CD Review: Sakina's 'Roye Mi'

Sakina
Roye Mi
ARC Music

A native of Kurdish Turkey, Sakina is an Austrian and German-based singer and composer that represents the folk and traditional music of Kurdistan - a region that includes Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. The ten-track release is rich with jazzy, upbeat, and sometimes mournful melodies and rhythms that are reminiscent of mugam music indigenous to the Middle East. Sakina employs various instruments to the mix to create a rich sound and highly-textured musical outcome. Some of the instruments you will hear include the German flute, guitar, violin, cello, bass, drums, oboe, piano, bilur, kemane, duduk, qanun, tembur, zurne, davul, and arbane. The music drifts into various regions across the Middle East and Central Asia with ease. The beautiful instruments, heartfelt vocals, and excellent musical delivery makes Roye Mi a winner all-around. It is the quintessential work of Sakina's being. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Natasa Mirkovic and Nenad Vasilic's 'Soulmotion'

Natasa Mirkovic and Nenad Vasilic
Soulmotion
Galileo Records

Natasa Mirkovic is Bosnian and Nenad Vasilic is Serbian, but they are based in Vienna, Austria. The folk duo create a set of songs that are interpretations of classic songs from Yugoslavia originally composed in the 1970s and 80s. Nenad, a jazz bassist, fills in the sound with punchy playing that would light up any classical or jazz ensemble. Nenad is accompanied by Natasa on vocals. Natasa's voice is heartfelt, but not too obtrusive or over-the-top. Instead, Natasa brings a youthful, spirited, and intelligent mix of vocals that would be perfect for a lounge club or jazz club. The twelve songs are only accompanied on vocals and upright bass. No other instrumentation is employed. The result is a raw, intimate, and candid music session that is very enjoyable. Anyone with an interest in Yugoslavian music and jazz will love the cozy vocal wanderings of Natasa Mirkovic and her bass partner, Nenad Vasilic. ~ Matthew Forss