CD Review: The Nile Project's 'Aswan'

The Nile Project
Aswan
Self-Release

The Nile Project brings together eighteen musicians from several countries, including Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan, that present traditional music with contemporary rhythms. The North African instrumentation is rather indigenous and vibrant, which stems from the rustic masinko, traditional drums, some strings, a sax, and numerous voices. This recording is a live album recorded at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts that captures the energy and life-force of the music in all its splendor. Heady rhythms, wild vocals, and swirling melodies entrance listeners from around the world throughout the fifteen tracks. Fans of North African, Ethiopian, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern music will love Aswan. It's accessible for young and old listeners alike. Head over to Africa with The Nile Project as your guide. You will definitely not be disappointed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alsarah and The Nubatones' 'Silt'

Alsarah and The Nubatones
Silt
Wonderwheel Recordings

Born in Sudan, Alsarah, has made Yemen and the United States of America home. Currently residing in Brooklyn, NY, Alsarah and her Nubatones bring to life a nostalgic East African pop with Middle Eastern and Arabic percussion and dance effects. The music is steeped in traditional oud and percussion, but it also includes a contemporary repertoire of bass, keyboards, assorted percussion, and additional vocals. The swirling rhythms and sounds of "Nuba Noutou" are especially entrancing with great vocals and a 'nubian' beat. There are eleven tracks that infuse a sense of exotica (at least from a Western point of view), which encapsulates the ethnomusicological work Alsarah has completed. No, the music is not convoluted or highly-contrived; instead, Alsarah and The Nubatones let go and create contemplative, danceable, and energetic works based on similar modes that have been played for hundreds of years. Hear the sounds of East Africa in a new light with Alsarah and her Nubatones as your guide. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amira Kheir's 'View From Somewhere'

Amira Kheir

View From Somewhere

Contro Cultura Music

The cross-cultural leanings of Sudanese-Italian born Amira Kheir, stem from her home base in the U.K. and inspirational melodies, rhythms, and styles that shaped the final product of View From Somewhere. With a multitude of styles, Amira primarily borrows her Sudanese ancestry with Arabic jazz and folk music. The instrumental repertoire of oud, kora, piano, djembe, shekere, accordion, darbuka, bongos, cajon, riqq, sax, guitar, and bass reflect a solid concoction of musical tools. The music reflects a spiritual component of the Sufi tradition, along with Sudanese jazz and soul in a similar style, though not as polished as fellow countrywoman, Seba. The liner notes contain English lyrics, even though most of Amira's vocals are in another language. Overall, Amira Kheir sings from the heart and soul with a backing of just the right amount of instrumentation. Fans of Seba, Yungchen Lhamo, and Sudanese music will find comfort and joy in the sounds of Amira Kheir. ~ Matthew Forss