CD Review: Hariharan's 'Lahore Ke Rang, Hari Ke Sang'

Hariharan
Lahore Ke Rang, Hari Ke Sang
Sachal Music

Hariharan is a playback singer and composer of contemporary Hindi music who has won numerous awards for singing and songwriting. Born in Mumbai, Hariharan studied Carnatic music and later on, ghazals (love poems). On this release, Hariharan celebrates the music of Lahore, Pakistan. A few of the composers are included, such as Wazir Afzal, Nazar Hussain, and Qadir Shaggan. Lyricists include Amir Khusro, Bulleh Shah, Majeed Amjad, Hasrat Mohani, Mushtaq Soofi, Tajjamul, Adeen Taji, and Nasir Kazmi. The instrumentation is characteristically filmic; with symphonic strings, tabla, sitar, and floating vocals that coalesce into a wonderful musical medium. The contemporary arrangements should intrigue young and old alike. The ten tracks run almost one-hour in length. Buy it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jack Harrison's 'The Enchanted Island'

Jack Harrison
The Enchanted Island
Nutone Music

Jack's three-decade history devoted to Irish folklore is a major influence for The Enchanted Island. In this case, Irish folk melodies combine with Sanskrit and Indian melodies and mantras to create a unique blend of musical bliss. Two cultural areas meld together; forming a blend of music that is meditational, devotional, and inspirational. The seven tracks run nearly fifty-minutes long. Each track contains a few notes describing the history and meaning behind the songs in English. Jack sings in Sanskrit and English. A variety of strings, wind instruments, guitar, bass, and backing vocals round out the package. Highly-recommended. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ustad Fateh Ali Khan's 'Bandish: Classical Compositions Re-Interpreted'

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan
Bandish: Classical Compositions Re-Interpreted
Sachal Music

Born in Pakistan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan showcases his classical voice for eight different ragas that are re-interpreted with The Orchestra of the Great Musicians of Lahore. The raga compositions are similar in tone to Indian ragas. The instrumentation is similar, notably the sitar, table, dholak, mrdang, violin, santur, shehnai, mandolin, sarangi, sarod, viola, assorted percussion, and more contemporary instruments, including the Spanish guitar, keyboards, and bass guitar. The rich instrumentation and Ustad Fateh’s classic voice gives the music very high marks with limited outside influence. Specifically, the music may be re-interpreted, but it still retains its Punjabi charm. Every track is great. If you are into classical Punjabi or Indian music, then Bandish… is right for you! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc's Self-Titled Release

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc
The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc
Etnisk Musikklubb

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc is a group of three talented fiddlers from Norway, Shetland, and Sweden. The twelve tunes are entirely instrumental and contain only fiddles and a viola. The traditional tunes come from the Shetland Islands, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and the USA. However, the music is primarily steeped in traditions of Scandinavia, which satisfy the Nordic music fans immensely. The North Fiddlers Bloc is Olav Luksengard Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden), and Kevin Henderson (Shetland). All in all, the music is engaging, danceable, and nostalgic. Anyone with at least a passing interest in fiddle music should find The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc to be very entertaining. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists - 'Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova'

Various Artists
Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova
Sachal Music

The Pakistani and Indian contexts are mixed with jazz standards and South American bossa nova to create a rousing mix of mostly instrumental pieces. Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond's "Take Five" is a great, instrumental medley of South Asian proportions without losing any of its initial charm. "Desafinado" originally composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Newton Mendonca is brought to life in a laid-back, Bollywood sort of way. There is a fine sense of Brazilian charisma and ambiance throughout. Dave Grusin’s “Mountain Dance” is perfectly suited for the table and sitar. “Garota de Ipanema,” or “Girl From Ipanema,” is another Antonio Carlos Jobim track familiar to bossa nova fans everywhere. This is the first time it has been adapted for Indian music and the result is a winner. Producer Izzat Majeed does a fine job bringing together these original and jazzy standards for a new audience and culture. Fans of bossa nova and Indian music with a jazz undertone will love Sachal Music's latest addition. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Godsruta 'Traditional Music From Hallingdal & Hemsedal'

Godsruta
Traditional Music From Hallingdal & Hemsedal
Etnisk Musikklubb

Named for a fiddler on the goods route between Hemsedal and Gol, Godsruta, headed by Arne Anderdal, brings traditional hardanger fiddle music to the forefront. Arne, a fiddler for over thirty years, searches out lost music from his homeland of southern Norway. The fiddling tradition goes back to the 1700s in southern Norway and Arne attempts to resurrect the tunes from the peaks and valleys of the region. Eighteen songs played mainly on fiddle are also joined by button accordion, bass, guitar, viola, and banjo. Vocals are even featured on "Brurevise." The folk melodies and historical elements are well worth listening to. As a professional musician, Arne knows how to keep it interesting. Fiddle fans will love its nostalgic presence. While fans of Scandinavian, Canadian, and American fiddling and folk traditions will find this recording a heavenly delight. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mehdi Rezania's 'Salute To Sun'

Mehdi Rezania
Salute To Sun
Self Release

Born in Iran and based in Canada, Mehdi Rezania is a talented santur (hammered dulcimer) master highly influenced by another santur master, Ardavan Kamkar. The music is rich with sparkling tones and traditional melodies. Each song contains detailed notes on its inspiration in the liner notes in English. One such track, "A Child In A Garden," is about Mehdi sleeping in too late on Saturdays. The four, brighter musical notes mimic the phrase: "Time to get up....Time to get up..." repeatedly, even though there are no vocals. Vocals are present on "Drinking to Toos," by Hassan Kasayi. Mehdi accompanies Hassan on santur. The track is an ideal example of Persian classical music. Other vocals are on "Salute to Sun." Notably, ten tracks are listed in the liner notes, but only nine are included. Still, nine tracks contain plenty of music for the Persian classical and santur fan. ~ Matthew Forss