CD Review: Yeznig Zegchanian/Jason Hamacher's 'Forty Martyrs: Armenian Chants From Aleppo'

Yeznig Zegchanian/Jason Hamacher
Forty Martyrs: Armenian Chants From Aleppo
Lost Origins

Recorded in Forty Martyrs Armenian Orthodox Church in Aleppo, Syria, by Jason Hamacher, a drummer and noted fan of music from far-off places. The recording contains the solo chants of Rev. Yeznig Zegchanian without any instrumentation or additional vocals. The sub-twenty-minute recording is rather short, but it is vocally strong. The religious chants are sung in West Armenian. The remarkable aspect of the music does not pertain to the music at all; rather, the manner in which it was recorded. For example, the music was recorded in one take. The quality is strong and very resonant with the church as a backdrop. At any rate, fans of Syrian and Christian chants will love it for it's beauty and rarity, as West Armenian is rarely covered in recorded music today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ibrahima Sarr's 'Danaya Percussion Presents Ibrahima Sarr'

Ibrahima Sarr
Danaya Percussion Presents Ibrahima Sarr
Kanaga System Krush

Ibrahima Sarr is a professional djembe player from Mali that has toured the world over the last few decades. Ibrahima incorporates various djembes, balafons, and vocals on the mostly instrumental and percussive release. The thunderous drums and lighter balafon sounds aptly showcase a dynamic range of sounds that are trance-inducing and memorable. the highly traditional sounds are not bluesy, contemporary, or rock-centered. Instead, the organic arrangements of vocals, drums, and balafons make the album shimmer with a nostalgic and historic presence. The talented group of instrumentalists make the album stand out, along with the various themes revolving around medical issues, ceremonies, and dances. The extensive liner notes illustrate some of the song meanings in English. Fans of Malian drumming and African dance music will love the entrancing melodies and rhythms produced by the drums, balafon, and sporadic vocals. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sonny Spectrum's Self-Titled EP

Sonny Spectrum
Sonny Spectrum EP
Artisans Label

Sonny Spectrum's new self-titled, four-track EP, is a collection of pop and dance-inspired songs that incorporate down-tempo, funk, rock, and electronica. The EP starts out with "Get Freaky," which begins with a classic dance beat inspired by Michael Jackson and Maroon 5. The swishy beats, electronica-driven sound, and dance vocals are anything but dull. The song precedes "Trust," which opens with an atmospheric wash that leads right into a steady, dance beat and blurby, electronica-filled delicacy. "Be The One" is a dance tune with a soulful elegance and electronica brilliance. The tune encapsulates a little down-tempo characterizations, but the main defining genre appears to be dance. The final tune, "Free Life," contains a sparse rhythm and instrumentation early on with a few vocals. The dance elements still retain a primary importance with a little more funk than the others. At any rate, Sonny's dance explosions will electrify your feet and ears with nothing but good vibes all night long. ~ Matthew Forss   

2-CD Review: Shujaat Khan/Abhiman Kaushal/Katayou Goudarzi/Ajay Prasanna's 'Spring'

Khan/Goudarzi/Kaushal/Prasanna
Spring [2-CD]
Self-Release

The two-disc set, Spring, is a combination of Persian vocals and Indian instrumentation that promises to be an adventurous and mesmerizing ride. Both discs contain the same musicians with their respective instruments and vocals. Shujaat Husain Khan plays sitar and provides vocals, Ajay Prasanna plays flute, Katayoun Goudarzi provides vocals, and Abhiman Kaushal plays tabla. The music combines Persian vocals, Indian melodies, and South Asian rhythms that are fresh and classical. Each disc contains five different songs that follow the same musical influences. The instrumental portions are very dreamy, engaging, and vibrant. You can almost smell the incense in the air when the tracks resound with blissful notes of heaven. ~ 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: Lisa Bell's 'The Italian Project'

Lisa Bell
The Italian Project
Self-Release

The Colorado-based blues-stress and alt-rock guitarist, Lisa Bell, brings us a thrilling set of blues, folk, and rock-influenced tunes on the latest release, The Italian Project. The heady opener, "Bring The Love," is an alt-rock anthem with bluesy ambiance and rootsy appeal. "Come My Way" is still alt-rock, but much more reduced in tone. The vocals are akin to Melissa Etheridge, but not as throaty or loud. "One Face, One Race" opens with a laid-back percussion set and a breezy--almost jazzy--set-up. "A Brighter Day" begins with a few guitar strums, light hand drum sounds, and heart-felt vocals amidst a jazzy melody with lively bass and piano. "From The Outside Looking In" opens with strings, piano, vocals, and percussion. The chorus is more classic and majestic than most other songs on the album. The tune is bluesy, classic rock, and roots music. Overall, the eleven tunes represent a mix of blues, jazz, alt-rock, roots, and classic pop with a mature element that signals an invaluable recording. Fans will find some endearing tunes that are not to be missed. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: The Secret Is Out! - J Boogie's Dubtronic Science Releases 'Undercover'

J Boogie's Dubtronic Science
Undercover
Om Records

The San Francisco-based, J Boogie's Dubtronic Science, plays with samples and live instruments on his latest excursion through electronica and dub-centric music with an African and funky side. The twelve tracks are steeped in dance, soul, Latin, and Afro-rhythms that are littered with killer horns, basslines, and special effects. The vocals are not that bad either and represent a relatively modern approach to vocal music. The vocals are intertwined between groove-focused vibes that feature the work of The Mamaz, Chrys-Anthony, Lateef The Truthspeaker, The Pimps Of Joytime, Deuce Eclipse, Jazz Mafia, Afrolicious, Gina Rene, Rich Armstrong, Raashan Ahmad, and Caipo. The rhythmic tunes represent Latin and African elements that are hip, fresh, and always addictive. Fans of dubtronic music, nu jazz, hip hop, cumbia, Afro-funk, rap, and modern music from South America and West Africa will love Undercover. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Darryl Gregory's 'Big Texas Sky'

Darryl Gregory
Big Texas Sky
Emptyhead Musikwerks

Darryl Gregory's home-base in Connecticut is not the usual place for creating alternative country music. However, Darryl succeeds with his latest release, Big Texas Sky, and doesn't let his New England base affect his Texas roots. The release is rather short, but it contains seven diverse alternative country, pop, or folk compositions for a total of thirty-two minutes. The bluesy-rock song, "Prayer & Hallelujah," is steeped in Southern guitar stylings--the 'gospel' of the musical South. The pensive piano ramblings of "Aunt Jean's Piano" contains a loving, devotional sound with vocals from Michel Rae Driscoll and Jim Allyn on fiddle and mandolin. Darryl's contribution is not limited to vocals and guitars--the drums and piano are also played. "Workin' Man" contains a steel or ironworker sound of hammering with a gritty, muffled vocal track amidst a bluesy background. Overall, Darryl aims high with Big Texas Sky and leaves a few good songs for us to soak up. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Irene Jacob and Francis Jacob's 'Je Sais Nager'

Irene Jacob and Francis Jacob
Je Sais Nager
Sunnyside Records

The brother-sister duo, Irene and Francis Jacob, creates beautiful melodies with light world percussion and French charm. A variety of instruments create a folk-pop sound, including the keyboards, harmonica, flute, drums, double bass, guitar, talking drum, and steel drum. The wistful, swirling melodies evoke a presence of sweet, jazzy, and enjoyable songs with Irene on vocals and Francis on vocals and guitar. The airy voice of Irene is in a similar vein to Francois Hardy or Carla Bruni, but the instrumentation arrangements are more experimental from a world music point-of-view. The French music is surrounded by some Brazilian and Senegalese beats for a truly world-class production. Still, Irene and Francis should be proud of Je Sais Nager, which is translated: I Know How To Swim. I guess Irene and Francis know how to make music, too. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Potir's 'Gothic City' Recreates The Music of The Middle Ages

Potir
Gothic City
Sketis Music

Potir is a Russian group composed of Andrey Nazarov, Razana Rustom, Ivan Chernov, and Svetlana Petrova that brings back the music from Europe's Middle Ages with festive dirges, street music, and historic compositions. The music is performed with bassoon, viola, psalter, Bran's citra, dutar, peasant lute, citar, province drum, darbuka, aura, percussion, vocals, flutes, and bagpipes. Some of the instruments are up to three-hundred years old. The one-hour album contains sixteen tracks with instrumental, vocal music, and street music with all the commotion and noise of urban environments--minus the cars and trucks, of course. This is excellent music for anyone interested in the music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance fairs, and European folk music. Go back in time to the dark ages of civilization with the lighthearted music of Potir. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: David Newman's 'Stars'

David Newman
Stars
White Swan Records

David Newman is a talented musician popular in the blissful world of yoga music. His contemporary guitar stylings and repetitive vocals with equally repetitive mantras, combined with the beautiful voice of Mira, makes Stars an album well-worth a listen. A mix of English and Sanskrit vocals are used sporadically throughout. The catchy melodies and light guitar work are enthralling to say the least. The nine tracks represent a good mix of rhythms, styles, and innovations with touches of piano, horn, and percussion. David is a kirtan chant artist, Bhakti yoga educator, and a singer/songwriter. His wife, Mira, is a noted singer in her own right. She adds a touch of beauty to the album that is very melodious. If you are seeking balance in your life, then reach for the Stars today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Triakel's 'Ulrikas minne Visor fran Frostviken'

Triakel
Ulrikas minne Visor fran Frostviken
Westpark Music

Sweden's most talented and beautiful vocalist, Emma Hardelin, lends her vocals and fiddle-playing on her latest release. Inspired by the music and folk traditions of Frostviken, Sweden, Ulrikkas minne... is a glorious album of folk fiddling with a dash of harmonium, bass, and guest vocals. The folk traditions are similar in style to Triakel's earlier releases; yet are a far cry from the amped-up, Nordic folk-rock of Emma's earlier Garmarna days. However, a new Garmarna release would be welcome in the near future, but that is a discussion for another day. The Swedish fiddling is happy, free, and spritely. Emma's vocals shine, too. Anyone interested in Scandinavian folk fiddling traditions will find solace in Triakel's new fifteen-track release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Creole Choir of Cuba's 'Tande-La'

Creole Choir of Cuba

Tande-La

Real World

The six women and four men that comprise the Creole Choir of Cuba bring us songs of Haiti's past. Haitian ancestors were brought to Cuba to work on the sugar and coffee plantations. The Caribbean music is very classical, operatic, and a vocal work of art with some fiery percussion and additional instruments that add a joyous and/or contemplative mood. The twelve songs are sung in Spanish, French, and Creole. The melding of vocals and instrumentation provide the listener with a mesmerizing combination of sounds emanating from an Afro-Cuban mix. The vocal delivery is quite similar to the choir groups of South Africa. However, the music is inherently Cuban and Haitian, with a theatrical element that rivals any Broadway production. Tande-La, which means "listen," is what all listeners will do once they hear the Creole Choir of Cuba. Hear it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Maria Volonte's 'Portrait'

Maria Volonte

Portrait

Network

Argentina's Maria Volonte is a talented singer and guitarist with a career spanning fifteen to twenty years. About a half-dozen albums under her belt, Maria brings us a selection of some of those songs on Portrait. Sixteen songs highlight Maria's career as a rootsy, folk-centered musician with an earthy charisma not usually observed in other South American musicians. Nearly one-hour of music includes the lighter sounds of South America without the more technical wizardry of more contemporary musicians. Despite a lack of electronica or dance music, Maria shines bright as a folk singer with rhythms as hot as her voice. Fans of jazz, Latin, Argentinian, and folk music will love it. A 'portrait' is only a snapshot in time, but Maria defies time. Moreover, a detailed liner booklet includes a biography, song information, and other notes in English, German, and French translations. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Katja Cruz Y Los Aires' 'Mi Corazon'

Katja Cruz Y Los Aires

Mi Corazon

Leo Records

The Argentinian, Katja Cruz, opens up her heart on Mi Corazon (My Heart) with eight original compositions and three tunes attributed to Argentinians Astor Piazzolla, Anibal Troilo, and a Chilean, Violeta Parra. All of the compositions are inspired by the Candomble musical tradition of orishas, or saints. Taken from an Afro-Latin perspective, Katja's songs are Brazilian, Argentinian, Chilean, Portuguese, and inherently Latin-American. The tender vocals, sweeping percussion, and jazzy melodies are timeless and unforgettable. As a vocalist, Katja captures your attention from the first few stanzas on any song. "No se que pasa" is a breezy little tune with light percussion, aerophones, and a splash of rhythmic color from south of the border. Mi Corazon is heartfelt, honest, cheery, relaxing, and serene. Anyone with an interest in Afro-Latin, Argentinian, South American, Candomble, or tango music should acquire Katja's latest release while you still can. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ana Moura's 'Coliseu'

Ana Moura

Coliseu

World Village

The popularization of the fado musical genre from Portugal has been fostered by an intense desire to reacquaint oneself with Portuguese music from around the world and the global prevalence of past and present fadistas, including Amalia Rodrigues, Mariza, Katia Guerreiro, Ramana Vieira, and Ana Moura. A native of Portugal, Ana performs a live set of songs recorded in two of Portugal's famed venues: Coliseu dos Recreios and Coliseu do Porto. The fifteen songs were composed by Jorge Fernando, Custodio Castelo, Antonio Laranjeira, Toze Brito, and others. The mournful and serene songs are nicely accompanied by Portuguese guitar, acoustic guitar, and acoustic bass guitar and interspersed with applause. The Portuguese vocals float effortlessy through the air and dance around with class, sass, but in no way crass. The young singer's mature voice is well-trained and award-winning. A 22-page liner booklet includes Portuguese and English translations. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Real Vocal String Quartet

Real Vocal String Quartet

Real Vocal String Quartet

Flower Note Records

The all-female quartet of violin, viola, voice, and cello makes a resounding impact on the musical world with their self-titled debut. With very little in the way of other instrumentation, the quartet's influence of Scandinavian, African, European, and the music of the Theatre shows the diversity of stringed instruments. The California-based group takes care to walk the fine line between classical, folk, roots, new age, bluegrass, and jazz music. The tender vocals meld together with the instrumentation to form a perfect union of sound. With some vocals hinting a bit toward Finland's Varttina and instrumentation like that of Squonk Opera, the Real Vocal String Quartet is a contemplative release of cathartic bliss. However, some parts may be particularly slow, as in "Grean Bean Stand" or the gorgeous "Place For Me". Those looking for music of Bach or Beethoven should look elsewhere. The Real Vocal String Quartet is here to play new classical music for a new world and they are the 'real' deal. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: WOMEX 2010 - Sounds of the world from Copenhagen, Denmark

Various Artists

The WOMEXimizer 10

Piranha WOMEX AG

As a celebration of world music acts from around the world, WOMEX, or World Music Expo, began in 1994 to foster a global awareness of everything world music. A festival usually held in different locations each year throughout Europe, WOMEX provides a sampling of songs on The WOMEXimizer 10. In fact, the release includes twenty different musicians, sixteen vocal songs, four instrumental songs, and fourteen different languages with a running time approximately seventy-eight minutes. The eclectic musical repertoire features songs from Kamel el Harrachi, Mamer, Phonix, Yemen Blues, Svetlana Spajic Group, Maria Kalaniemi, Bomba Estereo, Danyel Waro, Tremor, Desert Slide, Dancas Ocultas, Malick Pathe Sow & Maoba, Damily, Elisabeth Vatn, OMFO, Yom, LaBrassBanda, Samba Chula de Sao Braz, and the 2010 Womex Award winner, Danyel Waro. Numerous countries are represented and the song selections are top notch. If you can't get to WOMEX for some reason, then WOMEXimize yourself with The WOMEXimizer 10. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Myanmar Meets The West

Khing Zin Shwe & Shwe Shwe Khaing

Voice Over The Bridge

EarthSync

Khing Zin Shwe and Shwe Shwe Khaing are both Myanmarese singers that have studied the classical and traditional songs of Myanmar's distant past. Using the Maha Gita, which is a classical work of songs praising kings as early as the thirteenth-century, the singers convey delicate moods and emotions with their angelic vocalizations. The addition of contemporary instrumentation 'updates' traditional music by immersing the listener in electronic washes of color with classical strings, piano, drums, flute, guitar, bass, and contrabass. The melding of East-meets-West is not an unfamiliar concept, though it is rare to find any music coming out of Myanmar today. Rarity aside, Voice Over The Bridge echoes the sounds of the East and the West with a sense of epic serenity. Listeners may also be interested in the film and music of the Laya Project (EarthSync, 2010), which features the music of Southeast Asia. Experience Myanmar for yourself! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Anne Simoni's 'Minas Terra'

Anne Simoni

Minas Terra

Cambuka Music

Growing up in Brazil, Pennsylvania-based singer/guitarist Anne Simoni, brings us a soothing mix of acoustic guitar, light percussion, piano, and sweet songs in Portuguese and English. Anne's vocals and guitar are accompanied by drums, tamborine, cavaquinho, pandeiro, bass, caixa, shakers, keyboards, synth, claves, accordion, zabumba, and udu. Minas Terra means 'Earth Minas', which is a song about leaving her home state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The popularity of Brazilian music in almost every facet of American society can become diluted and remixed into oblivion without any sense of culture. However, Anne's acoustico masterpiece is pure, Brazilian music without modernized dance beats or electronic remixing. It is an earthy, organic, and invigorating mix of tunes ideal for a romantic dinner, long drive, or a world music party. ~ Matthew Forss