CD Review: Nadav Remez from Israel

Nadav Remez

So Far

BJURecords

Israeli-born, Boston-based Nadav Remez is a talented guitarist that finds perfection in the jazzy classics of a Depression-era lounge club. The opener, "So Far," is a two-and-a-half minute instrumental piece with all the smooth jazz fixings. The instrumental repertoire consists of alto sax, clarinet, tenor sax, trumpet, piano, rhodes, organ, bass, and drums. "Pinchas" is an eight-and-a-half minute song with smooth jazz leanings and breezy percussion leading the set. Nine tracks run about an hour in length. Only one song, "Lecha Dodi," was not written or arranged by Nadav Remez. "From Above" is a swayback to the past with nostalgic percussion and horns. Think of the big band era meeting smooth jazz somewhere in a hip New York jazz club today. So Far does not contain any vocal songs or noticeable Klezmer influences. The quieter "Susu" is an ideal end to the album with subtle guitar nuances and little in the way of additional instrumentation. All in all, So Far so good...very good! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hadar Noiberg's 'Journey Back Home'

Hadar Noiberg

Journey Back Home

Self-Release

Hadar Noiberg performs on two flutes with two other musicians, Omer Avital on double bass and oud, and Ziv Ravitz on drums and assorted percussion. The trio, formed by Hadar, who is also a composer and musical arranger from New York City, performs instrumental compositions inspired by the Middle East. In particular, an Israeli cultural element dictates most of the musical directions. As a performer in other NY-area groups, Hadar's academic studies of the flute provide the listener with an educated sound of fluidity and a dose of subliminal austerity. Throughout the album, Hadar weaves in and out of world music, jazz, avant-garde, and classical idoms. Never straying too far from her Israeli roots, Hadar knows how to evoke moods and emotions through music. For instance, the flute flutterings on "Residue of a Broken Heart" eschew a sense of yearning backed by other instruments played with more of a Chinese sensibility. Nine total tracks are available to enlighten, inspire, and enthrall any listener without a doubt. Fans of instrumental, Middle Eastern, or Jewish folk music will admire the soothing sounds of Hadar Noiberg. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Botown's 'The Soul of Bollywood'

Botown

The Soul of Bollywood

Scion Records

U.K.-based Ajay Srivastava formed Botown in response to the classic Bollywood music taking the world by storm. The Soul of Bollywood contains many hits by SD Burman, Himesh Reshammiya, RD Burman, AR Rahman, Kalyanji Anadji, and Laxmikant Pyarelal. The spy-thriller vibe of "Jhalak" and "Om Shanti Om," Cambodian-sound of "Dum Maro Dum," bass-ladened "Haule Haule," reggae vibe of "Chura Liya," pop ballad of "Kal Ho Na Ho," and the funky soul song, "Chaiyya Chaiyya" stand out as some of the best tracks. For a retro-revisit, The Soul of Bollywood stirs up some classic tracks with a vibe straight out of the 1970's. The Hindi songs incorporate funk, reggae, soul, jazz, blues, rock, and electronic elements. For a funkadelic ride down memory lane located somewhere in Calcutta, then Botown is the right band for you. A stellar release! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Imaz' Elia's 'Myrmika Fabuletti'

Imaz' Elia

Myrmika Fabuletti

Playasound

Imaz' Elia is an interesting group representing a variety of musical traditions spanning the Mediterranean, Balkans, Andalusia, Transylvania, and adjacent areas. The songs are sung in Spanish, Serbian, French, and Yiddish with English translations in the liner notes. Interestingly, the album's title is taken from a fictitious country of Myrmika Fabuletti where nomadic cultures are mixed together into a giant cauldron assembled by alchemists. In effect, the diverse musical sounds Imaz' Elia incorporates stems from this nomadic model. Nearly fifty minutes of music and twelve tracks showcase the scary, inspiring, and melodic music of various regions. The group is comprised of Laetitia David, Aurelien Le Bihan, Julien Cretin, Raphael Bayle, Mourad Baitiche, Florent Hermet, and Rabah Hamrene. A variety of edgy percussion, sweet accordion, guitar, saz, bouzouki, mandolin, and sound effects create a fascinating musical experience. Whether it is called gypsy, Klezmer, Balkan, folk, pop, or avant-garde, Myrmika Fabuletti is a transcultural experience worthy of a listen. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Melanie Guay's 'Palais D'Helium'

Melanie Guay

Palais D'Helium

Passport

The Quebec-based Melanie Guay is a singer of sweet, melodic French-lyric songs. The lilting tunes are evocative of many French singers that came before her, including Patricia Kaas, Francoise Hardy, and Carla Bruni. A more modern-focused folk and pop set of songs makes Palais D'Helium (Palace of Helium) float high above her nearest competition. The catchy "De Quoi Je Suis Faite," the laid-back "Les Promesses" and "Palais D'Helium," the breathy "Pepite D'Ame," and the crystalline opener "Les Grandes Esperances" showcase her vocal talents in slightly different settings. The sweet vocals and modern arrangements propel Melanie into another realm of talent previously unattained by similar artists. All of the music is created with synths, piano, bass, guitars, clarinet, violin, percussion, and beatbox. Palais D'Helium is a lyrical playground of musical fun that is sure to enthrall all who love Quebecoise music or French pop music. The music rising to the occasion with every note and, as an added bonus, the cover photo is particularly eye-catching, too. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Joseph Tawadros' 'The Hour of Separation'

Joseph Tawadros

The Hour of Separation

Enja Records

Joesph Tawadros is an Egyptian-born oud player and a resident of Australia with James Tawadros on req and bendir. His latest album is number seven in a handful of recordings with an improvisational, jazz, or world beat background. Joseph is joined by three other musicians from America, including John Abercrombie on electric guitar, John Patitucci on double bass, and Jack Dejohnette on drums. The fifteen, instrumental tracks are fairly reserved and not too energetic; except for Track 4. However, the album is nearly seventy-eight minutes long, which provides the listener with a satsifying musical experience. The crystalline sounds of the oud are a perfect match for the drums, guitar, and assorted percussion. Fans of Middle Eastern, North African, jazz, percussion, and instrumental world music should find The Hour of Separation a worthy addition to your music library. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Forty Thieves Orkestar's 'Last Band Standing'

Forty Thieves Orkestar

Last Band Standing

Enja Records

The sounds of Eastern Europe are alive and well in the repertoire of the U.K.-based Forty Thieves Orkestar. In fact, Gypsy, Balkan brass, Klezmer, and a bit of street-beat music infiltrate the songs on Last Band Standing. The traditional instrumentation and modern beats provide an infectious and danceable sound throughout. The accordion, oud, violin, trumpet, tuba, cymbalom, clarinet, melodica, and electronic effects provide most of the musical accompaniment. The instrumental "Giza Stomp" is a classic tune of a definite Klezmer influence, as well as "Thaj Lel Europa" and "Belboeli," or the slightly jazz-focused "Uskudar". Whatever the influence or style, the Forty Thieves Orkestar is a transcontinental journey with enough melodies and rhythms to keep one dancing long into the morning hours. A total of ten tracks at just over forty-minutes provides a relatively short introduction to the music, but it is diverse and varied enough to keep one's attention long after the music stops. ~ Matthew Forss