CD Review: Juakali's 'Feathers Too Bright'

Juakali
Feathers Too Bright
Foreign Familiar

The hip hop, reggae, dubstep, and dance-infused lyrical wordplays of Juakali stem from his Trinidadian upbringing and wholehearted commitment to the electronica-injected music characteristic of dancehall rhythms and urban pizzazz. The urban sounds are upbeat, in-your-face, and revolutionary. The raw delivery is pulsating, energetic, and attitude-infused with a dose of African sun. The name, Juakali, stems from a Swahili phrase for 'fierce sun.' Yes, the beats are fierce, but in a good way. The music is stellar and trippy. There are eleven excellent tracks steeped in swirling urban beats with dubstep charisma and electronic suavity. Juakali knows how to make interesting and powerful vocal and instrumental creations. Feathers Too Bright is a perfect album for anyone interested in world fusion with an urban, dub, and dance edge. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kobo Town's Trinidadian Rumblings On 'Jumbie In The Jukebox'

Kobo Town
Jumbie In The Jukebox
Stonetree/Cumbancha

Canadian transplant and Trinidadian native, Drew Gonsalves, brings us a rousing mix of calypso, reggae, acoustic, and island music rhythms on Jumbie In The Jukebox. There is an element of nostalgic fusion, jazz, lounge, and classical music, which blends perfectly with the calypso and roots percussion and beats. One hip hop and ska-inspired tune, "Postcard Poverty," is a bit punchy, jazzy, and urban overall. Don't worry; it's hip hop for the whole family. There are punchy dancehall tunes, mellow grooves, intelligent lyrics, and dub-influenced sounds that incorporate a bit of everything from Portuguese rhythms, Congolese guitar riffs, Caribbean dance elements, and calypso-roots music. Each tune is different and present something very likable. Anyone interested in calypso-inspired tunes will love Kobo Town's latest offering. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Mop Mop's 'Isle of Magic'

Mop Mop
Isle of Magic
Agogo Records

Mop Mop is Andrea Benini, Anthony Joseph, and Fred Wesley on the new album, Isle of Magic. The music was recorded in Germany and Italy, but it retains a global element of free jazz, fusion, funk, Latin, and new age music with Caribbean tones, as well as American electronica. The music is largely instrumental with some poetic, spoken words. The scintillating steel drum and fluid grooves are highly-infectious. There are danceable tracks and tracks to space out to. The eclectic and exotic rhythms are fresh and highlighted by the likes of Trinidad-born poet and singer Anthony Joseph, funk legend Fred Wesley, and the lovely, Finnish-Egyptian vocalist, Sara Sayed. There are a variety of flutes, sax, percussion, and vibraphone vibes that make the album shine with global flavor. This is great world jazz, funk, fusion, and dance music with an analog slice of heaven. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists - 'Audio Refuge Compilation'

Various Artists

Audio Refuge Compilation

Stronghold Sound

San Francisco-based, Stronghold Sound, releases their latest production of funky, African, and Arabic folk, reggae, dub, hip-hop and cumbia music. The compilation features sixteen tracks and several different musicians from Guinea, Morocco, and Trinidad. The contemporary musical arrangements and killer vocals represent a good variety of styles, sounds, and talents on every track. Some of the musicians include Bongo, Yassir Chadly, Beat Fola, Bondi Blaster, Snakkr, Iggy Mon, Tami, among others. Numerous styles, including gnawa, soul, dub, trance, psychedelica, dance, and folk music round out the list of the most prevalent influences. The diverse rhythms and languages provide a truly global experience on many of the tracks. If you are seeking contemporary Afro-beat music with some pop and folk leanings, then the Audio Refuge Compilation is a must-have. ~ Matthew Forss