CD Review: Visual Music Circus' New Self-Titled Release

Visual Music Circus
Visual Music Circus
Self-Release

Petros Sakelliou, a native of Athens, Greece, is the brainchild behind the new album, Visual Music Circus. The circus theme is found in the carnival-esque melodies and moods represented throughout the eight tracks and several diverse musical instruments, including the piano, accordion, sax, vibraphone, clarinet, flute, piccolo, violin, upright bass, percussion, and drum-set. The multi-layered sounds conjure up images of Brazilian lounge bars, sultry beaches, and smoky nightclubs. There is a mix of jazz, classical, Latin, and nostalgic music akin to the 1960's and 70's era. The result is a playful and well-orchestrated album that is full of serene melodies, writhing rhythms, and unique sounds that bring a fresh perspective to the area of world fusion. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Emma Donovan & The Putbacks' 'Dawn'

Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
Dawn
Hope Street Recordings

Australian vocalist, Emma Donovan, joins her rhythm section, The Pubacks, on her latest release of bluesy, jazzy, and funk-infused concoctions on Dawn. The opening song, Black Woman, is a punchy, funk-filled anthem that sounds like a classic American hit from the 1970's, but this is completely Australian and filled with innovative funk elements. The swaying melodies and vocals of "My Goodness" showcases Emma's talent. The musical abilities are boundless and timeless here. The entire album is full of funk, roots, and pop elements that are unforgettable and highly-recommended. Emma Donovan & The Putbacks are not something you want to 'put back' on the shelf. These musicians are not to be missed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rebel Tumbao's Self-Titled Release

Rebel Tumbao
Rebel Tumbao
Sacred Rhythm Music

New York-based and world-traveled, Rebel Tumbao's leading musicians, Matt Jenson and Jose Clausell, bring together a roots-reggae and Afro-Cuban-inspired concoction of moving rhythms and melodies with fiery percussion and punchy horns. The self-titled work contains ten tracks and one bonus hit. Several of the songs are attributed to Bob Marley and one by John Coltrane, but the similarities pretty much end at their names. However, co-founder and keyboardist Matt Jenson is penned to the remainder tracks. "Natural Mystic" begins with a roots-reggae groove and it ends with a Afro-Cuban medley. "A Love Supreme/Exodus" contains much of the same vibrant, Afro-Cuban percussion, but it tends to move into an Cuban jazz vein. The music is soulful and not too unlike the funk and jazz of the 1970s. "Masters Of Greed" begins with a light melody, B3 sounds, and a laidback, sultry vocal track that gets into your soul and never lets go. "Spare A Nickel" heats it up a bit with punchy horns and sweeping, Afro-Cuban melodies and great vocals. Fans of Afro-Cuban, Jamaican, Caribbean, and roots, soul, funk music will love Rebel Tumbao. Be a rebel today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mehmet Sanlikol's 'whatsnext?'

Mehmet Sanlikol
whatsnext?
Dunya

Hailing from Turkey and based on the East Coast of the U.S.A., Mehmet Sanlikol takes a cinematic side of jazz-inspired, lounge tunes with lively trombone, trumpet, sax, piano, bass, drums, and Central Asian/Middle Eastern percussion. The instrumental tracks are long, varied, and very moving. The edgy percussion, horns, and dramatic overtones resemble the suspenseful spy film soundtracks of the 1970's. The album contains nine diverse tracks with varying degrees of jazzy ambiances that possess avant-garde nuances and swishy, percussion-heavy interludes punctuated by punchy horn-driven arrangements. The swirling melodies and rhythms are energetic and engaging without a lack of direction and substance. All of the tracks are instrumental in form. The jazz-noir melodies are poignant and creative without negative side effects. Anyone with an interest in instrumental jazz and Turkish fusion will love Mehmet's compositions. The entire album is dedicated to Aydin Esen. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brian Larney's 'At The Starting Line'

Brian Larney
At The Starting Line
Nunya Records

Connecticut-based singer, guitarist, and composer, Brian Larney, takes the spotlight on At The Starting Line. The folk music-based material contains a bit of Southern rock, contemporary pop, and nostalgic Americana. The eleven song release contains catchy melodies and rhythmic textures that are pure pop gold. The pop/rock anthem, "Closed Door," is a perfect song with a little Southern rock influences and lush harmonies. "Solace" is a little classic ditty with jangly guitars and an uppity tune that is highly-reminiscent of the late-Owsley. "Never Argue With The Devil" opens with jingly guitar lines and soft vocals in the vein of Fountains Of Wayne and the late-Owsley. "You Me And Allison" is an upbeat, jingly, pop-focused tune with swishy percussion and full guitar sounds. The classic folk tunes are more rock-inspired than folk, but there is an element of nostalgia inherent in similar songs from America's folk explosion in 1960's and 70's. Still, Brian puts a more modern spin on the music with a little Southern rock and contemporary folk. Each song gives us something to remember and that is definitely a positive quality. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Edzayawa's 'Projection One'

Edzayawa
Projection One
Soundway

The Ghanaian funk of the 1970's is captured brilliantly on Edzayawa's first and only LP. The newly release CD and LP versions showcase a heady, contemporary mix of funk 'n' roll music with a nice vocal range throughout. The eight long tracks incorporate rhythms and styles from Ghana and Togo, which infuse less rock elements than other regional music. However, Edzayawa knows how to kick in the beats with rousing percussion and groovy bass lines. The psychedelic elements of reverberating B3's and steady, but languid guitar stylings, signify a great range of musical enjoyment. Despite the few tracks, the music is top-notch and a vital release for any funk, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and West African guitar fans infatuated with 1970's Africa. Step back in time with our friends, Edzayawa! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Funk Ark's 'High Noon'

The Funk Ark
High Noon
ESL Music

The Funk Ark is a plethora of funky, mood-driven, heady tunes that feature the funkiest music this side of Africa. In fact, the group is based in Washington, D.C.--not exactly Ghana. Nevertheless, the groovy, fun, and danceable rhythms are primarily influenced by the highlife, free jazz, and afro-rock music of the 1970s. High Noon features the sax, organ, trumpet, bass, percussion, and limited vocals. The music of Chopteeth and Fela Kuti come to mind. However, this is an album for a new generation of African music. Despite its Western title and cover imagery, High Noon is a product that carries the traditions of West Africa. High Noon is great for any part of day. ~ Matthew Forss