CD Review: Haddo's 'Homecoming'

Haddo
Homecoming
Lulubug Records

The husband wife duo, Will and Nicky Pound, hail from England and bring us an exciting set of instrumental tunes on harmonica, melodeon, fiddle, viola, guitar, dobro, percussion, bass, and Baroque viola. The spritely melodies are not your average fiddle-stomping tunes, but there is an element of folk-driven fiddle-stomping. The metallic tones of the harmonica and melodeon provide a more structured set of music with varying sounds and rhythms that are never stale or ho-hum. There are Celtic, English, Scottish, North American bluegrass/country, and classical influences throughout. Haddo knows how to 'folk-us' on what really matters when it comes to creating beautiful instrumental music. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Samuel Yirga's 'Guzo'

Samuel Yirga
Guzo
Real World

Samuel Yirga's Ethiojazz renderings are thought-provoking, instrumental, and vocally-strong. The musical traditions of Ethiopia--notably, the jazz epicenter of Addis Ababa--is the central focal point for the creative output of Samuel Yirga. The title, which means 'journey' in Amharic, is poignant and fitting for a release with so many influences. The jazzy, downtempo leanings of "Abet Abet," are contemporary and futuristic with a nice dose of improvisation and classic percussion. The piano is a featured instrument on many of the songs, especially on "Tiwista." There are a few guest appearances by the infamous Creole Choir of Cuba on "Nou Se Soleil" and "I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun." The Haitian and Caribbean influences are most pronounced on the aforementioned tracks. Though, an element of American jazz and funk is evident throughout the album, Samuel creates evocative compositions that move in many directions, but all roads lead to something amazing. The cinematic wanderings of  "Ye Bati Koyita" bring to mind the piano compositions of Thomas Newman. Some of the tracks focus more heavily on piano, which may not be as exciting as the other instruments. Nevertheless, Samuel produces a fine recording with multiple influences and styles to keep everyone very happy for a very long time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Susan Aglukark's 'White Sahara'

Susan Aglukark
White Sahara
EMI Music Canada

Northern Canada's native singer, Susan Aglukark, has been dazzling Northern crowds since the early 1990s. Now a national and international phenomenon, Susan has taught the world about Inuit pop-rock music with English and Inuktitut lyrics. White Sahara is a collection of mostly previously-released material, including favorites, Pond Inlet, O Siem, Casualties Of War, Big Feeling, and Hina Na Ho. In short, every song is magical, catchy, and rich with musical textures. Fans of Susan will find solace in this work, and new music lovers will find a new singer to love. If you have not heard of Canada's best aboriginal singer, Susan Aglukark, then you have been missing some of the best music the world has to offer. It's that good. Guaranteed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amanda Ply's 'Runaway'

Amanda Ply
Runaway
Tubby Tunes Music

California-based, singer-songwriter, Amanda Ply, brings us an exciting five-track release of soulful, pop-focused, and jazzy songs with a human element that is achingly-beautiful at the very least. Amanda plays the piano and sings, but is joined on drums by Justin Tice, Trevor Martin on bass, Paul Tokarz on guitar, and Ashley Hill on background vocals. The staccato beats of "Like That," suggests a throwback to R&B soul with a little Moulin Rouge! flamboyance. "Messy Little Piece of Beautiful" adds another layer of R&B pop with a rootsy, bluesy rhythmic balance. "I Secretly" is a ballad of pure beauty with vocals reminiscent of Jenn Summers or Colbie Caillat. The soft melody is easy-going and melodic. "A Lovin' That Heals" is almost a Southern gospel ballad with heartwarming vocals and a strong piano presence. "Let's Just Fall In Love" is a Michelle Branch-esque pop-driven ballad with guitars, piano, and percussion. All the songs are catchy and memorable. This should be a runaway hit with pop charts everywhere. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kathy Muir's 'Far From Entirely'

Kathy Muir
Far From Entirely
Self-Release

The Scottish folk-pop singer, Kathy Muir, adds a talented repertoire of country-pop guitar songs with an equal element of roots, blues, and rock. With a voice like Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, and Stevie Nicks, Kathy comes through with flying colors and equally-airborne riffs. "Fairytale Lies" is a fitting song with Stevie Nicks' signature all over it, but it is inherently Kathy Muir all the way. The steel, slide guitar opening matches the upbeat tambourine and percussion kit with a rhythmic voice and catchy melody. "You Surround Me" opens with a pensive piano melody with accompanying strings that do not include percussion until mid-song. The song is void of vocals, but it is reminiscent of a lighter incarnation of something from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. "Heaven In Your Eyes" is a folksy song with a bluesy presence and chilling percussion, guitars, and vocals. "Sweet and Easy" is a breezy, folk song with light pop elements that are jazzy and easy to listen to. Throughout the entire album, Kathy's vocals do not contain a Scottish accent and the musical arrangements resemble North American productions. Overall, the music is varied, folksy, bluesy, and a pleasure to listen to. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Elijah Tucker's 'Saturn'

Elijah Tucker
Saturn
Self-Release

The Washington, DC-raised and Brooklyn, NY-based singer and guitarist, Elijah Tucker, releases a groovy set of bluesy, jazzy, and rock-pop songs. The contemporary wanderings are rooted in folk styles without going into a sort of dance, electronic, or hard rock path. The bluesy, funked up "Crazy Things," is a gritty, blurby guitar tune that contains wailing horns and reverberating B3 sounds. "If I Only Had A Brain" is a slow, bluesy tune that pays homage to the tune with the same name from The Wizard Of Oz film. "Gimme Gimme" is throwback to the 1950s or 60s with hand-clap percussion and rootsy guitar with a few sparkling piano notes. The tune would be a perfect fit for the 1998 film, That Thing You Do. "O Pain! Piano" is a piano, guitar and percussion-driven bluesy tune with a little Owsley, Beatles, and Oasis thrown in. Saturn is a little bluesy, jazzy, folksy, and rock-inspired. There is nothing wrong with this release. It may be a cliche, but Saturn is really out of this world--in a down home bluesy sort of way. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: A Is For Atom's Self-Titled Release

A Is For Atom
A Is For Atom
Self-Release

New York-based, A Is For Atom, was formed earlier this year by a talented musician, Mike Cykoski. The new album, which is a five-track release, borders on alternative, pop structures with plenty of electronic embellishments, bass, guitar, drums, and synth. The languid vocals on "Creation," suggest an almost Soul Coughing-esque song. The throbbing synth sounds transport listeners back to the early 90s. "See You Again" is a more upbeat folk-rock tune with radio-like vocalizations and pop guitar stylings and an uppity, Western feel with guitars, bass, and drums. The vocals and guitar playing resembles Australia's Xavier Rudd. "Light Years" features a little downtempo trumpet and pop melodies that shine with infectious hooks and instrumental displays. "Bird In A Cage" contains a bit of static vocals and Royskopp-like electronic noises. The vocals are quite pop-driven, but relatively reserved. The guitars are cinematic and the melody is very relaxed with limited percussion. "Whiskey" opens with spritely guitar and fingersnaps with a classy vocal setup that resembles something from REM's Up. Overall, A Is For Atom is also 'a' for amazing! ~ Matthew Forss