CD Review: Skatalites' 'Walk With Me'

Skatalites
Walk With Me
Moon Dust Records

Based in Jamaica, Skatalites have been amazing crowds since the 1960's. Today, they release yet another album in their historic music-making process. The repertoire is composed of Lester Sterling on alto sax, Doreen Shaffer on vocals, Azemobo Audu on tenor sax, Andrae Murchison on trombone, Kevin Batchelo on trumpet, Val Douglas on bass guitar, Natty Frenchy on gutiar, Cameron Greenlee on keyboards, Lloyd Knibb on drums, and Trevor Thompson on drums. In addition, there are guest musicians on vocals and trumpet. This is Lloyd Knibb's last recording before his passing in 2012. There are enticing reggae-induced and jazz-inflected tunes of instrumental heaven that are not to be missed. The heady rhythms and punchy horns are unmatched by other groups. Fans of Caribbean, Latin, and Jamaican bands will love the groovy tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Souad Massi's 'O Houria'

Souad Massi
O Houria (Liberty)
Wrasse Records

Algerian-born and France-based, Souad Massi, releases yet another superb release of French-tinged pop music. Steeped in French music traditions, O Houria represents an infectious and mature album that does not contain one weak track. The magnificent musicianship by the vocalist and guitarist is especially evidenced on the catchy opener "Samira Meskina", country-influenced "Une Lettre A...Si H'med", the folksy "Tout Ce Que J'aime", the laid-back ballad "Khabar Kana", the piano ballad and duet with Paul Weller on "Let Me Be In Peace", and the bluesy "Enta Ouzahrek". Souad sings in French, English, and Arabic. As a whole, the music is catchy, but not too loud or vocally-forced. The relatively reserved instrumental sounds originate from the bass, piano, guitars, drums, banjo, ukulele, bouzouki, mandolin, oud, and accordion. In essence, the suave and sensual Souad Massi delivers on all accords. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carmen Consoli is "Elettra-ic"

Carmen Consoli

Elettra

Wrasse Records

Italian folk/rock singer, Carmen Consoli, is a bright talent with a strong voice. Her voice is iconic to Italy as Patricia Kaas is to France. Their are classical strings, jazzy tunes, Balkan/Gypsy rhythms, lounge tracks, and South American-type vibes on her 7th studio album. Elettra is a celebration of women and all her forms - good and bad. The mix of Mediterranean instruments and rhythms with folk and rock elements and Italian vocals make Elettra shine with liveliness. One can hear some similarities to downtempo groups, such as Zero 7 and Air. Yet, Elettra is not a trip-hop album, but it does contain some of those sounds typically observed in downtempo. This is an album of Italian sensibility and contemporary folk/rock arrangements. Each track is quite different and equally engaging. Liner notes in Italian. Discover the music of Carmen Consoli today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sa Dingding's "Harmony"

Sa Dingding

Harmony

Wrasse Records

The Chinese and Mongolian-influenced Sa Dingding is no stranger to musical success. Her previous album, Alive (2007), was a preview of things to come. Harmony is an extension of Alive and is the product of Sa Dingding's musical maturity. The incorporation of contemporary beats with traditional instrumentation give Harmony a richly-textured musical adventure. The fairly polished production is similar in tone to what Te Vaka did for the South Pacific, or what Huun Huur Tu did for Mongolia. Harmony is a mix of global pop, electronica, fusion, and dance music. There is no void of catchy 'harmonies' as well. Though not for the ethnic purists, Harmony is one of those albums that reveals more of itself with each listen. Sa Dingding sings in Mandarin, Sanskrit, English, and her own self-created language. Most of the songs contain liner notes in English. Great job...again! ~ Matthew Forss