CD Review: Gino Sitson's 'VoiStrings'

Gino Sitson
VoiStrings
Buda Musique

Gino Sitson, a Cameroonian-native, is a vocal acrobat with diverse vocal stylings indicative of jazz, Afro-soul, and European classicism. There are various body effects and miscellaneous vocal effects that produce a variety of sounds--all of them pleasant. The music is very laid-back, sweeping, and neo-classical with some African percussion and rhythm influences. Gino's vocals are accompanied by piano, double bass, drums, cello, and viola. There are two covers on the album, which include Faure's "Elegie Opus 24" and Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage." Of course, Gino makes both tracks his own. There are fourteen original tracks. Fans of world jazz, African vocal music, neo-classical, and even South American bossa nova would relish the sounds on VoiStrings. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Farah's 'Neoteric'

Farah
Neoteric
Self-Release

California-based, Farah Washington, is a singer, performer, model, and all-around creative person with a heart and soul in alternative, urban, R&B, and hip-hop-like song-crafting. Her new album, Neoteric, which actually means 'new idea,' is a perfect description of this carefully-selected and imaginative work of slow beats, urban sounds, and even electronic embellishments. The five-track release features a groove-laden and sultry song, "I Don't Wanna (Leave)," which showcases Farah's intimate and commanding vocals. "You Got It (Interlude)" is a two-minute song with a beat akin to something by Rihanna with repeating vocals and swishy percussion. The opener is a fuzzy, electronic, and drowned-out track with a smattering of vocals and an urban beat that sounds distant and despondent, but that doesn't make it terrible. "5.3.1" is a soothing tune with R&B grooves and sultry vocals. The percussion is rather swishy and electronic. For an EP, Neoteric is a good example of an artist defining their voice and musical style, while making us yearn for more. Little room for improvement here. 4 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

Download Review: Jay Soul's 'Stay With Me'

Jay Soul
Stay With Me
JaySouLMusic

London's Jay Soul is an R&B, soul, and pop up-and-comer with a voice for romantic suavity and a skillful mind for songwriting. The new ten-track release is only available as a download for now, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the music. "Inspiration" is a neo-R&B groove with piano elements, neo-classical atmospherics, and a little guitar work that is bright, new agey, and contemporary. "Get A Job" opens with a dance-like melody and smart lyrics arranged in an R&B and jazzy setting with some urban fortitude that is not hip hop or rap-oriented. "Up" has a throwback dance vein akin to the dance and pop movements of the mid-1990's. The steady rhythm is multi-varied with flashy dance effects. "Stay With Me" is an R&B ballad with a majestic chorus, atmospheric keys, and heartfelt vocals. Overall, the album is very good with dance rhythms, R&B soul, and neo-classical-jazz and a side of pop. Some of the songs are not particularly catchy, but with repeated listens each song grows on you. 4 (out of 5) stars. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych In Peru's Radical Decade'

Various Artists
Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych In Peru's Radical Decade
Tiger's Milk Records

Peru Bravo... is an upcoming release from Tiger's Milk Records that brings us the best psych, funk, R&B, dance, soul music from Peru during the 1960's and 70's. There are fifteen tracks that bleed with energy, desire, and fun. Every note is a magical masterpiece on every track. You will hear some raw stuff here by some unknown artists, including Laghonia, Thee Image, Black Sugar, Jeriko, Los Destellos, The Mad's, Los Comandos, Cacique, Los Holy's, and many more. The driving dance beats, garage-rock sound, and wild percussion are all accented with electronic embellishments that give the music a modern edge. The licks and chords are gritty and awesome with loads of psych to play with here. The throbbing keyboards, drum beats, and fluid bass-lines are unmatched. Anyone interested in world psych music will relish its tracks. Fans of Peruvian music will love the unadulterated songs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Matty Ride's Self-Titled Release

Matty Ride
Matty Ride
Self-Release

Nashville-based and R&B-soul-inspired, Matty Ride gives us a danceable and pop-focused medley of songs on his five-track, self-titled release. "The First Day Of Summer" features danceable grooves by way of punchy keyboards, blurby electronics, and urban, hip-hop beats (thanks to Fyutch) that take on a 1980s and 90s dance vein with male and female vocals. The song contains a video release that visually depicts travel scenes in Nashville, Las Vegas, and even space with a magical DeLorean. There are pool scenes, bicycle-riding, and dancing in front of graffiti-laced walls and other cityscapes. There is a fun element to the song that mimics internal excitement when the first day of summer - or warmer weather - arrives. "That Girl" is a swishy, urban soul song with a poppy element that is danceable with a youthful, almost reggae-like dance beat. The vocals are akin to Maroon 5. "All Over Again" is a punchy, electronic tune with an urban flair and a slight Brit-pop dance infusion. "Come On And Dance" opens with a blurby, funky, and fluid dance tune that is more than one-dimensional in all aspects. "Hold Me Closer" is a slower tune with swishy percussion that is jazzy and ballad-esque. The keyboard's piano affects are emotive and poignant. The atmospheric washes and string arrangements suggest a heartfelt overtone. There is a good amount of variation throughout the album; despite the short running length. At any rate, Matty Ride knows how to create sensible, intelligent, and fun tunes with a dance beat and electronic backbone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: See-I's 'Knowledge Shine Bright'

See-I
Knowledge Shine Bright
Fort Knox Recordings

Washington, DC's Afro-funk band, See-I, releases a new album that continues in their funk, house, trance, hip hop, and rock paths with Knowledge Shine Bright. The opening anthem, "Never Give Up," is a reggae, funk, and rock-infused medley of luscious sounds and catchy melodies with punchy horns, jingly guitars, and reggae vocals. A dozen tracks round out the album with classic funk rhythms, hip-hop grooves, and urban styles that combine electronica with jazzy horns. The entire collection of songs are especially likable, which is probably due to the catchy and infectious melodies. At any rate, See-I is not afraid of experimenting or mixing styles, instruments, or grooves. Get your soul filled with 'Knowledge', so it can 'Shine Bright.' ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rebel Tumbao's Self-Titled Release

Rebel Tumbao
Rebel Tumbao
Sacred Rhythm Music

New York-based and world-traveled, Rebel Tumbao's leading musicians, Matt Jenson and Jose Clausell, bring together a roots-reggae and Afro-Cuban-inspired concoction of moving rhythms and melodies with fiery percussion and punchy horns. The self-titled work contains ten tracks and one bonus hit. Several of the songs are attributed to Bob Marley and one by John Coltrane, but the similarities pretty much end at their names. However, co-founder and keyboardist Matt Jenson is penned to the remainder tracks. "Natural Mystic" begins with a roots-reggae groove and it ends with a Afro-Cuban medley. "A Love Supreme/Exodus" contains much of the same vibrant, Afro-Cuban percussion, but it tends to move into an Cuban jazz vein. The music is soulful and not too unlike the funk and jazz of the 1970s. "Masters Of Greed" begins with a light melody, B3 sounds, and a laidback, sultry vocal track that gets into your soul and never lets go. "Spare A Nickel" heats it up a bit with punchy horns and sweeping, Afro-Cuban melodies and great vocals. Fans of Afro-Cuban, Jamaican, Caribbean, and roots, soul, funk music will love Rebel Tumbao. Be a rebel today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Offiong Bassey's Nigerian/American Self-Titled Release

Offiong Bassey
Offiong Bassey
Moonlit Media Group

Nigerian-American, Offiong Bassey, presents us with a soulful, R&B, jazz, and funk-imbued compilation of heady, rhythm-driven songs on her self-titled release. The soft vocals are matched by the effervescent electronica, jazzy percussion, and Afro-Cuban connections throughout. The soulful melodies and lyrical displays are enriched by her native Efik and Nigerian Pidgin English vocals amidst a background of traditional Ekombi dance styles. The soulful and percussion-heavy, "Legitimate Child," awakens the spirit with a vibrant, yet smooth bass line and swishy percussion sounds. "Edidem" is a scintillating melody with traditional instrumentation and vocal styles all held together by a little acoustic guitar and a few additional instruments. "Mistaking Chivalry For Chauvinism" is an uppity tune with some poetic vocals and punchy keyboard sounds in a tame sort of urban composition that is not quite rap or hip hop. Offiong knows how to combine jazz, R&B, funk, psych, and African rhythms for an enjoyable listening experience. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gabriela Pepino's 'Let Me Do It'

Gabriela Pepino
Let Me Do It
Tratore Music Brasil

The Berklee College of Music-trained singer, Gabriela Pepino hails from Brazil, but her musical influences are far-reaching. Gabriela brings a unique soul, blues, and jazz swagger that is refreshing and sultry at the same time. For instance, "I Just Wanna Make Love To You," is a bluesy tune with a sultry voice amidst a jazzy backbone. The laidback "Dose Of Scotch" is classy, jazzy, and folksy. "If I Lived In France" contains a bit of contemporary café music with a bit of French suavity that melds with Brazilian jazz and a bit of quasi-reggae. "Headache" opens with a few horns and glittering guitars with soulful vocals and show-tune-type backup singers. "Baby" begins with jaunty piano and a snare drum with blurby bass and a Regina Spektor-type vocal intro. However, the music moves into a more blues vein at times. This is not a typical Latin, Brazilian, or South American album. It contains a blend of blues, jazz, pop standards, and soul that is incredibly memorable and fun for everyone involved. Fans of great music will love it. It's that simple. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Fat Freddy's Drop's 'Blackbird'

Fat Freddy's Drop
Blackbird
The Drop/!K7

New Zealand's Fat Freddy's Drop brings us a new album, Blackbird, which traverses the world of dance, reggae, jazz, funk, and soul. The music is contemporary and urban. There is also an element of electronic embellishments that drive some of the melodies. There are nine infectious tracks brimming with luscious hooks, reggae beats, and funky adornments. The group utilizes electronic sounds, trumpet, trombone, sax, guitars, drums, and keyboards. The steady melodies and funky rhythms reflect the Black sounds of America's 1970s and 80s. Yet, the music is still unique and groundbreaking with its own sense of style and direction. Fans of Afro-beat music, soul/funk, jazz, and reggae will find something to sing and dance about on Blackbird. It simply soars with unabashed brilliance. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Barefoot Divas' 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes'

Barefoot Divas
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
VGM/MGM

Barefoot Divas is a collective of six women with a connection to the indigenous people's of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The vocal group is comprised of Aboriginals Ursula Yovich and Emma Donovan, Maori's Whirimako Black, Maisey Rika and Merenia. Ngaiire represents the Papua New Guinea connection. The opening vocal track by Maisey Rika is rather contemplative without any instrumentation. The serenity is short-lived, as "Never Forget" brings an amped-up, R&B and gospel composition to light. The Spanish-tinged, "Fortuna," is driven by the world fusion repertoire representing Greek, Chilean, and Peruvian elements. The work is largely vocal with a poetic, social commentary. However, the combination of vocals and contemporary instrumentation represents an edgy mix of world fusion worth listening to over and over. There are fourteen tracks in all. The recording was recorded live in 2012 at the Sydney Festival. This project could not have been possible without the group's creator, manager, and producer, Vicki Gordon. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Kaleidoscope Jukebox's 'Infinite Reflection'

Kaleidoscope Jukebox
Infinite Reflection
Rhythm & Culture

Multi-instrumentalist and Indiana-native, Clint Carty, showcases his musical talents on the intelligent, enthralling, and electronic release, Infinite Reflection. The music is upbeat with all the electronic nuances of trance, down-tempo, funk, and experimental dance music. There are ethnic influences, fusions, and melodies throughout. However, the power of electronica seems to keep it all together. There are hints of hip-hop, soul, jazz, and dance that are unmistakable. Spoken word vocals are the primary vocals with a little rap thrown in. The result is more informational; rather than for the joy of singing. At any rate, the fourteen tracks possess something stellar--an inherent ability to teach us something new with each note. The largely upbeat melodies and rhythms make Infinite Reflection a must-have for forward-thinking audiophiles. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: DJ Sun's 'One Hundred'

DJ Sun
One Hundred
Self-Release

Houston, Texas-based DJ and music aficionado, DJ Sun, releases a hit list of nineteen exciting tracks that span the globe. The music is highly danceable, but not too fast relaxation is out of the question. The trippy grooves and electronic samples with lively vocals are adventurous and captivating. There are loads of instrumental embellishments from horns to harps and everything in-between. The sonic structures reflect a global fusion of sorts that are great for the dance hall or bedroom. The deep sounds and sketchy scratches are somewhat reminiscent of Royskopp. This music is richly-textured from global wanderings and unique, down-tempo lounge sounds. Anyone with an interest in electronic music, groove music, down-tempo, hip-hop instrumentals, and soul-funk will love DJ Sun. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Angel D'Cuba's 'Heritage'

Angel D’Cuba

Heritage
Self-Release

The fiery rhythms and moods of Angel D’Cuba, former lead-singer with the Cuban mega-group, Mezcla, spans several Caribbean styles and melodies over the eleven track release. The music is vibrant and full of horns. The funky rhythms, heavy percussion, and blaring brass make Heritage a must-have recording for the New Year. The music incorporates timba, Mozam-funk, jazz ballads, cumbia, soul ballads, guaracha, samba, reggaeton fusion, soca, songo, and soul-songo genres. The Chicago-based ensemble is full of lively sounds coming from bongos, congas, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, trumpets, trombone, flugelhorn, flute, sax, bata drums, and others. Anyone with an interest in Caribbean, Latin, Cuban, or energetic dance tunes will love Angel’s soulful vocals and great grooves. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Eric EQ Young's 'Just 4 You'

Eric EQ Young
Just 4 You
Self-Release

The sultry soul sounds of Eric's slap bass, the heady percussion section, jazzy horns, and magnificent keyboards celebrate the funky, urban, down-tempo chill genres with effortless fluidity and absolute humility. The handful of songs represent a mature musical expression that only comes from years of instrumental playing and innovative musicianship. "Dance With Me" opens with some jazzy elements and industrial, metallic, urban funk sounds. The dance track is beaming with groovy hooks and back-up vocals that find a happy medium accompanying Eric's lead vocals.  "Just 4 You" is a more relaxed, down-tempo song that shimmers with jazz, funk, and soul inflections that include some reverberating B3 sounds, glistening percussion accents, and soulful vocals. "Let's Ride" is a more upbeat jazzy track that includes some piano keys, danceable percussion, and groovy leanings that border on jazz, soul, and funk all the way. The slap bass solo near the end of the song is a stand-out performance. The music is full of infectious hooks, riffs, and licks that are never grating or boring. Fans of jazz, funk, urban, soul, gospel, and contemporary pop music will find the relatively small collection of songs to be very enthralling and refreshing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mark Etheredge's 'Change Coming'

Mark Etheredge
Change Coming
Vipaka Records

California-based singer and musician, Mark Etheredge, brings us a contemporary pop/rock production of twelve funk, jazzy, and soulful compositions that feature great percussion, jazzy keyboards and light vocals that are somewhere between Jack Johnson and Ben Folds. "The Other Man" features soulful vocals, funky keyboards, and persistent percussion that is jazzy and smooth all the way through. The bluesy and jazzy guitar work is glittering with cheerful sound. "Room To Room" is a soulful piano ballad that is heartfelt and genuine without much in the way of additional instrumentation or accompanying vocals. "Hot Tub" is a quirky jazz-focused tune with funky rhythms and female backup vocals with Mark's voice leading the charge. The upbeat tune does not stray too far from his roots. "Change Coming" opens with a breezy, piano melody ripe with easy listening percussion and reverberating organ sounds. The sax brings the tune alive near the end of the song. Overall, Mark's full-length release is something that is refreshing and different than the average Top 40 material today. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Charlie Wheeler Band's 'Line 'Em Up!'

Charlie Wheeler Band
Line 'Em Up!
Self-Release

Pennsylvania-based, Charlie Wheeler Band, is not your typical rock band from the North. In fact, the music is jam rock with Southern rock elements and a tad of blues. The new album, Line 'Em Up!, is a classic ode to Southern rock sounds with original material written by guitarist and vocalist, Charlie Wheeler. Charlie is joined by Greek Cheronis on lead vocals and harmonicas; Anthony Brown on keyboards and backing vocals; Andy Baker on bass and backing vocals; and Rad Akers on drums and backing vocals. "Why O' Why" is a gritty, political tune with big guitars and big vocals that reverberate with class and charisma. "Dark Canyons" opens with a rock guitar solo and drum-kit with roots elements and Southern B3 sounds. "Gone Are The Days" showcases a little harmonica action and a bluesy, rock-guitar medley and wild vocals clearly steeped in rock with a little piano notes on a keyboard. "The Same Thing" is an upbeat, classy, Southern rock song with burly vocals and a bluesy ambiance. "Line 'Em Up!" seems like a classic, thrash-rock anthem that is steeped in Southern soul. Overall, Line 'Em Up! is a great album of Southern blues-rock for today's generation. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Analog Players Society's 'Hurricane Season In Brooklyn'

Analog Players Society
Hurricane Season In Brooklyn
Studio Brooklyn

The Brooklyn-based Analog Players Society shake up the music scene with loads of thick grooves and funky, instrumental rhythms that throw in jazz, soul, pop, and dance. The opener, "Free," is wholly instrumental and loaded with Afro-jazz hooks and funky melodies. "Hurricane Season In Brooklyn" is a jazzy medley with scat vocals and a percussive background and a spacious keyboard nuances. "Let The Music Play" is an instrumental gem with piano, percussion, and reggae-type beat without a noticeable African vein. The soulful, female vocals on "I Can't Wait" is a classic throwback to the 1970s, but it is decidedly modern in feel and tone. "Just A Day" continues the classic, funky, soul tune with great vocals. Anyone with an interest in groovy, Afro-inspired, jazz tunes will love the Analog Players Society. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Imani Uzuri's 'The Gypsy Diaries'

Imani Uzuri
The Gypsy Diaries
Self-Release

The opening sitar sounds on the first track, 'Beautiful,' followed by the bluesy, gospel vocals of Imani Uzuri, offers a glimmer of what brilliant--and varied--delicacies are found on The Gypsy Diaries. The multi-influential work encompasses Indian, blues, gospel, Afro-pop, Eastern European, and East Asian elements that bring a sense of class, soul, and dignity to the world of music. The diverse vocals match the diverse instrumentation. The English vocals are a little lower in tone than Zero 7's earlier work. Still, the album features a good mix of melodies, instruments, rhythms, and Afro-pop magnificence for audiences of all ages and locations. This is world music at its best! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Martina Downey's 'Sign Post'

Martina Downey
Sign Post
Self-Release

New Jersey-based, Martina Downey, brings to life the psychedelic and R&B-driven sounds of America's golden age of rock, soul, and ambient music during the 1960's and 70's. This sophomore release of ten new songs represents a lively set of music that combines various genres and influences for an adventurous, urban, and gospel-centric audience. The dreamy instrumentation, punchy percussion, and jazz or rock idioms are also presented here. Martina's vocals are joined by back-up singers, but the  instrumental arrangements are equally-compelling. Notably, the entire album contains vocals, but the genre-bending instrumentation provides a good selection of melodies, rhythms, and influences to enjoy. The jazzy "Close To Her" opens with a piano and sax with Martina's unconventional high tonal range, but the song is extremely catchy. "Dark Caverns" is a classic, pop track with R&B funk, gospel joy, and rippling guitar sounds throughout. "Finer Things" is another pop classic with rousing vocals and punchy guitar work with keyboard strings. The folk-rock tune, "Hurricane," is a tune with Top-40 potential and a good, gritty rock mix of styles bordering folk, alternative pop, and jazz. The entire set of songs runs the gamut from jazz, folk, rock, R&B, gospel, jazz, and psychedelica. Martina Downey is a woman full of creative energy and a compendium of songs that more than suit her vocal abilities. Sign Post is a mile marker of artistic achievement. ~ Matthew Forss