CD Review: Baraka's Double-Disc 'Shams'

Baraka
Shams [2-CD]
Sketis Music

The Latvian band, Baraka, brings us a double-disc release of music celebrating the contemporary styles of Tajikistan. However, the music incorporates the help of Latvian, Russian, Tajiki, Lebanese, Nepalese, and Afghani musicians for a truly world music result. The Farsi or Tajiki vocals are used sparingly in ballads, folk songs, and jazzy songs throughout. There is a strong element of world jazz and lounge music, but some of the songs incorporate more of a Middle Eastern vein. Nevertheless, there is something for everyone here--from hip hop vocals to swaying jazz and funky Tajiki melodies. The songs are all very solid compositions with clear vocals and instrumental splendor. There are some traditional instruments, including the iconic dutar, setor, rubab, sitar, duduk, dilraba, and saz. The contemporary sounds stem from keyboards, guitars, bass, piano, and horns. Baraka does a great job blending the past with the present by not resorting to ho-hum melodies and rhythms, but rather bringing to life various instruments and styles indigenous to the Central Asian Republics, the Middle East, and Western Europe and Russia. Nearly two-hours of music are included with liner notes. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Baraka's 'Tribute To Nargis'

Baraka
Tribute To Nargis
Sketis Music

Baraka is an ethno-jazz group spearheaded by band leader and arranger, Dmitry Evsikov and his daughter, Devika. Tribute To Nargis explores Central Asian music traditions of the late-Pamir singer, Nargis Bandishoeva, who hailed from Tajikistan. Devika brings the folk songs and ballads to life with smooth vocals and stellar instrumental backing that is very relaxing, jazzy, and lounge-ready. There are a few hit songs from fellow Tajiki singer and composer, Oleg Fesov. Notably, "Lalaik", "Dar In Shab Mastun," and "Khudat Medoni." The rippling keyboards, bubbly bass, fluid song lines, and light percussion with some seasoned rock elements round out the album. Anyone with an even passive interest in the traditional music of Central Asia will appreciate Baraka. Celebrate Nargis' life whenever you play this album. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Baraka's 'Tribute To Muboraksho'

Baraka
Tribute To Muboraksho
Sketis Music

The late-Pamiri Tajik musician, Muboraksho Mirzoshoyev (1961-2000), was a pioneer of Tajiki popular music--especially in the 1980's and 90's. His music is reinvented by Baraka in a more traditional, classical, and jazz-centered atmosphere. This is not rock or pop. In fact, the music does not seem to possess any Tajiki similarities. The rousing percussion is slightly Middle Eastern, but equally European. The lilting melodies and outstanding vocals by Devika Evsikova and others make this Tribute... album stand-out from the crowd. The Central Asian, Persian, and North African-like percussion and wandering vocals make it apparent that Muboraksho was a composition master. The talents of Evsikova and a host of others on santoor, bass guitar, piano, sax, oud, guitar, flute, darbuka, congo, trumpet, and other fine instruments, provide a rich foundation for the original compositions. The music is ideal for fusion fans and those interested in traditional and classical Middle Eastern or Central Asian music. ~ Matthew Forss