CD Review: David Broza & The Andalusian Orchestra Ashkelon's 'Andalusian Love Song'

David Broza & The Andalusian Orchestra Ashkelon
Andalusian Love Song
Magenta/Eight Note

Hailing from Israel, David Broza rocks the world with a delightful, Andalusian album that bridges the music of Spain, the Middle East, and North Africa into one indelible result. The seventeen tracks are sung in English, Spanish, and Hebrew with instrumental influences arranged in classical, folk, pop, and roots medleys. The vocals are strong and timeless. The edgy percussion, soaring strings, and multi-layered instrumental arrangements make Andalusian Love Song a very pleasant listening experience. The diverse influences and instrumentation provide a more balanced result that is not boring or redundant. The sweeping, "Dangerous Autumn," contains beautiful instrumental parts, alongside heady vocals in Hebrew. It is impossible to pick one of the best tracks, as all of them are unique and worthy of number one. Fans of North African, Middle Eastern, and European orchestral music will find the album to be a perfect ten! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Toto La Momposina's 'Tambolero'

Toto La Momposina
Tambolero
Real World

Colombia's Toto La Momposina has done for Colombia what Cesaria Evora did for the Cape Verdes--bring vibrant, traditional music to the indigenous peoples, as well as people and cultures beyond their respective country's borders. Spanning nearly sixty-years in the musical realm, Toto La Momposina brings together the ethnic influences of African, Indian, and Spanish roots for a re-imagined hour of music originally released in 1993 as La Candela Viva. My first taste of Toto La Momposina's music began in 2000 with Pacanto (World Village). The same musical styles are present, but Tambolero is more rhythmic, dynamic, and percussion-friendly. There are dance-worthy tunes throughout. The fusion of traditional South American and Latin American instrumentation and melodies makes this one stand-out from 'typical' Latin or Spanish releases. A dozen tracks grace the album with tons of traditional elements and vocal gems. There are airy flutes on "Curura" and rapid hand-claps on "Gallinacito." Other attributes include heavy percussion, poignant ballads, and mesmerizing and complex melodies--which are also quite timeless. Fans of tropical, folk, traditional Spanish, Latin, South American, and Colombian music will be fascinated by the colorful tunes of Toto La Momposina's Tambolero. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alex Conde's 'Descarga For Monk'

Alex Conde
Descarga For Monk
Zoho Music

Alex Conde's piano playing abilities touch on Spanish, flamenco, Caribbean, and jazz genres on his latest work, Descarga For Monk. Alex is joined by Jeff Chambers on bass, Jon Arkin on drums, and John Santos on percussion, along with Amparo Conde and Carmen Carrasco on hand-claps and foot-stomps. The instrumental recording incorporates bubbly piano melodies interspersed with lounge jazz rhythms and light percussion that is classy, timeless, and easy to listen to. The album is aptly-titled, as it celebrates the  music of Thelonious Monk. In fact, all of the compositions are attributed to Thelonious Monk. Alex brings the music alive with edgy pizzazz and brilliant piano tunings that evoke feelings of contentment and happiness with each track. Fans of Latin jazz, Thelonious Monk, piano music, and instrumental works will love Alex Conde's latest venture. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Aurelio's 'Landini'

Aurelio
Landini
Real World

Garifuna singer and cultural ambassador, Aurelio Martinez, shares the music of Honduras through his Garifuna people for people everywhere. The music encompasses the traditions of Indian, African, and Caribbean roots, while English, French, and Spanish influences arrived later. Landini is an album of true authenticity devoted to Garifuna music about the life and culture of the region. The recording was actually recorded at Stonetree Records in Belize. The dozen tracks represent a musically-complex arrangement of songs that draw upon many different cultures and influences, which makes this recording a must-have. The mix of guitars, percussion, strings, and various intonations makes Landini a pivotal and recommended recording of a rare musical style. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Troker's 'Crimen Sonora'

Troker
Crimen Sonora
Intolerancia

The Tex-Mex Balkan funk dance beats of Troker is multi-dimensional and definitely interesting. Troker brings heady electronica, jazz, and muted metal sounds to the alternative forefront throughout the album. There is a mix of swirling noises, sounds, and melodies that traverse the funk, cinematic, and psych worlds in such a fashion as to arouse listeners in a very positive direction. The music moves along with an earnest energy never really heard before in Mexican music. The music is quite contemporary and amorphous with no real multi-international origins, but anyone into experimental, avant-garde, and art rock will love it. The steady world jazz connotations on a few tracks suggests a down-tempo pulse, which they know how to pull off with ease. If you are seeking Mexican maracas, congas, and mariachis; then look elsewhere. These guys are so good they will blow the chimi right out of the changa! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amanda Martinez' 'Manana'

Amanda Martinez
Manana
Self-Release

Canadian-based and Latin-influenced, Amanda Martinez astounds audiences with her third release, Manana. The Latin-based release incorporates a bit of jazz, flamenco, pop, and folk amid a world music fusion of sorts that just works. The vocals are in Spanish and English with detailed liner notes for each song included. The English-sung, "Frozen," is a contemplative, swirling song of angelic melody and longing humility. The giddy and vibrant, "Esperanza Viva," contains a great Latin rhythm and catchy melody with full percussion, drums, guitars, and back-up vocals on this pop-centered track. "Nuevos Caminos" continues in the Latin traditions with heartfelt vocals and a great percussion set that is enthralling and memorable. The jazzy, "No hay Distancia," opens with a pensive trumpet and a slow, minimalist beat with Amanda's smoky voice that is both tender and authentic. Amanda showcases her vocal talent in-line with classic singers from Latin America, but in a youthful, nostalgic manner. Overall, Manana is a real treat for fans of Latin music in general. This is not your typical flamenco/conga/drum music, as it moves beyond those monikers and incorporates other styles and instruments to make it very appealing and worthy of repeated listens. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dona Onete's 'Feitico Cabloco'

Dona Onete
Feitico Cabloco
Mais Um Discos

Flamboyant songtress of seventy-three-years-young, Dona Onete graces our present with enlightening songs highlighting the Brazilian interior. Dona incorporates a variety of traditional dance rhythms and melodies with Caribbean salsa, samba, rap, and others all rooted in the culture of Brazil. The overall sound blends a bit of mariachi-like sounds with cumbia sounds and everything in-between. Don's vibrant vocals and happy spirit shines through on all of the tracks. There are eleven luscious tracks to indulge in. The music is general enough to appeal to Latin music fans, as well as anyone interested in South American, Caribbean, or Spanish music styles. Sink your teeth into the music of Brazil's Amazonian backbone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alex Garcia's Afromantra's 'This Side Of Mestizaje'

Alex Garcia's Afromantra
This Side Of Mestizaje
Afromantra Records

Alex Garcia is Chilean-born, influenced by Cuban and Peruvian melodies, and now based in New York, where he has mastered Latin jazz, percussion, and world fusion with his latest release, This Side Of Metizaje. The title of the album connotes mixed ancestry of the Spanish variety, which is quite evident throughout the tracks. The tracks are wholly instrumental without any vocal accompaniment. The music is steeped in jazz and jam session overtones with punchy percussion and horns eloquently frolicking along-side the fluid bass, piano, and keys. The music is relatively laid-back with some poignant melodies and rhythms that get the heart racing and the feet moving. Alex, a prodigy on drums, enlists the help of soprano sax-man, Ole Mathisen, Fender Rhodes maestro, Mick Eckroth, and electric bass connoisseur, Ariel De La Portilla. The entire group forms a cohesive unit of musical deliciousness that never gets old. Discover it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cinco Santos' 'Duplicidad'

Cinco Santos
Duplicidad
Motivo Music Group

Formed by Lorenzo Montero of Canadian and Spanish decent, Cinco Santos embodies the spirit of Latin fusion incorporating various singers, guitarists, and musicians from Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. The moving "Azucar y Amor" is a gypsy, flamenco, and fusion tune with jazzy, Latin elements that are ripe with roots, folk, and breezy rhythms. "Nunca Mas" is an edgy, Latin fusion track with a choppy beat and great guitar accompaniment. "Te Quiero Aqui" opens with an industrial element that quickly delves into a Latin jazz and flamenco tune. "Duplicidad" begins with a jingly guitar and bass opening that includes an edgy vocal line that infuses a lighter guitar accompaniment throughout. There is a mix of grunge, Latin jazz, and Latin pop with rock, roots, and folk throughout. Without a clearly-defined path, Cinco Santos feel better forging their own path of music with mixed Latin influences for a truly engaging and charming mix of music. Fans of Latin fusion, jazz, Latin rock, flamenco, gypsy, and South American pop will love Duplicidad. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Calaita's 'Flamenco Son'

Calaita
Flamenco Son
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Formed by Chico Pere, Glenn Sharp, and Leo Paredes in Spain, Calaita performs contemporary flamenco music, which draws upon years of traditional flamenco infusions laid-down by previous performers. The original music contains plenty of Latin jazz, rumba, world fusion, and easy-listening folk music elements. Chico Pere and Diana Castro are vocalists, while Chico plays the guitar, as well. Glenn is a guitarist, Leo Paredes is a cajon player, and Matt Nickson is a flutist and sax player. The gentle, sweeping guitar melodies are best when combined with vocals, but the instruments stand strong on their own. There are ten great tracks sung in Spanish. Fans of Latin, Spanish, Caribbean, Cuban, Mexican, and South American folk music traditions will love Flamenco Son. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars' 'Libation'

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
Libation
Cumbancha

Sierra Leone's ambassadors for everything good and happy bring us another exciting and catchy Afro-pop release. Libation is a celebration of life with twelve tracks of deliciousness. The reggae-tinged, "Can't Make Me Lonely," "It's So Sorry," and the incredibly catchy "Treat You Right." Other tracks take on a more Congolese rhythm pattern, such as "Gbaenyama," "Ghana Baby," "Maria," "Money No Do," and "Min Do Sin Tay." "Manjalagi" possesses a cumbia-type beat with African lyrics and a steady, danceable rhythm that is unforgettable. The upbeat, contemporary, and Afro-beat melodies are outstanding without any deficiencies. The sweet riffs and glorious, rippling guitar chords signify a pan-African presence that draws upon Spanish, Portuguese, and Caribbean influences. Overall, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars mark a new year with their best album to date. This music is best served with some chilled palm wine! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gina Chavez' 'up.rooted'

Gina Chavez
up.rooted
Self-Release

Texas-based, Gina Chavez, brings together a classy, folk-riddled, alt-pop concoction of Latin-esque jazz tones and playful cumbia, reggaeton, and jam band music on her latest release, up.rooted. The punchy guitar sounds, clear voice, and Latin-influences are something interesting, enchanting, and memorable. When the Spanish vocals take over, there is an element of a more refined Shakira that pops up. At other times, there is a vintage pop element that is catchy, sensual, and sweet in the vein of UK's Katie Melua. This is not your typical conga and bongo Latin music, since Gina knows innovation and follows her heart for musical direction. This is a great world music compilation with lively strings, percussion, horns, guitars, bass, B3, moogs, and more. This is new world music for a new world. Overall, the reverberations resound with a Latin fire that never ceases to amaze. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Anna Hoffman & Romancero Sefardi's 'Juego de Siempre'

Anna Hoffman & Romancero Sefardi
Juego de Siempre
Sketis Music

Sung in Ladino, the language of Sephardic Jews, Anna Hoffman & Romancero Sefardi bring us a dozen sensual and emotive tracks with vibrant voice, percussion, and other assorted instrumentation. Anna is the vocalist, but she is joined by a plethora of instrumentalists skilled on guitars, kalimba, table, oud, saz, buzuki, sax, trumpet, tabla, santur, daff, riqq, udu, violin, rabab, and others. The musical repertoire is slow, sauntering, and utterly provocative for the senses. The melody and rhythm is chiefly Sephardic with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern elements abounding. The emotive vocal delivery, jazzy horns, and meandering percussion and strings makes it an ideal album for fans of Sephardic, Jewish, Spanish, and Middle Eastern music. Anna's voice is timeless. The time is now to hear it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rebeca Vallejo's 'Azucar, Canela'

Rebeca Vallejo
Azucar, Canela
WMB Productions

Spanish songstress, Rebeca Vallejo, brings us a mix of flamenco, romantic medleys, jazzy piano, and Brazilian musical flavors on her latest release, Azucar, Canela, which means, 'sugar, cinnamon.' The flavorful title sets the musical tone for a spicy and sweet collection of lounge jazz tunes and effervescent instrumental arrangements. The suavity of Rebeca's voice is heartfelt, joyous, and emotive. There are ten tracks with two bonus tracks. The piano, percussion, accordion, and vocals are the mainstay of the album. The flowing piano melodies are timeless and definitely a favorite on the album. The punchy sounds and beautiful vocals are top-notch and very likable. Taste it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz' 'Go Calypsonian'

Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz
Go Calypsonian
Piranha

Calypso from Germany? You bet. Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz are a calypso band from Berlin, Germany. Interestingly, none of the members are from the Caribbean. However, the rhythms are steeped in vintage calypso melodies and influences. The lyrics are in English, but the melodies are rich with Caribbean brilliance. Moreover, there is an element of Latin and Spanish, too. The highly-danceable music is edgy, moving, and inspirational. Calypso fusion is a rather narrow niche genre characterization. Still, Lord Mouse & Company have no problem finding that niche and making it work. A large German fan base will be expanding around the world as the calypso fever catches on. It is impossible to not like this music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Turntables On Las Ramblas'

Various Artists
Turntables On Las Ramblas
Wonderwheel Recordings

If there ever was such a Latin funk, Spanish dub, and Balkan party album, Turntables On Las Ramblas would be it. There are funky, brass, electronica, and Spanish-infused concoctions that incorporate a variety of contemporary, urban melodies and rhythms. There are hip-hop elements, global grooves, house music, and party tunes with male and female vocals. Some of the musicians included on the compilation are Los Chicos Altos, Novalima, Nickodemus, Sid Vaga, Wagner Po, Flowering Inferno, Mariella, and others. There are gritty loops, samples, and heavy beats with multi-ethnic infusions that stew and boil-over with memorable results. The thirteen tracks represent a good cross-section of brash brass, urban rhythms, and gypsy/Latin tunes. If you are seeking a multi-national party soundtrack, then Turntables On Las Ramblas would be it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: SLV's 'Dig Deeper'

SLV
Dig Deeper
Luchadora

SLV, otherwise known as, Sandra Lilia Velasquez (of Pistolera-fame), releases her first solo debut EP. Dig Deeper contains three songs in English and one in Spanish. The uppity, Pistolera band music is shed here, as many of the tunes are more laid-back and refined. Meshell Ndegeocello adds bass accompaniment, while Joe Moore plays guitar, Sean Dixon & Mark Giuliana play drums, Sebastian Guerrero plays percussion, and Jason Lindner performs on keyboards and piano. The groovy tunes are top-notch and very fluid. This is down-tempo, Latin music at its finest. Though, there are more jazz influences than Latin. Nevertheless, SLV succeeds with this short, but great release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Latin Noir'

Various Artists
Latin Noir
Piranha

Latin Noir is a Latin music gem with obscure rhythms, noises, and melodies originating from Argentina, Cuba, Colombia, USA, and Mediterranean regions. There is a mix of instrumental and vocal music. The vocal music is in English, Spanish, and French. The baker’s dozen album contains rich rhythms with lively percussion and melodies with Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultural roots. Anyone familiar with Latin jazz, South American music, Caribbean, and Latin American music will love the tracks on Latin Noir. There are quieter tunes, but the music is generally upbeat. The breezy guitar work of “Dejame Me Que Te Lleve” is especially intriguing, along with the Cuban vocal delivery. There are tracks by Watcha Clan, Eddie Bobe, Chango Spasiuk, Alfredo Gutierrez, and many others. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Xera's 'Llume'

Xera
Llume
Self-Release

Xera, a Spanish music group, brings us a slew of earthly and seemingly unearthly songs that incorporate a plethora of instruments and sounds.  The styles are somewhat electronic, spacey, contemporary, and archaic.  The atmospheric sounds reflect a new age presence, but the heavy industrial tones and folk melodies suggest a more balanced act of modern and classic music that fits somewhere in-between world beat and world fusion. “Alo” opens with a long, extended vocal medley of virtually unchanging vocal tones.  The female voice is solo early on until mid-song, where keyboard washes and some jingly percussion take over.  The single female voice is basically unaccompanied, but the voice is joined by back-up vocals in a similar vein near the end of the song.  This song is more of a display of folk music than anything contemporary.  However, the electronic washes and percussion display some aspect of modernity. “Vientos” begins with a blurby, electronic whirring sound and a shape-shifting breezy noise with the rustic wavering of a hurdy-gurdy type instrument.  An acoustic guitar begins where the intro noises leave off, but the electronic washes do not disappear.  A free-floating female vocalist adds some tonal color to the song with keyboard accompaniment.  Suddenly, the music dives into a European whirlwind of folk idioms with lively acoustic guitar, string work, and plucked and keyed noises that get the heart and feet moving.  The female vocal returns with atmospheric washes and quivers of strings that end in an amazing kaleidoscopic finale of folk and electronica. Interestingly, the music is rather folk-centric overall. “Yo Quixera” begins with a choral performance and a solo spoken male voice in the foreground. There is an electronic wash and blurby sound that represents a bit of Spanish or Latin techno/down-tempo concoctions that are spacey, spicey, and evocative.  The string-like tones provide a sense of classicism in an age of modernity.  There are electronic bagpipe sounds that effervesce in-between the electronic washes and bubbly choral voices.  There is a lot going on, but Xera seems to keep everything united and engaging. “Camin” opens with a bit of electronic and industrial-like percussion that is a somewhat tribal beat, but in a more avant-garde manner.  The instrumental opening contains a sense of folk elements that incorporate ruddy guitars and rumbling atmospheric washes.  The post-apocalyptic mishmash of sounds comes to life mid-song, as the Nordic fiddling matches the driving percussion.  The background choral sounds are archaic and futuristic with random shouts, didgeridoo-like noises, and Scandinavian-type roots music with a good dose of folk/rock to go around. “Mio Fonte” opens with an angelic electronic wash of choral voices and soft, sparkling bell-like tones that weave in and out of the heavens.  The washes accompany some folksy vocals that contain background choral tones and crystalline, yet fluid, melodies and intonations.  The new age and folk-centered track incorporates a buzzy, bell-like sound that creates a magical atmosphere.  Some of the vocals are intentionally drowned out mid-song to allow the instrumental elements room to breathe, before the sparkling tones and spacey washes give way to a more heady, industrial and mechanical output.  The quivering fiddle accompanies the heavier tones with ease. Xera’s new release, Llume, is a dark, swirling mix of upbeat, contemplative, and heady tunes that fill a void in the world of fusion and new age-based music.  The mix of instruments and almost indistinguishable voicings makes some of the tracks stand out with unquenchable appeal.  The sounds, tones, melodies, rhythms, and instrumental segments are all appropriate and memorable. Fans of new age, electronica, folk, Scandinavian, Spanish, and fusion music will love Xera’s new forward-thinking release. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Empresarios' 'El Sonido Magico'

Empresarios
El Sonido Magico
Fort Knox

Washington, DC's Empresarios know how to rock the world with tropical beats, electronic horns, languid melodies, and dance-floor dubs better than any group out there. The blazing horns, sparkling keys, airy flutes, urban beats, and thick percussion signal a great recording from each repeated listen. The gritty beats and in-your-face-lyrics are Spanish and fiery to the touch. There are thirteen upbeat tracks to feast on. There are salsa, dub, cumbia, house, trance, reggae, rock, electronica, and urban music styles represented here. Fans of contemporary Latin downtempo and Latin-beat music will love Empresarios' latest recording. I'm impressed with Empresarios. You will be, too. ~ Matthew Forss