CD Review: Joseph Sullinger's 'Earth Voyage'

Joseph Sullinger
Earth Voyage
Soundship Music

Based in Mexico, Joseph Sullinger explores the world of smooth, Latin fusion with a touch of flamenco, new age, and classical elements with lively percussion. The fusion sounds of guitar and percussion resemble the music of Ottmar Liebert or Strunz and Farah. The ten tracks are named after various elemental terms, including "New Shores," "The Ocean," and "Sands of Time." The instrumental compositions are perfect for any earthly voyage at any time. Matthew Montfort and Ancient Future are two other musicians with a knack for latin fusion and classical guitar. Joseph is accompanied by the members of the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to classical guitar, the violin, tuba, melodion, electric bass, keyboards, synth, and drums round out the instrumental repertoire. Start your earthly voyage with Joseph Sullinger's 'Earth Voyage'. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cas Haley's 'Gifts To Give'

Cas Haley
Gifts To Give
Easy Star Records

Probably best-known for his America's Got Talent performances, Cas Haley has lit up the stage across the country with his own brew of Texan-blues-reggae music over the past few years. On this release, Cas starts out with an original Christmas tune, "Gifts To Give," which sets the bar high for the remainder of the album. Cas' unique vocal tricks and vocal swagger is welcoming and never obtuse or harsh. Also, Cas adds his own trumpet embellishments with his voice. In addition, a variety of scat lyrics and finger-snapping sets the acoustic and family-friendly tone of his music. Iconic Christmas classics, such as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "The Christmas Song" are made personal by Cas' inherent singing abilities and warm guitar strumming. The music is charming, sweet, and carefree without straying too far from the original compositions. Give the gift of joy this season with Cas Haley at your side. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Navarra's 'Nya Fonster'

Navarra
Nya Fonster
Kakafon Records

Hailing from Sweden, Navarra tempts the soul into dancing, humming, and dreaming of happy times as the percussion, fiddles, and vocals beckon the listener to lean in closer and participate. The twelve tracks are in Swedish in the liner notes. The piano rhythms and assorted percussion provide a cheery atmosphere and nostalgic examination of Scandinavia's folk-roots phenomenon. The tender and sweet vocals and varied playing styles throughout provide the listener with a quality recording of music from the land of Triakel, Garmarna, and Gjallarhorn. In this case, Navarra contains more experimental folk rhythms with a hint of jazz and lounge music that is not really prevalent from other comparable groups in Scandinavia. Nya Fonster, or New Windows, is a very delightful recording to be enjoyed by everyone seeking good music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kali Mutsa's 'Ambrolina'

Kali Mutsa
Ambrolina
Shock Music

Kali Mutsa, also known as Celine Reymond, is a Chilean actress and singer. Now, Kali is releasing her latest recording of seven relatively short songs. Her influences stem from Andean popular music, to Gypsy, Bollywood, Spanish, and electronic experimentation. The sounds are rather mixed with different melodies, punchy percussion, and expressive vocals that fall somewhere between Shakira, Lady Gaga, and Cibelle. The urban and not-so-urban lyrical wordplay is certainly steeped in South American sensibilities without the typical pan pipes and accordions indicative of folk or roots music from the region. The swirling melodies and alternative percussion makes Ambrolina rise above the average fanfare and solidify her mark in the world of Chilean trance-pop. The songs are diverse enough to keep one interested. If you are interested in popular Chilean music, then add Ambrolina to the list of must-haves! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Daphna Sadeh & The Voyagers' 'Reconciliation'

Daphna Sadeh & The Voyagers
Reconciliation
Tzadik

Daphna Sadeh is a double-bass player based in the U.K. Daphna creates a mix of Klezmer, classical, Middle Eastern, and Jazz-focused compositions that incorporate the clarinet, flute, recorder, 12-string guitar, acoustic/electric guitar, drums, darbuka, riq, frame drum, mandolin, and trombone. Ivor Goldberg adds vocals, but most of the eight tracks are instrumental. The sauntering rhythms and quirky horns, strings, and percussion create a mesmerizing mix of classic music for young and old. The upbeat rhythms are sometimes interrupted by slower, more somber tones indicative of Ladino or Sephardic music. At any rate, Daphna and her Voyagers play the instruments with such a fine command that each instrument has time to shine to its fullest potential without tiring. If you are seeking the sounds of the Middle East and Jewish Diaspora, then look no further. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Atongo Zimba's 'Sankune Sounds'

Atongo Zimba
Sankune Sounds
Sankune Sounds

Atongo Zimba is from Ghana, but based in the U.K. Sankune Sounds highlights Atongo's talented vocal and instrumental skills. For instance, Atongo is a master of the molo--a two-stringed lute common throughout the Sahara. Though Ghana is known for highlife music, Atongo creates a music that is rhythmic, powerful, and sweet that does possess funk, jazz, and highlife qualities. On "Sela woo san boma tanna bia" the vocals sound similar to Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi. Atongo is joined by rhythmic guitar, flute, gombe bass drum, backing vocals, and assorted percussion that livens the Ghanaian musical spirit immensely. The lo-frill recording is perfect for those palm wine parties and relaxing by the beach. It is equally enjoyable in front of a fireplace or a den. Atongo is a talented singer and performer that creates music as easily as one breathes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Caci Vorba's 'Tajno Biav (Secret Marraige)'

Caci Vorba
Tajno Biav (Secret Marriage)
Oriente Musik

The Polish-Ukrainian band, Caci Vorba, releases their newest album that does not depart from previous influences and elements. For instance, Tajno Biav contains the same driving rhythms and melodies from the Balkan region and Gypsy traditions of Eastern Europe. There are songs from Hungarian, Russian, Romanian, and Bulgarian dance, fiddle, and waltz traditions with all the fixings (i.e. musical elements) for a good time on Friday night, or any other night for that matter. The music is never dull and it changes from contemplative, playful, fast-paced, to slow, relaxing, and thought-provoking. The female lead vocals and male backing vocals follow the music closely without overtaking the instruments. The violin, spoons, accordion, guitars, tambourine, darbuka, bouzouki, mandolin, baglama, and dumbek provide a nice blend of European and Middle Eastern elements. Still, the music is firmly rooted in the Gypsy traditions of Eastern Europe. Caci Vorba succeeds again with an album that will not remain secretive for long! ~ Matthew Forss