CD Review: Mara Measor's 'Naked Prayers'

Mara Measor
Naked Prayers
Self-Release

Chinese-American songstress, writer, and actor, Mara Measor, brings us a lively mix of personal songs with quaint instrumentation, sweet vocals, and spiritual undertones. Naked Prayers is a nine-track album under forty-minutes in length that contains several uplifting songs. In fact, all of the songs are really good with varying aural textures, melodies, and light rhythms bordering on new age-pop or alternative pop. Mara's sweet vocals resemble the Canadian group, Dala, as well as the U.K.'s Katie Melua, with similar instrumental set-ups akin to the former. The final number, "Love Will Find You," seems like a throwback to the funky, jazz standards of the 1970's. The calming and essentially word-less song, "Ooh," is a spiritual wonder with only Mara's voice leading the song and a distant thud of a drum. "You Saw Me" is a pensive, piano-driven song with guitars and percussion that are truly beautiful. All in all, Mara succeeds in creating a gorgeous album with memorable melodies, sweet vocals, and an underlying message of "good" without sacrificing anything. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Novalima's 'Planetario'

Novalima
Planetario
Wonderwheel Recordings

Afro-Peruvian musical connections have been Novalima's mainstay. Planetario is no exception, as the group continues to perform and preserve Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Colombian stylings, while maintaining a unique identity. The cumbia beat of "Beto Kele" represents a very earthy and infectious track with great percussion and vocals. The entrancing and addictive "Memekume" is more contemporary, but full of trippy elements and sporadic percussion. Novalima brings in artists as far away as the UK, Colombia, and Spain for a globetrotting, musical result that is anything but boring. If edgy, modern, and world-infused musical concoctions are what you seek, then Novalima's Planetario is a must-have. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu's 'Life On The Street'

Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu
Life On The Street
Ghetto Lounge

The UK-based Afro-funk band, Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu, brings us a heavy, African-inspired mix of catchy beats, groovy melodies, and hot rhythms ripe with African spirit and charisma on their latest release, Life On The Street. The eight-track release combines funky rhythms rich with jazzy textures and horn-driven melodies throughout. Led by Ghanaian singer, songwriter, composer, and master percussionist, Afla Sackey, Life On The Street is an excellent example of tribal melodies and global beats coming together in happy unison. The vocal parts are in a Ghanaian language of Ga, while at other times, English rules the tracks. However, the album contains more instrumental segments over vocal medleys. Anyone familiar with contemporary Afro-funk and classic music styles from the 1960's and 1970's will appreciate Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu's musical madness. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Susan McKeown's 'Belong'

Susan McKeown
Belong
Self-Release

Irish-born and North American-based, Susan McKeown presents us with indelible folk song constructions wrapped effortlessly around a poignant lyrical palette of roots and blues-inspired material for a truly remarkable release. Susan's vocals are accompanied by a few guest singers, including Declan O'Rourke and James Maddock. The instrumental accompaniment is what you would expect a laid-back folk sound to contain, including the mellotron, Hammond organ, bass, drums, guitars, Wurlitzer, percussion, strings, banjo, and others. Susan's approach to songwriting and performing is very enchanting and memorable. The musical licks, riffs, and chords stick with you long after the song ceases. It is rare every song is good on an album, but this one is an exception. Susan's voice is a combination of bluesy, Anne Weiss, the UK's Katie Melua, and alt-pop's, Leona Naess. Fans of clear vocals and various instruments in a folk, roots, and alternative pop setting will love Belong. In fact, it 'belongs' is every musical collection! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Muha's 'Reka'

Muha
Reka
Self-Release

With roots in British, Indian, Latvian, and Ukrainian music, Muha is an interesting folk and roots group that transcends borders and genres. The edgy folk stylings of "Kateryna" bring an essence that is unsurpassed in folk music. "Reka" is another great tune with excellent vocals and a meandering rhythm that brings to mind Russian folk elements. The percussion is really laid-back, too. Even though the group is based in the U.K., there are elements that extend far beyond the country's borders. The bluesy "Sketches" contains a little jazz and folk. "NY Talk" is actually a flamenco-tinged tune with stellar guitar work and great vocals. There are nine total tracks that are all diverse and deeply-rooted in folk music styles of Europe. Anyone interested in folk, vocal, European, and world music will find true happiness within the tracks of Reka. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Backbeat Soundsystem's 'Together Not Apart'

Backbeat Soundsystem
Together Not Apart
Easy Star Records

Reggae from the U.K.? Yes, indeed. The eight-piece reggae-roots band, Backbeat Soundsystem, fires on all cylinders with their latest, hook-laden release, Together Not Apart. The group comprises the talents of Dean Forrest, Darren Kendall, Zac Jesus Esquela Harkavy, Jon Symons, Sam Parsons, Elf Forrest, Lawrence Willoughby, and Tom Neale. The music contains catchy, bass-laden beats with hooks that will grab everyone's attention. There are twelve tracks in all. Each song is unique and blends reggae sounds with pop, rock, and urban jazz. The fluid sounds of reggae and punchy percussion are all positive attributes that make Together Not Apart stand alone as an impressive recording. Fans of Easy Star Records will find this a necessary recording. Also, fans of reggae will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Olcay Bayir's 'Neva/Harmony'

Olcay Bayir
Neva/Harmony
Riverboat Records

Olcay Bayir hails from Turkey, but she currently lives in London, where the sounds of the world seem to congregate with such ease. Olcay knows how to channel this world music of sorts in her own recording of Turkish, Anatolian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern-influenced music. There is an element of jazz and neo-classical, which permeates throughout the yearning tracks. The music is ripe with folk elements and evocative vocal deliveries, which present listeners with an amazing listening experience. Olcay also incorporates traditional folk songs from Albanian, Armenian, Balkan, and Sephardic sources for a truly world fusion result. However, Olcay is well-centered with a creative vision that transcends space, time, and place. The music is made possible by the baglama, classical guitar, violin, darbuka, clarinet, bass, kopuz, and numerous other instruments. There are nine tracks in all that run about forty-eight-minutes long. There is an overall nostalgic romanticism with the music that is extremely enchanting and well-worth repeated listens. Hooray for Olcay! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Glass Child's 'I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die'

The Glass Child
I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die
Self-Release

The young songstress and guitarist with an unbelievable knack for crafting sweet, meaningful, and moving pop songs, Charlotte Eriksson, is the chief progenitor for The Glass Child on her latest release, I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die. The poignant alternative and pop song structures are more cohesive than fellow-countrywoman, Katie Melua. However, the vocals are a mix of Avril Lavigne and Adele. "The Fall" is an amazing pop anthem with neo-classical instrumentation and contemporary sounds that coalesce with such ease. "Yesterday" incorporates plaintive acoustic guitar sounds and an emotive vocal set-up that is full of poignant pining. "Who I've Grown To Be" is a pop song with a slight rock sound that incorporates a little punk and alternative stylings that are unlike any other songs on the album. Overall, The Glass Child, the brainchild of Charlotte Eriksson, shines above the London fog with nothing but good things. Taste some of the sweet sounds of The Glass Child on her latest release. 5 Stars all the way.  ~ Matthew Forss

Download Review: Jay Soul's 'Stay With Me'

Jay Soul
Stay With Me
JaySouLMusic

London's Jay Soul is an R&B, soul, and pop up-and-comer with a voice for romantic suavity and a skillful mind for songwriting. The new ten-track release is only available as a download for now, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the music. "Inspiration" is a neo-R&B groove with piano elements, neo-classical atmospherics, and a little guitar work that is bright, new agey, and contemporary. "Get A Job" opens with a dance-like melody and smart lyrics arranged in an R&B and jazzy setting with some urban fortitude that is not hip hop or rap-oriented. "Up" has a throwback dance vein akin to the dance and pop movements of the mid-1990's. The steady rhythm is multi-varied with flashy dance effects. "Stay With Me" is an R&B ballad with a majestic chorus, atmospheric keys, and heartfelt vocals. Overall, the album is very good with dance rhythms, R&B soul, and neo-classical-jazz and a side of pop. Some of the songs are not particularly catchy, but with repeated listens each song grows on you. 4 (out of 5) stars. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: FatDog's 'New Found Land'

FatDog
New Found Land
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

FatDog is an engaging folk music troupe with members from Sweden, England, and Norway. The group is rich in roots and jazz styles, too. The European group incorporates diverse instruments, including cittern, concertina, guitar, clarinet, flute, trumpet, sax, bass, and hurdy-gurdy. All the members chime in from time to time on vocals. There are Scandinavian dance elements and other Western European musical styles that propel the music into a very intriguing and addictive whirlwind of aural color. The percussion is produced from various instruments, but there are no drums on the recording. The brass keep the music moving along into some jazzy realms, while the strings and vocals keep it well-rooted in Scandinavian ancestry. At any rate, the twelve tunes are mostly traditional, but arranged by FatDog. Fans of European jigs, reels, sailor songs, folk music, and roots music will find New Found Land a necessary listening experience. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Simo Lagnawi's 'The Gnawa Berber'

Simo Lagnawi
The Gnawa Berber
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Based in the U.K., but inspired his Moroccan-Berber origins, Simo Lagnawi presents us with an exciting and entrancing album of a dozen songs that successfully and faithfully adheres to North African gnawa traditions. There is some improvisation of sorts, which cover Saharan folk songs and ceremonial compositions. All of the songs are diverse and feature the guimbri -- a plucked lute that is native to North Africa. The authentic and tribal sound of the guimbri is haunting and natural with vocals, flute, fiddle, and banjo accompaniment in spots. Hassan Hakmoun fans will find some similarities, but the music is not electronic or rock-oriented. This is for fans seeking unadulterated gnawan trance music. Find your inner gnawa today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 3-CD SET - Various Artists' 'Real World 25'

Various Artists
Real World 25 [3 CD]
Real World

Real World 25 is a three-CD set covering some of the best classics released from the label's two-hundred-plus recordings over the years. The third CD features music picked solely by fans. There are gems on here from groups including, Daby Toure, JuJu, Big Blue Ball, Sheila Chandra, Papa Wemba, Yungchen Lhamo, Spiro, Sevara Nazarkhan, and others. The other CD's feature music from Pape & Cheikh, Toumast, Daude, Farafina, Guo Yue, Syriana, Varttina, Mamer, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Peter Gabriel, Adrian Sherwood, Ayub Ogada, Hukwe Zawose, Joji Hirota, and many others. There is music from areas as diverse as Uzbekistan, Burkina Faso, Sardinia, Zimbabwe, China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, Uganda, Tibet, and other adventurous places. Simply put; every song is a hit and it is on this compilation for a reason. Anyone into world music and melodic interludes from far-off places will love this collection, which includes a twenty-eight-page booklet, forty-eight total tracks, and a host of memorable tidbits. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hanami's 'Philomelos'

Hanami
Philomelos
Smugglers Records

UK's Hanami brings us an energetic, avant-garde, and folksy recording with gypsy and troubadour-type songs of a wayward music duo. The music seems experimental and alternative, which is some of the appeal. The ten songs contain great folk rhythms, minimal instrumentation and production cues, and yearning vocals. The song titles are as diverse as the music, such as "Into The Mystic," "Long Gone Mobile," and "Go Tell Someone Who Gives A F***." The delicate melodies are jaunty, poetic, and cafe-worthy, which are all positive traits. The artsy-folksy musical constructions are somewhere between Neutral Milk Hotel and Gogol Bordello. Anyone with an interest in folk-driven alternative music will love Hanami. Discover them today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: She'Koyokh's 'Wild Goats & Unmarried Women'

She'Koyokh
Wild Goats & Unmarried Women
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Based in the U.K., She'Koyokh bring us rollicking good fun with brassy instruments, pulsating gypsy rhythms, and klezmer-inspired traditions on their latest release, Wild Goats & Unmarried Women. The album title is as fun as the music, which traverses the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The jazzy horns, punchy rhythms, and unmistakable melodies are great for dancing and enjoying what the musical world has to offer. Interestingly, the album's title refers to male goats jumping up and down during mating season to attract female goats, which is similar to dancing movements inspired by the music contained herein. At any rate, She'Koyokh knows how to combine classic klezmer grooves with gypsy sounds and pan-European influences. The music is both vocal and instrumental throughout. Fans of klezmer, gypsy, brass, jazz, and world music should check out She'Koyokh today. Don't delay! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Fernando's Kitchen's 'Musica Fina'

Fernando's Kitchen
Musica Fina
Self-Release

London's Fernando's Kitchen brings us a medley of world fusion sounds that traverse the Spanish shores to West Africa, Latin America, and beyond. The music is inspired by world rhythms and the group's worldwide origins with members coming from Argentina, South Africa, Italy, Greece, and Spain. The music is flamenco based with organic guitars, effervescent percussion, sweet melodies, instrumental arrangements, and Afro-Latin-tinged compositions. The music bubbles with a jazzy spirit full of lush horns and swaying melodies and rhythms. The easy-going tunes, infectious grooves, world fusion sounds, sensual vocals, and moving rhythms celebrate the group's iconic repertoire and message. Fans of flamenco and world fusion with a side of jazz will love the eight-tracks on Musica Fina. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: More Like Trees' 'Roots, Shoots & Leaves'

More Like Trees
Roots, Shoots & Leaves
BBE Records

London, England-based trio, More Like Trees, creates quirky, urban, folk, roots, rock, and pop flavored samplings for our ears on Roots, Shoots & Leaves. The group combines some drum n bass, flamenco, classical, hip hop, indie, dance, dub, and world fusion for a delicious mix of tunes that are unforgettable. With vocals like Jason Mraz, Coldplay, Jack Johnson, and Dave Matthews in an urban vacuum, More Like Trees bring everything out on this release. The music is somewhat difficult to define or describe, but the affect is seamless, catchy, and addictive. Thirteen tunes represent a wide array of musical influences with varied vocals. It also mixes some experimental and avant-garde influences that are very compelling and top-notch. Anyone familiar with innovative British music with a world fusion and alternative vein will find solace in Roots, Shoots & Leaves. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Calaita's 'Flamenco Son'

Calaita
Flamenco Son
Self-Release

The UK's Calaita is a flamenco group comprised of Chico Pere, Glenn Sharp, Diana Castro, Leo Paredes, and Matt Nickson. The group combines various flamenco-tinged guitars, vocals, percussion, flute and sax to create magical, whirling, and danceable melodies and rhythms that inspire and astound all who listen to it. There are various flamenco styles showcased, including alegria, tangos, seguiriya, solea, guajira, buleria, and colombiana. The music is Spanish, South American, and breezy like the Cape Verdes. There are ten compositions that are fairly vibrant, punchy, and classical. The vocals are heartfelt throughout. Anyone familiar with world fusion and flamenco will find enjoyment in the tracks of Flamenco Son. Overall, Calaita succeeds with a vibrant, high-quality release of musical ingeniousness. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gaudi's 'In Between Times'

Gaudi
In Between Times
Six Degrees Records

Born in Italy, based in the UK, and currently traveling the world, Gaudi encapsulates the world fusion epitomy with electronic beats, traditional instrumentation, and groovy dance tunes. There are a plethora of guest musicians that reinforce the highly-textural nature of the compositions. For instance, Michael Rose adds some vocals on "Put Your Guns Down," while Jahmai, Danny Ladwa, Lee Scratch Perry, and Deadly Hunta add their talents on "Life," "Why U Wanna Run" and "Unlimited Possibilities," "I Start To Pray," and "Babylon Is Fallin," respectively. The music is a mix of fusion, dance, reggae, rock, electronic, hip-hop, and rap. This is not really a purist type of album, but a fusionist will be right at home. Anyone into world fusion with a contemporary pulse will find Gaudi very appealing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Myloe's 'Empty Out Your Mind'

Myloe
Empty Out Your Mind
Self-Release

The Boston-based alt-rock band, Myloe, is comprised of Fred Mubang on guitar, Alan Hokom on vocals/guitar, Tom Shani on bass, and Zach Mullings on drums. The new album is rather short with only six songs. However, the music is diverse with a solid repertoire of alt-rock vocals, lush guitar melodies, and punchy grooves that gritty, classic, and all-encompassing. There is a limited display of screaming guitar noises and vocals that are difficult to understand are nowhere to be found. "Empty Out Your Mind" is a punchy guitar song with a driving guitar melodies that are somewhat akin to the UK's McFly, but the vocals are more aligned with Incubus. "In Your Eyes" is a good rock tune with lush guitar sounds and vocal harmonies. "What Is Paradise" contains jingly guitar stylings and rock anthem-like choruses that are contemporary and guitar-driven. "Standstill City" opens with punchy bass, Latin-like percussion, powerful vocal lines, and giddy instrumental arrangements. There are punchy, classic, and melodic guitar arrangements that are difficult to describe with some Scandinavian or Celtic-like driven sounds. However, the rock guitar presence is still paramount here. Though, all in all, Myloe creates a short, but powerful release of guitar beauty, vocal prowess, and creative arrangements. ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: ArHai's 'Eastern Roads'

ArHai
Eastern Roads
Balkanworlds Records

ArHai began with Jovana Backovic, a vocalist, keyboardist, and programmer from Serbia. Her bandmate, Adrian Lever, is a tambura player, guitarist, pianist, and double bass player on the album. The duo enlist the help of additional instrumentalists, including tabla, percussion, electric bass, and vocals. The music is folktronic with a good amount of world fusion ranging from South Asian to Scandinavian influences, but Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions are not too distant either. The background vocals on some tracks are reminiscent of Enigma-type tracks. However, this is not a dance album. Still, there are some 'danceable' tracks that are very moving. If contemporary folk music is what you are after, then ArHai serves it up deliciously. ~ Matthew Forss