CD Review: RumbAmazigha

RumbAmazigha

RumbAmazigha

Taller de Musics

The Spanish collective of musicians form a handy mix of Amazigh, Berber, Tamasheq, and Catalonia rhythms with fiery percussion and moving vocals. The music is produced with some percussion, violin, banjo, guitar, and bass in such a way that is extremely easy to listen to. At times, the music is more Spanish-tinged. However, the North African elements rise to the occasion, even though the lyrics are in Spanish. The breezy melodies reflect an almost Cape Verde feel, especially on 'RumbAmazigha' and 'Cultures'. On 'Africa', the banjo replaces the typical, North African n'goni lute. There are hints of Algeria's Amazigh Kateb throughout. The lively percussion, banjo plucking, and Spanish elements make RumbAmazigha a unique album of ear-friendly (and dance-friendly) tunes. Lyrics are not provided in the liner notes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rumba Vella's 'Els Ignorant'

Rumba Vella

Els Ignorants

Taller de Musics

The Barcelona-based group, Rumba Vella, largely produce Catalonia music with a rumba edge, Latin American vibe, and a nostalgic, French feel. The twelve musical tracks go way back to the 1960's and 70's, while others were first popularized by Panama's Ruben Blades and Puerto Rico's Ray Barretto. The highly-danceable music is accomplished with guitars, bass, percussion, and violin in a slightly syncopated song structure. The rumba, flamenco, and tropical sounds are inspired by Spain's musical history. The musicians know how to produce good vocal tracks with better-than-average lyrics and lively, dance tracks with a range of percussive sounds that span Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. However, the relatively short running time of forty-minutes is a less-than-desirable quality. Still, Rumba Vella is a 'danse de vigueur' to be reckoned with. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Las Guitarras de Espana's 'Tantas Cosas'

Las Guitarras de Espana

Tantas Cosas

Novo

The Chicago-based group, Las Guitarras de Espana (The Guitars of Spain), releases their fifth album with Tantas Cosas (Many Things). The Spanish-tinged music incorporates a few different, progressive genres, including flamenco, rock, blues, country, alternative, African, middle eastern, Indian, pop, and New Age. The party-driven opener, "Tantas Cosas," is an excellent song that amps up the celebratory atmosphere of the album. The bluesy "Cejilla" continues the party reverie, as a sort of Latino rock with a heavy dose of caffeine. The vibrant vocals of Patricia Ortega leads the way with providing a youthful and bright voice that matches the music in both color and tone. The more traditional and quieter "Invierno" is a great song of folklorico music. The diverse songs and superlative instrumentation provides a wonderful mix of melodies, musical history, and character. In short, The Guitars of Spain incorporate a global mix of music to their 'Latin' repertoire that expands the borders of tradition into something spectacular. A must-have for fans of Latin, Spanish, flamenco, Think of One, Gypsy Kings, and other similar genres and groups. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gecko Turner's 'Gone Down South'

Gecko Turner

Gone Down South

Lovemonk Records

Gone Down South is a reinvented throwback to the American funk and soul of the 1960's and 70's. However, Gecko Turner's vocals fall somewhere between world/folk-crooners, Xavier Rudd (Australia) and Douglas September (USA). Gecko relates his 'southern' roots to his homeland of Southern Spain. The classic blues/funk sounds of the Southern United States weave in and out of his music. Expectedly, a touch of Latin folk and funk pops up from time to time. The sultry sounds and rhythms create a surreal mood and memorable experience for any listener. Overall, Gone Down South builds upon a slew of genre-bending music with contributions from reggae, hip hop, jazz, funk, folk, trance, downtempo, big band, blues, Afro-Latin pop, and others. Importantly, Gecko's voice is the lead on most tracks with some smoky, groovy cool instrumental parts. Gone Down South rises to the occasion on every beat. ~ Matthew Forss