "Awakened And Aware" opens with a mind-numbing, instrumental guitar, bass and drum composition with metal aspects abounding. The instrumental tune contains glittering guitar work, punchy melodies, and a driving rhythm that is full of aggression. "Retrace" contains a drowned-out guitar or bass solo that is very improvisational or avant-garde. It does not contain any other instrumentation. It sheds the metal characteristics of other songs and it is relatively short at only one-and-a-half-minutes.  "Hidden Truth" begins with a psych, surf rock instrumental that goes into a finger-frenzied, guitar experience that is rich with sparkling guitar notes in true rock fashion. There are robotic, spoken words near the end of the song. Overall, Fractal Control does a great job awakening the human spirit with Disconnection Equals Freedom. The music is great for fans of instrumental rock, experimental, new age, improvisational, and contemporary ambient sounds. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Druids' 'Freedom'

The Druids
Freedom
Self-Release

The Irish group, The Druids, are an energetic, Celtic folk group inspired by Irish ballads and history. The folksy leanings are ripe with characteristic melodies and rhythms inherent in Irish folk music. The male vocals are very engaging. Some of the best songs on the album are, "The Sky Over Ireland," "Why Can't I Be A Rebel," "Hey Paddy," "Martin O' Halloran," "The Rathbride Column," and "God Save Ireland." There are solo vocals, but oftentimes, the other band members chime in for a more dramatic result. The lyrical content revolves around issues of freedom in every day life that pertain not only to Ireland, but other countries, too. The liner notes offer extensive information on each song. Fans of bluegrass, old time, folk, storytelling songs, patriotic ballads, and historic songs will love The Druids' latest release. Freedom begins and ends with The Druids! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Armory's 'Rediscover'

The Armory
Rediscover
Self-Release

Links: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud

The Armory is an Atlanta-based indie rock band comprised of Sean Wheeler and Marc Harris on lead vocals, Ben Harris on bass and vocals, as well as guitarists, John Patton and Ricky Free. Together, the group forms a compelling and entertaining form of rock music with a pop vein and alternative leanings led by crunchy and symphonic guitar arrangements. The static-driven rock vocals of "If I Ever" prove the band has what it takes to bring a song to life. "Stay" contains a heady mix of crunchy rock guitar arrangements and great vocals not too unlike Three Days Grace and Splender. "Peter Piper" adds a heavier mix of rock vocals and guitars that are not as cohesive and enjoyable as other tunes on the album. "Rediscover" opens with a plaintive, acoustic guitar melody and clear, emotive vocals. Half-way through the song, heavier rock arrangements and vocals take over and end the song on a solid note. The nine-track release is a solid effort with a generous dose of rock riffs and melodies that are not too dissimilar from Three Days Grace and Splender. 4.5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Violette's 'Falling Strong'

Violette
Falling Strong
Self-Release

A native, French chanteuse, Violette brings together warm song of incredible complexity and life with swirling piano melodies and somewhat bluesy, pop song creations on her latest release, Falling Strong. Now based in Brooklyn, Violette does not stray too far from her French song origins. There are classical, jazz, pop, rock, and folk elements throughout. Each song is catchy and beautifully-executed with vocals as sweet as sugar and melodies as fluid as a babbling brook. With vocals akin to Michelle Branch and Norah Jones, Violette knows how to evoke images of love, happiness, and hope with lyrical stories. Fans of piano, pop, rock, ballads, and a few French-lyric songs will love Violette's latest offering. The album is so good it should be 'falling' up the charts! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Susan McKeown's 'Belong'

Susan McKeown
Belong
Self-Release

Irish-born and North American-based, Susan McKeown presents us with indelible folk song constructions wrapped effortlessly around a poignant lyrical palette of roots and blues-inspired material for a truly remarkable release. Susan's vocals are accompanied by a few guest singers, including Declan O'Rourke and James Maddock. The instrumental accompaniment is what you would expect a laid-back folk sound to contain, including the mellotron, Hammond organ, bass, drums, guitars, Wurlitzer, percussion, strings, banjo, and others. Susan's approach to songwriting and performing is very enchanting and memorable. The musical licks, riffs, and chords stick with you long after the song ceases. It is rare every song is good on an album, but this one is an exception. Susan's voice is a combination of bluesy, Anne Weiss, the UK's Katie Melua, and alt-pop's, Leona Naess. Fans of clear vocals and various instruments in a folk, roots, and alternative pop setting will love Belong. In fact, it 'belongs' is every musical collection! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Super Hi-Fi's 'Yule Analog, Vol. 1'

Super Hi-Fi
Yule Analog, Vol. 1
Self-Release

Super Hi-Fi dub-masters are back and in a celebratory mood for the upcoming holiday season with the release of their latest venture, Yule Analog, Vol. 1. The instrumental release spreads a bit of holiday cheer in all the right ways. There are fluid beats, jazzy horns, dubby noises, and psych-sensibilities throughout the ten-track release, which is available as a digital release. These guys put a new spin on the Christmas season with familiar and iconic tunes reinvented, including, "We Three Kings," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (2 versions)," "Little Drummer Boy," "Go Tell It On The Mountain (2 versions)," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Auld Lang Syne," and one of the dubbiest, horn-driven, and reggae-infectious song imaginable ("Yule Analog"). The upbeat songs are sure to drive everyone into a happy frenzy. Put this on for your holiday party and you won't need any eggnog. It's that good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Torsha Lynn's 'Inappropriate'

Torsha Lynn
Inappropriate
Self-Release

Links: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud

Dallas, Texas singer, Torsha Lynn, knows how to create edgy, urban beats and flowing verbage that does anything but stay grounded. The new album, Inappropriate, contains some 'super' hits with the dance-friendly, "Supa Badd." This is a contrast from other songs, such as, "So Wrong," "Down South," "Keep Me," "Space Age," and others. These songs are more urban, R&B beats with some dance elements, but the main gist of the songs stems from a deep, urban influence. Torsha's vocals are rather fluid and edgy with a sound akin to Rihanna, Tamia, or Aaliyah. "Super Human" begins with a little piano introduction and Torsha's emotive vocals with neo-classical string accompaniment for an urban ballad result. "Lady Sings The Blues" also begins with a piano intro, but there are some electronic dance elements that set this track apart from the previously-mentioned song. There is a dance element to the song, but the entire song flows with a slower tempo and more electronic embellishments. "Down South" is a frenzied, electronic display of dance and urban R&B elements, which provides an awe-inspiring chorus with a male, backup vocal that is a little distracting in a deep, vocal register. Still, Torsha amazes listeners with a solid and mature release. 4.5 Stars (out of 5 Stars). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Atlas Maior's Double Release 'Palindrome'

Atlas Maior
Palindrome [2-CD]
Self-Release

Texas-based, world music fusion group, Atlas Maior, releases a double-album, Palindrome, which an improvisatinoal journey on the wilder side of fusion. The band is comprised of Charlie Lockwood on oud, Joshua Thomson on alto sax and flute, and Ted Camat on percussion. The result is very complex, yet laid-back release, with loads of aural textures that weave in and out of consciousness. The entrancing release arouses North African, Middle Eastern, European, and North American musical elements on the jazz, avant-garde, and new age sides of the spectrum. There are fourteen tracks in all with names as diverse as the song elements, such as "ouduo," "Booted and Looted," "Half-pipe Blowhole," and "oodaqq." The instrumental release is perfect for fans of adventurous world music. ~ Matthew Forss