CD Review: Bosnia's Amira and Merima

Amira Medunjanin & Merima Kljuco

Zumra

Harmonia Mundi

A classic vocalist, Amira Medunjanin's melodic vocal poetry is filled with passion, emotion, and life. It is a perfect companion for Merima Kljuco's accordion playing. The duo perform music native to their Bosnian ancestral roots. However, a few traditional tunes from neighboring Macedonia and Serbia are included. Importantly, the album's instrumentation is only provided by an accordion. In some instances, the accordion is absent when Amira's voice takes over the role. The interplay between the voice and accordion resemble mugham modes of Middle Eastern and Arabic music, yet the music is definitely 'Bosnian'. Interestingly, Zumra, which means 'emerald' or, according to the liner notes, 'something that deviates from the norm', is an excellent summation of the music. The album is a gem and it's something a little different. In this case, a little different is something listeners will gladly relish. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bebel Gilberto's 'All In One'

Bebel Gilberto

All In One

Verve

The cool, lounge jazz sounds of a Brazilian night-club are quite evident on Bebel Gilberto's latest release, All In One. Some of the songs are written by Bebel, while others were borrowed from Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Carlinhos Brown, and Bebel's father, Joao Gilberto. The downtempo percussion and atmospheric elements provide a modernized sound that is never overpowering, overproduced, or unnatural. Bebel's organic voice soars nicely along with the percussion and electronic additions. The songs are sung in Portuguese and English. The liner notes include lyrics for each song. A number of female singers to come out of South America have graced the North American stage and airwaves over the years. However, one voice continues to stand out and remain a solid force in the world music scene. You can find all of Bebel's greatest attributes 'all in one' place on All In One. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Uganda's Samite

Samite

My Music World

Samite Music

My Music World is the latest release that follows up Samite's 2006 Embalasasa. Samite explores the traditional music of Uganda and shapes it into a modern musical experience without losing the roots. Soothing percussion and instrumentation of kalimba, madinda, whistle, guitar, bass, and keyboards accompany Samite's vocals. The songs are mostly instrumental, but Samite's voice makes an appearance on a few tracks. The sound is partly meditational and partly groovy, especially for the longer tracks, such as 'Ninze', 'Njabala Owekyejo', 'Imagine It To Make It Happen', and 'Sirina Kyentya'. Fans of Samite's other albums will find My Music World to be a welcome contribution to any African music collection. In short, My Music World enraptures all who listen to it's pleasantries. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Morocco's Hindi Zahra

Hindi Zahra

Handmade

Oursoul Records

A France-based, Moroccan singer and guitarist, Hindi Zahra is a glowing example of folk-rock musicianship and North African charisma. Hindi's vocal style is similar in tone to U.S. singers, Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles. Essentially, there is a classic pop standard element throughout the album. Though, Hindi's lyrics of English and Berber languages meld perfectly with the spritely rhythms and lounge club feel of intimate tunes. Moreover, English and Berber lyrics are included for all tracks. The songs are structured, but not over-produced. Overall, Hindi's voice and instrumentation are hand-picked, or rather, 'handmade', with love, peace, and spirit. The influence of French rhythms are more prominent than anything else. Still, Handmade is a satisfying journey that beams with colour, light, and emotion. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: A Time To Cry - A Lament Over Jerusalem

Various Artists

A Time To Cry: A Lament Over Jerusalem

Kirkelig Kulturverksted

Recorded in a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem, A Time To Cry... showcases some traditional and new folk songs from the region. The songs touch on the political turmoil and social rights between the Palestinians and the Israelis. The Palestinian repertoire includes Rim Banna, Wissam Murad, Nai Barghouthi and Jawaher Shofani. The Palestinian singers mentioned above are also joined by a Norwegian collective, including Kenneth Ekornes (drums), Gjermund Silset (bass), Hallgrim Bratberg (guitar), and U.S. flutist and clarinetist, Steve Gorn. The laments are deeply emotional and ethereal in sound. The folk tunes are a light fusion between Persian classical music, Arabic folk music, and bluesy-pop. Fans of other KKV releases will find comfort in the words and music of A Time To Cry... It is not too often a Palestinian music release surfaces globally, which makes it even more invaluable to Middle Eastern music fans. A treasured album of music. Liner notes are in English and Arabic. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lyapis Trubetskoy - Agitpop

Lyapis Trubetskoy
Agitpop
Eastblok Music

Lyapis Trubetskoy is a band that is huge in Russia, where they fill venues to capacity. Their sound is akin to Gogol Bordello but with more of a ska twist. They push the limits with strong political lyrics, dark humour, and images of their culture's socialist past. Although the lyrics are in Russian, the strength and meaning of the songs really come through. Agitpop is exactly that - songs which agitate against a society of wealth and war. Most importantly, the songs are quite melodic. ~Paula E. Kirman

CD Review: Dalai Lama Renaissance

Dalai Lama Renaissance
Various Artists
White Swan

This CD is the soundtrack for the documentary film of the same title about the Dalai Lama. Like the film, this album also features narration from Harrison Ford, as well as enchanting (and chanting!) songs featured in the film. The music is very soothing and obviously perfect for personal meditation and features Techung, a Tibetan musician in exile; Heyraneh, a female Sufi singer from Tehran (a rarity); and the words of the Dalai Lama himself. ~ Paula E. Kirman