CD Review: Visual Music Circus' New Self-Titled Release

Visual Music Circus
Visual Music Circus
Self-Release

Petros Sakelliou, a native of Athens, Greece, is the brainchild behind the new album, Visual Music Circus. The circus theme is found in the carnival-esque melodies and moods represented throughout the eight tracks and several diverse musical instruments, including the piano, accordion, sax, vibraphone, clarinet, flute, piccolo, violin, upright bass, percussion, and drum-set. The multi-layered sounds conjure up images of Brazilian lounge bars, sultry beaches, and smoky nightclubs. There is a mix of jazz, classical, Latin, and nostalgic music akin to the 1960's and 70's era. The result is a playful and well-orchestrated album that is full of serene melodies, writhing rhythms, and unique sounds that bring a fresh perspective to the area of world fusion. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Lawson Rollins' 'Traveler'

Lawson Rollins
Traveler
Infinita Records

Many influences grace the sounds on Traveler by Lawson Rollins. The instrumental tunes represent a romp through world jazz, flamenco, lounge, improvisation, and even Latin America. The fiery guitar stylings, edgy percussion, flashy horns, punchy piano, and lively strings from the hands of Mads Tolling, Charlie Bisharat, Randy Tico, Dave Bryant, Cameron Stone, and even some Big Dad Voodoo Daddy members. The spritely strings and earthy rhythms of "Cafe Paris" conjures up images of gypsy, Roma, or Cape Verdean sounds, most likely due to the clarinet. "Berlin Bossa" incorporates some Bach influences, while "Meeting In Madrid" fuses jazz with flamenco and roots for a truly exciting journey. There are twelve tracks to enjoy for over an hour of fun. Each tune is new and reveals a varied array of influences that are never dull or unimaginative. Lawson takes listeners on musical journeys that are fun-filled and authentic. Your first trip should be to your local music store or online retailer for Traveler. No fluff here. ~ 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: Arun Ramamurthy Trio's 'Jazz Carnatica'

Arun Ramamurthy Trio
Jazz Carnatica
Self-Release

New York-based and South Indian-influenced, the Arun Ramamurthy Trio waste no time getting down to business bringing Indian Carnatic compositions to life that are centuries old. Arun is the violinist, while Perry Wortman plays bass and Sameer Gupta is in charge of drums. There are some guest artists on piano, violin, and mridangam to round out the instrumental ensemble. The compositions are mostly five to nine-minutes long, which allows for some great melody and rhythm expansion. Also, the tunes possess a creative quality that is innovative and refined. The organic elements are historic and accessible. In this case, it is satisfying to hear the sounds of a by-gone era. Experience historic Indian music in a contemporary setting from the Arun Ramamurthy Trio. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nadaka & Gopika's 'Surya'

Nadaka & Gopika
Surya
Raga Mantra

Nadaka & Gopika's newest release, Surya, contains beautiful, contemplative, and aural-friendly vedic mantras with the light and energy of the sun the primary focus here. The instrumental tunes contain some of Gopika's Indian vocals, but Nadaka's raga guitar, guitar synth, and added vocals add an avant-garde and experimental element to the mix. The duo are joined by tabla, violin, percussion, and sampling on most of the tracks. There is a transcendental quality to the sound that creates a sense of deeper calm and new age spiritualism. The South Asian and Sanskirt-soaked album is meditative enough to be wanted by yoga fanatics and world fusion fans everywhere. There are eight total tracks that range from four to nine minutes in length. There are some electronic subtleties that remind us of the modern era; but nothing is too overdone or overt here. Experience inner and outer light with Surya. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Boris Kovac & La Campanella's 'Eastern Moon Rising'

Boris Kovac & La Campanella
Eastern Moon Rising
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Balkan jazz artists, Boris Kovac & La Campella, know how to entertain the masses with their latest release, Eastern Moon Rising. Steeped in Balkan rhythms and gypsy melodies with jazz music at its core, Boris Kovac brings to life his Serbian roots on a marvelous quasi-classical and folk product. The album incorporates indigenous rhythms and melodies with equally-relevant instrumentation to create a truly remarkable world music recording. The folks at Riverboat/WMN know a thing or two about world music and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Eastern Moon Rising is a Balkan jazz and European music winner with vibrant strings, horns, percussion, and miscellaneous instrumentation. However, the loud, energetic, Balkan music most people know and love are not really found here. Think of the lighter sounds of the late-Cesaria Evora's band. Nearly an hour of music marks the album's eleven tracks. Fans of Balkan music, jazz, gypsy music, and world fusion will love the mostly instrumental tunes. ~ 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: AOMUSIC's 'Hokulea'

AOMUSIC
Hokulea
Arcturian Gate

AOMUSIC is a collective of musicians from around the world, but the group was created by Richard Gannaway, Miriam Stockley, and Jay Oliver. These unifying tunes are cinematic, catchy, majestic, and memorable. There are a variety of languages used throughout the album, but the rhythms and melodies are diverse and lush. There are nine tracks in all that represent a truly world music and fusion example that is tough to beat. The glorious vocals and numerous instruments make everything come together with ease. The contemporary arrangements are somewhat new age, but genre classifications are tough to explain this music. At any rate, the music is akin to Celtic Woman, Enigma, Te Vaka, Hevia, and Ronan Hardiman. Fans of world fusion, world vocals, and soaring melodies with a purpose, then Hokulea is necessary. Additionally, the profits from album sales go directly to children in need world-wide. You can donate at: www.aofi.org. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Idan Raichel Project's 'Quarter To Six'

Idan Raichel Project
Quarter To Six
Cumbancha

The Idan Raichel Project is back at it again with another impressive recording. Quarter To Six represents a compilation of sixteen songs mostly in Hebrew. However, Idan Raichel is joined by the famed Ana Moura and Vieux Farka Toure on two songs. The same piano melodies, symphonic orchestrations, and world fusion arrangements are still prevalent here. There is a mix of Egyptian, West African, Middle Eastern, and world pop elements that make Idan Raichel so enthralling. One of the album highlights include "Achshav Karov." The upbeat melody and soaring rhythms are reminiscent of "Mi'Ma'Amakim" from the last album. Though, "Ba'Layla" is close behind. Still, all of the songs possess the same musical fervor and catchiness that made his previous albums so popular. Some of the songs are a little more exploratory and not as structured as most of the songs on the previous albums, but they are still worth a listen. Fans of adventurous and catchy world music will find comfort here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: TriBeCaStan's 'New Deli'

TriBeCaStan
New Deli
EverGreene Music

The world fusion tendencies of TriBeCaStan are blatantly evident on all of the tracks. The incorporation of North American guitars, strings, horns, and flutes, are joined with Latin, South American, North African, Central Asian, South Asian, and European sensibilities. The avant-garde and neo-fusion qualities of the mostly instrumental music sound delightful and unique. The funky, fusion, and world-based melodies and instruments create a sound all their own unique to the imagined nation of TriBeCaStan. The rock guitar elements pop up at times, especially on "Freaks For The Festival." Although, the horn-based melodies mimic Gypsy or Balkan influences the most. Furthermore, the music contains a bit of humor, as some of the song titles are called, "Louie's Luau,"Bed Bugs," (One Day) His Axe Fell Into Honey," and "The Brain Surgeon's Wife Serves Lunch." The whimsical album artwork is further evidence supporting the abovementioned fact. Anyone with an interest in world fusion, Gypsy music, avant-garde, and music without borders, the New Deli serves it up really good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dub Caravan's 'Nomadic Fusions'

Dub Caravan
Nomadic Fusions
Dubmed

The project originator of Dub Caravan is Felix Russ Abu. Working as a talented artist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, Felix has created a global journey soundtrack for today's world. The trippy, dub-centric compositions contain rhythms and melodies from the Far East, Middle East, and Mediterranean. The music contains some vocals, but the instrumental melodies are the real winners here. The undulating dub tracks, drifting percussion, and funky, reggae-inspired backdrops provide a serious listening experience. The music is not overly-done. Importantly, Nomadic Fusions combines the past with the future without resorting to washed-out, techno-trance with no soul. Instead, Dub Caravan knows how to seek out the world's cultures and capture their sounds in true form. Anyone interested in contemporary world dub, electronic music, and groovy sounds from around the world in a modern setting, then look no further. ~ Matthew Forss

Kila - EFMF 2011

Kila - EFMF 2011, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Kila is a band that has been making waves in Ireland for years with its mix of traditional Irish music with world fusion. Featured on the Saturday afternoon main stage at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, I did not know what to expect as the band was completely new to me, and to others with whom I spoke.

From the hypnotizing beat of the bodhran to the melodies of the pipes, Kila performed a very unique set. There was a lot of energy in the music. All of these guys are accomplished musicians in their own rights, as well as several of the being published authors and poets.

I have a strong feeling that it is in their live performances where Kila really shines. They are very visual and the music lends itself very well to a festival atmosphere. ~Paula E. Kirman

CD Review: David Gilden's 'Ancestral Voices'

David Gilden

Ancestral Voices

Gilden's Music

Ancestral Voices is David Gilden's 1990 reissue of West African and Indian world fusion songs. As a producer, composer, and musician, David's instrument of choice is the kora, along with all of the electronic arrangments, piano and gongs. Despite the twenty-year lapse, Ancestral Voices remains timeless...almost futuristic. The electronic accompaniments are not abusive; rather they are subtle, precise, and produced with utmost care and direction. David is joined by a handful of talented musicians, including the great Bansuri flute master, Steve Gorn, and others on fretless bass, tamboura, tablas, shaker, shakers, congas, talking drums, and bones...yes, bones. The contemplative music is relaxing, enjoyable, and at times, awe-inspiring. The mix of electronic washes, ambient noises, ethnic percussion, and kora sounds make Ancestral Voices a pivotal recording in North American kora music. Not one track is weak. Furthermore, the music is entirely void of vocals, which allow the instrumental accompaniment to shine through. Over 67-minutes of music rounds out the listening experience. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hadouk Trio's 'Air Hadouk'

Hadouk Trio

Air Hadouk

Naive

The trio of Didier Malherbe, Steve Shehan, and Loy Ehrlich bring about a fusion product that encapsulates the essence of European, Middle Eastern, and North African sensibilities without sacrificing quality. Based in France, the trio formed its name from the first two letters of hajouj, which is a guimbri or lute indigenous to West Africa, and the last four letters of doudouk, which is an Armenian flute. The various instrumentation include gumbass, djembe, awicha, berber brushes, copper pot, sax, doudouk, conga, kora, khen, and others. The fusion feel of the album is evidenced by the mix of instruments and the absence of any vocals. In effect, the instruments are played in a way that evoke a jazzy-fusion continuum with odes to the African continent, Asian Diaspora, and Europe. Thirteen tracks and a seemingly endless supply of tones and moods signal the best the Hadouk Trio have to offer thus far. Air Hadouk will be touching down in a neighborhood near you...and you'll love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tarun Nayar's '22 Degrees of Beatitude'

Tarun Nayar

22 Degrees of Beatitude

Chaiwalla's Boombox

Vancouver-based DJ/producer and electronica wizard, Tarun Nayar, is a global pioneer of Indian fusion and dance music. 22 Degrees of Beatitude is an album of lighter dance music and electronica that veers away from heart-pumping, dub-thumping sounds. Tarun's other work as a tabla and electronics guru with the Delhi 2 Dublin group certainly shaped and beautified his current release. The songs are mostly instrumental with little vocal accompaniment, except on "Innocence", "Kezang La", and "Mamaji". Taking the lighter side of dance music, Tarun shines with trippy, trance-inducing compositions without fatigued results. With titles as diverse as "Kezang La", "808s and Sheikh Sarai", and "Mamaji", the album is bound to be an intriguing journey through the aural sounds of the world. In fact, the double-pronunciation of 'beatitude' and 'beat-itude' still means utter bliss or happiness. Tarun Nayar is sure to conjure up loads of happiness wherever his tunes are played and performed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nitza's 'Ageless' Music

Nitza

Ageless

Musaic

The world beat and new age sounds of Nitza encompasses a plethora of similarly-related styles and influences. However, the primary influence is Mediterranean and Middle Eastern rock/pop with equal doses of contemporary and traditional instrumentation. As a singer, Nitza is equally adept at rock/pop and new age with the edginess, soul, and spunk of a budding musical auteur. The Greek-lyric song, "Se Thelo", is the only non-English song. The driving percussion of "Mesmerize" sounds like a pop/rock song from the Middle East. The varied instrumental repertoire include bansuri flute, shakuhachi, keyboards, oud, violin, bass, darbuka, bouzouki, cumbus, saz, guitar, and assorted percussion represent a global journey with a modern beat. "Lost" is a symphonic, Enigma-type track with Nitza's heart-felt vocals. As a whole, Nitza's vocals take on the embodiment of the late-Ofra Haza and Gwen Stefani. "Too Close To The Sun" is one of the better tracks based solely on a mix of melody and vocals. Nitza's music is a perfect mix of global beats and vocal melodies that border on global fusion and new age. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Najma Akhtar and Gary Lucas

Najma Akhtar and Gary Lucas

Rishte

World Village

U.K.-born vocalist, Najma Akhtar, joins with guitarist Gary Lucas for a stunning album. The musical relationship between Najma and Gary lay in the guitar. Najma's vocals are mostly in Urdu, except for English on a bluesy cover song from Skip James in the 1930's and track ten. Gary's guitar playing does for Najma what Ry Cooder did for the late-Ali Farka Toure. Rishte is a mix of traditional Indian music and classical folk styles. However, the guitar playing is more folksy and bluesy than rock-oriented. At any rate, it is an interesting musical relationship rarely encountered in world music today. Perhaps fans of other guitarists on world music recordings, including Ry Cooder, Bob Brozman, and Ben Bowen King will find Rishte to their liking. Also, world fusion fans will delight in the music. The liner notes include English and French translations of song summaries. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Calcutta's 1978 Bharat Karki & Party

Bharat Karki & Party

International Music

E.M. Records

Recorded in Calcutta, India in 1978, International Music is essentially a thrilling psychedelic funk-fest with trippy rhythms, acid-jazz horns, and spy-film-themed instrumental tracks. A mixture of instrumental sounds traverses numerous melodies and rhythms, but maintains a strong Indian funk fusion inherent in many of the psychedelic releases of the 1970's throughout South Asia. Bharat Karki is joined by other artists, including Khoka, Benu Chatterjee, Bimal Biswas, and numerous others. If anything, International Music is so-called for it's global reach or acceptance throughout the world, instead of signifying a musical work with numerous instruments, mixed genres, and various vocals. In fact, vocals are virtually non-existent and only add to the instrumental beats. Perhaps the only drawback on this release is the length (under 25 minutes). At any rate, International Music is 25 minutes of pure groovy gold and definitely belongs in a collection of Indian psychedelic music. Also available on LP. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 30 Years of Ancient-Future

Ancient Future
Planet Passion
Ancient-Future

Planet Passion is a celebration of music from around the world. The core of the album incorporates enchanting melodies and clairvoyant vocals. The music is meditative and sensuous. Over a dozen artists contribute on keyboards, bansuri flute, tabla, esraj, violin, cello, Chinese flute, Arabic violin, Nepalese flute, marimba, and world percussion. According to the liner notes, we soon learn of the foundational elements of the album, "This mythical story of love around the world begins with a couple's first flirtations meeting and follows them through the stages of their union...". As a result, the Ancient Future collective performs songs of love using traditional instrumentation -- hence the title, Planet Passion. Of course, it is difficult to categorize the music, but for the marketplace, it is essentially world fusion. About half of the tracks are instrumental. Ancient Future presents songs tinged with ethnic elements from Africa, Asia, India, Latin America, and the Middle East. Similar artists include: Tonana, Ronan Hardiman, Ofra Haza, Azam Ali, and other artists with ethnic elements in the New Age category. A world-class album by world-wide musicians. ~ Matthew Forss