CD Review: Alsarah & And The Nubatones' 'Manara'

Alsarah And The Nubatones
Manara
Wonderwheel Recordings

Alsarah's latest wanderings through the Middle East and North Africa are appropriately-displayed on their latest recording, Manara. The recording is alive with dancing ouds, throbbing ngonis, punchy trumpet, bubbling bass, and great percussion. The rather contemporary recording contains a good mix of melodies and tones. There is a slight electronic element to some of the songs, but this is not an electronic album. It is pure world music with influences reaching across the Middle East. The Arabic vocals and rollicking percussion are very dance-friendly. In fact, it is difficult to sit still while listening to anything from Alsarah And The Nubatones. For Manara, this is especially so. Fans of a variety of Arabic-infused recordings will love Alsarah And The Nubatones! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jeff Oster's 'next'

Jeff Oster
next
Retso Records

Jeff' Oster is a very accomplished and revered trumpet and flugelhorn player. On next, which is purposefully-lower-cased, Jeff presents us with twelve unique gifts--gifts of music where each track is new and delightfully-inviting. The instrumental album contains a few spoken word lines, but that is it. The music is very relaxing, jazz-centered, and new age brilliant. In some cases, the percussive beat incorporates horns, guitars, piano, and other instruments. The title track, "Next," is a great introduction to the album with a rousing beat, swishy percussion, a jazzy vein, and sultry horn punctuated with crystal, clear keyboard tones. "Night Train To Sofia" begins with a sultry beat, atmospheric washes, horn accompaniment, and background voices that fill the instrumental track with Bulgarian-inspired choral vocals. "Half A Cookie" opens with atmospheric sounds, jazzy horns, light percussion, and a steady, new age beat with bright piano infusions and spacious soundscapes. "Heroes" is a triumphant horn tune with upbeat percussion in true Oster-fashion. All in all, Jeff brings in a talented group of musicians, producers, and talents, including Nile Rodgers, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Tony Levin, Michael Manring, Will Ackerman, Todd Boston, Shambhu, Carl Weingarten, Philip Aaberg, Catherine Marie Charlton, Ricky Kej, Bob Ludwig, Tom Eaton, and everyone at the great Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont, USA. Fans of new age, jazz, instrumental, lounge, and atmospheric music will love it. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Roxanna's 'Exotica'

Roxanna
Exotica
RoxArt

Born in Iran and based in North America, Roxanna brings a classical voice to the forefront in world fusion and pop-based songs on her latest, seventeen-track release, Exotica. Roxanna's sensual voice is matched by Chris Botti's sensuous trumpet sounds backed by a fusion of pop and world music arrangements. The Latin and flamenco-tinged, "Unforgotten," is an exotic medley of sounds that evoke nothing but magic and mystery. "The Air That I Breathe" is a slow, jazzy, pop standard song with breathy vocals and swishy percussion backed by jazzy piano melodies. "Only You" begins with sparkling guitar sounds and flamenco-like rhythms. Roxanna's vocals are akin to another fellow countrywoman, Nazanin (a former Miss World). Every song is different, but they do not touch urban, dance, rock, or classical genres. Exotica is a great mix of world music styles backed with a great voice. The result is a winning combination that is highly-desirable. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Zongo Junction's 'No Discount'

Zongo Junction
No Discount
Electric Cowbell Records

The Brooklyn-based, Afro-beat maestros, Zongo Junction, brings us a moving piece of history with Ghanaian-infused, instrumental tunes in the shadows of Fela Kuti and others. The funky, psychedelic tracks are danceable and emotive with bubbling keys, punchy sax, and diverse instrumentation in a jazzy setting. The writhing sounds are Afro-beat grooves at their finest. The sax frenzy on “A Van That Got Away,” proves why Zongo Junction makes the best Afro-beat music in America. The down-tempo electronica of “Longtooth,” showcases their diverse talent of Afro-beat, jazz, experimental, funk, and pop. The entire album is an instrumental journey, which is very likable throughout. There are even some Balkan jazz or Klezmer moments on "Invented History." At any rate, No Discount is an engaging, Afro-beat pleasure that will be enjoyed by everyone that fancies music of the African kind. ~ 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: Bria Skonberg's 'Into Your Own'

Bria Skonberg
Into Your Own
Random Act Records

Bria Skonberg is a trumpeter, singer, and composer with a knack for finding a happy medium between traditional and contemporary world jazz. The earthy vocals, punchy piano, light bass, soft sax, and flugelhorn all play a necessary role in Bria's music. The vocal stylings are a mix of lounge club and session jams. At any rate, a dozen songs round out the album with heartfelt vocals, soft horns, and sweet melodies that are classy and creative. Some of the songs a bit folksy with a funky, bluesy tone and pop standard vocals. However, the jazz vein is the strongest influence. Into Your Own is an aptly-titled album that showcases Bria's comfort and satisfaction with the new album. Fans of world jazz, pop standards, theatrical songs, and Americana will need to acquire this one asap. ~ 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: Cristina Braga's 'Samba, Jazz And Love'

Cristina Braga
Samba, Jazz And Love
Enja Records

Brazilian harpist and vocalist, Cristina Braga, employs the help of Ricardo Medeiros on double bass, Jesse Sadoc on trumpet and flugelhorn, Joca Moraes on alfaia drums and tambourine, and Arthur Dutra on vibraphone. The music is rather gentle and carefree. There are eleven tracks that are sensuous and delightful. The light percussion and breezy vocals are jazzy and bossa nova-esque. At any rate, fans of Ceu will be satisfied by the sweeping melodies and delicate rhythms. This is not particularly energetic or dance music; instead, it is more dreamy and contemplative. Every instrument seems to possess a soft, magical tone. Anyone familiar with light jazz, samba, bossa nova, folk, and Brazil pop music will find something to cheer about here. The sounds are reminiscent of 1970s Brazilian jazz music--and that is a very good thing. Don't miss out on Cristina Braga's latest release--your soul will thank you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gypsophilia's 'Horska'

Gypsophilia
Horska
Forward Music Group/Factor

The Halifax, NS-based Gypsophilia brings us an energetic mix of instrumental jazz tunes with a good does of gypsy pizazz and fusion styles bordering on swing, alternative, new age, and roots. The septet plays piano, accordion, guitar, trumpet, double bass, and violin. The septet sounds like a session group with jazzy leanings and an instrumental prowess rarely achieved by other groups of this stature. Horksa is a short album of only six songs. However, the music is still remarkable and memorable. "Bir Hakeim" is a swing-inflected, jazz song that is classic and fresh. "Oh My Oma" is a more relaxed tune with somber violin tones, drifting guitar strums, and very light percussion. The jaunty, "Corentin Cariou," is a quick little ditty with carousel-type musicality and a youthful vigor with violin, piano, percussion, and trumpet. The quick-changing tempos are delightful. Overall, Gypsophilia's new work is a highly-recommended recording of creative gypsy music that encapsulates the world of jazz in a world music setting. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Harmonic Blue's 'Villa Borghese'

Harmonic Blue
Villa Borghese
Self-Release

The Maryland-based quartet, Harmonic Blue, is an alt-pop, rock, folk, and classical group that is refreshing and amazing in the same vein. Lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist, Zach Field, is joined by Anthony Ajluni on guitars, Gabe Bustos on bass, keyboard, and harmonica, and Sam Balcom on drums and percussion. The breezy, "Silver Spoon," is slightly jazzy overall, but not too far removed from alt-pop and folk. Jake Balcom's trumpet solo at the end of the song finishes it off nicely. The jaunty, ambulating "Subreality" is anything but fiction. The lilting guitar and wavering harmonica tones set the stage for an alt-folk composition that opens up into a quasi-rock medley mid-song. "Villa Borghese" opens with a rumbling guitar tune and light percussion that would make Xavier Rudd jealous. The tune finishes with a nice trumpet display. The seven-track release is a heavenly rompy through the world of alt-folk, pop, and rock with a raw, organic performative nature. This is a very fine recording that will please the college crowd, as well as the refined audiophile. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Justin Ancheta's 'Plant'

Justin Ancheta
Plant
Self-Release

The reggae-funk and jazz concoctions of Justin Ancheta are pronounced on his latest release, Plant. There are some Klezmer, acoustic, and indie-rock-influenced tunes that showcase a good variety. Part of the diverse song styles stem from a diverse instrumental repertoire, which includes djembe, bass, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, violin, clavinet, guitars, and various electronic accompaniment. With a background in Filipino/Spanish/English/Norwegian/American family roots, you know there has to be an ethnic bone in his body. Thankfully, all ethnicities are represented here, but jazz, folk, and funk seem to be at the top of the list. Justin Ancheta is a musician with a knack for creative songwriting that borders somewhere between Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd. Simply outstanding! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: A Is For Atom's Self-Titled Release

A Is For Atom
A Is For Atom
Self-Release

New York-based, A Is For Atom, was formed earlier this year by a talented musician, Mike Cykoski. The new album, which is a five-track release, borders on alternative, pop structures with plenty of electronic embellishments, bass, guitar, drums, and synth. The languid vocals on "Creation," suggest an almost Soul Coughing-esque song. The throbbing synth sounds transport listeners back to the early 90s. "See You Again" is a more upbeat folk-rock tune with radio-like vocalizations and pop guitar stylings and an uppity, Western feel with guitars, bass, and drums. The vocals and guitar playing resembles Australia's Xavier Rudd. "Light Years" features a little downtempo trumpet and pop melodies that shine with infectious hooks and instrumental displays. "Bird In A Cage" contains a bit of static vocals and Royskopp-like electronic noises. The vocals are quite pop-driven, but relatively reserved. The guitars are cinematic and the melody is very relaxed with limited percussion. "Whiskey" opens with spritely guitar and fingersnaps with a classy vocal setup that resembles something from REM's Up. Overall, A Is For Atom is also 'a' for amazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Monette Marino Keita's 'Coup d'Eclat'

Monette Marino Keita
Coup d'Eclat
Djembefola Productions

Monette Marino Keita engaging Afro-funk-folk album, Coup d'Eclat, which means 'burst of radiance,' is a debut work that is inspired by nearly twenty-years of rhythms and sounds accumulated from Afro-Latin and African regions. The music is contemporary, but lively with bass, keyboards, drums, guitars, flugelhorn, flutes, sax, trumpet, congas, kora, steel drum, and many other instruments. A master percussionist, Monette Marino Keita probably owes some of her talents to her husband--Mamady Keita--an expert percussionist in his own right from Guinea, West Africa. The eleven tracks represent a highly-percussive concoction of danceable tunes steeped in thousands of years of history. This is an ideal album for the African percussion fan, funk, Afro-Latin, and Afro-jazz genres. Not one track is disappointing. Let the rhythm move you today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Will Magid's 'Midnight High'

Will Magid
Midnight High
Happy Rabbit Music

Will Magid is a music producer and trumpeter with an educated development and understanding of world music, jazz, electronica, and dance music. The Afro-Cuban swing elements of "Cuban Swing," are sure to amaze fans of Afro-Cuban music. The instrumental song is jazzy and classy. "The Box" is a jazzy romp toward heaven with vocals by Iggy Mon, Ezekiel McCarter, and guitar/bass by Joe McGuire. The funky, classy, and jazzy tune contains wailing trumpet work, too. "Love Step" is Will's attempt to experiment with Balkan Brass and electronica. Thankfully, Will succeeds admirably with characteristic brass sounds and a giddy melody with sketchy, brushy, and static-driven noises accompanying the percussion. "Ghanaian Pavane" may be titled for a funeral, but the music is down-tempo and atmospheric all the way. "Brown Paper Bag" is a lightly percussive tune with a folksy tune and playful ambiance in the vein of Paul Simon's world music leanings. Fans of adventurous trumpet music from around the world should add Will Magid to their list of listening pleasure. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ibrahim Maalouf's 'Diagnostic'

Ibrahim Maalouf
Diagnostic
Mi'ster Productions

Born in Beirut, Lebanon and based in France, Ibrahim Maalouf's latest album, Diagnostic, is rather diverse overall. The album spans the worlds of jazz, piano music, Middle Eastern folk, and even a bit of Klezmer or Balkan folk. Whatever it is called, it is great. The instrumental medleys and folk vocals are top-notch, albeit a little experimental or improvisational. The dizzying melodies and slight rock elements of 'Never Serious,' make this album shine with inner light and a danceable beat without resorting to keyboards or electronic embellishments. Ibrahim prides himself as an arranger, trumpeter, and instructor, which is vital for understanding the ins-and-outs of performative music. This is perfect for the trumpet fan and avid listener of Middle Eastern jazz and folk. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarp Maden's 'Ardindan'

Sarp Maden
Ardindan
Kalan

Sarp Maden's exciting 2010 Turkish jazz release explores a little vocal prowess on "Tazecik," while the remaining songs are completely instrumental. The musical tone is upbeat jazz with keyboard, trumpet, fretless bass, fiddle, and guitar accompaniment throughout. The nine songs traverse the world of ethnic jazz, experimental, avant-garde, and fusion. The music is slightly more complex and varied than the more recent release, Durgun Sular. In a related manner, the music is more rock-driven on a few tracks with frenzied guitar stylings and fast playing, but it is not out of the ordinary for world jazz. Anyone with an interest in world jazz, Turkish jazz, or instrumental music will be very happy with Sarp Maden's Ardindan. ~ Matthew Forss