CD Review: Estonia's Maarja Nuut's 'Une Meeles' (In The Hold Of A Dream)

Maarja Nuut
Une Meeles
Self-Release

Estonia's fiddler and singer, Maarja Nuut, releases her latest musical venture full of minimalist delicacies, mysterious electronic soundscapes, and light melodies with an experimental vibe. The vocals are akin to Vaartina in parts. However, the musical structures are similar to other artists from Scandinavia. The atmospheric sounds and somewhat industrial or metallic sounds on a few tracks showcases Maarja's creativity. For instance, the sound of a cell tower is the focus of "Kiik Tahab Kindaid." Maarja's classical Indian music studies shine through on some of the fiddle compositions, such as "Siidisulis Linnukene." Interestingly, some of the plucked string compositions reflect a North African sound not normally observed in Estonian music. Fans of Scandinavian folk and experimental music should find it very satisfying. Also, the vocal arrangements are not too far from Icelandic or Greenlandic influences. This is a very engaging and solid release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'Raya'

Raya Brass Band
Raya
Self-Release

The New York-based sextet, Raya Brass Band, brings to life the music of Eastern Europe and Balkan regions on their latest release, Raya. The sax, trumpet, accordion, keyboards, tupan, snare drum, and assorted percussion are all the Raya Brass Band needs to produce great, instrumental music. The horns, tuba, and percussion are quite varied and innovative, but nothing too far from historical traditions. The nine-track album features a rousing mix of sounds emanating from a variety of instruments that work harmoniously together to create an engaging and upbeat result. Though, the album is under forty-minutes in length, there is plenty of music to cheer about. The punchy, jazz-laden tune, "Sugar and Salt," adds a swirling mix of heady horns and great percussion for a slightly Gypsy/neo-classical approach that would be equally-at home on the classic Seven Brides For Seven Brothers film soundtrack. Overall, the music is diverse enough to capture the ears of listeners everywhere. Fans of brass bands, Gypsy music, instrumental tunes, world jazz, and fusion will find Raya very raya-mazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Baraka's Double-Disc 'Shams'

Baraka
Shams [2-CD]
Sketis Music

The Latvian band, Baraka, brings us a double-disc release of music celebrating the contemporary styles of Tajikistan. However, the music incorporates the help of Latvian, Russian, Tajiki, Lebanese, Nepalese, and Afghani musicians for a truly world music result. The Farsi or Tajiki vocals are used sparingly in ballads, folk songs, and jazzy songs throughout. There is a strong element of world jazz and lounge music, but some of the songs incorporate more of a Middle Eastern vein. Nevertheless, there is something for everyone here--from hip hop vocals to swaying jazz and funky Tajiki melodies. The songs are all very solid compositions with clear vocals and instrumental splendor. There are some traditional instruments, including the iconic dutar, setor, rubab, sitar, duduk, dilraba, and saz. The contemporary sounds stem from keyboards, guitars, bass, piano, and horns. Baraka does a great job blending the past with the present by not resorting to ho-hum melodies and rhythms, but rather bringing to life various instruments and styles indigenous to the Central Asian Republics, the Middle East, and Western Europe and Russia. Nearly two-hours of music are included with liner notes. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Piers Faccini & Vincent Segal's 'Songs Of Time Lost'

Piers Faccini & Vincent Segal
Songs Of Time Lost
Six Degrees Records

Vincent Segal and Piers Faccini reunified after twenty-five years for an impressive duet on Songs Of Time Lost. Vincent is a cellist and Piers is a guitarist and vocalist. The thirteen songs weave a delicate array of laid-back, neo-classical, and jazzy compositions. The entire project is a mix of French, English, Italian, and Mediterranean melodies and rhythms. There are some original songs, traditional songs, and covers. Vincent's previous releases have garnered attention for successfully blending different musical cultures and directions and this new album flows the best. The poetic vocals float effortlessly along the strings of guitar and cello. The music is very relaxing and evocative at the same time without sounding too pretentious. Fans of Vincent Segal, neo-classical music, fusion, world jazz, and European music will love Songs Of Time Lost. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lo'Jo's 2-CD '310 Lunes'

Lo'Jo
310 Lunes [2-CD]
World Village

The French group, Lo'Jo, brings us a new double-disc release of instrumental world jazz, Balkan delights, and impressionistic displays of musical ingenuity on 310 Lunes. Though, the second disc, The International Courabou, was originally released in 1989. At any rate, the music is adventurous, suspenseful, cinematic, and easy-going. There is a bit of North America, Europe, and the Middle East in the release. The music is arranged by Renaud-Gabriel Pion with guests including Magic Malik, Roswell Rudd, Erik Truffaz, and Hasan Yarimdunia. There are even neo-classical influences that mimic soundtracks and scores of America's early films from the 1940's and 50's. The second disc is more world fusion oriented with percussion and a contemporary rock beat. Still, there are neo-classical elements, but the vocals add another dimension to the music. As a set, the albums are dynamic and multi-dimensional with enough pizzazz to satisfy all world jazz aficionados. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kompania's 'Round Trip'

Kompania
Round Trip
CHARA

The Greek group, Kompania, releases an excellent new release aptly-titled Round Trip. The album touches on music beyond the traditional rebetiko fanfare with vibrant oud, baglama, zills, davul, darbouka, slide guitar, bouzouki, accordion, and guitar. There is still a good amount of Greek music here, but the instrumental repertoire opens up the tunes to influences across Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Middle East. The Greek vocals are emotive, mournful, and happy throughout. In fact, the vocals are so powerful at times they tend to take on a life of their own. The vocal arrangements are diverse and appropriately match the instrumental sections. Vocals are attributed to Katerina Tsiridou, Sotiris Papatragiannis, and Dimitris Kranidas. The metallic bouzouki sounds are bright and cheery. The percussion is sparse, but precise. The entire package is enlightening and full of life with varied vocals and sounds that create a whirling atmosphere of sonic delight. Nothing is wrong here. Round Trip begins and ends with Kompania. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ensemble Tirana's 'The Bridge That Links Time'

Ensemble Tirana
The Bridge That Links Time
Frea Records

The polyphonic a capella group, Ensemble Tirana, hails from Albania, but their influence is deeply rooted in Balkan life and society. The new album contains over one hour of music over eighteen tracks. The songs are mostly instrumental with only minor accompaniment on flute and cifteli stringed instrument. Founded in 1994, the group contains tenor, baritone, and bass-baritone vocal arrangements. The six-member group is comprised of Nazo Celaj, Hyso Xhaferaj, Dionis Delia, Edmond Lila, Luan Sula, and Ervin Kastrati. The music incorporates historical chants from the seventeenth century. Anyone familiar with polyphonic singing will find enjoyment in the vocal tracks, while others will be yearning for more instrumental prowess. However, the vocals are great and present a great historical story for a modern era. At any rate, Ensemble Tirana inspires all to take a listen. Ensemble Tirana is the bridge that links the past with the present. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: She'Koyokh's 'Wild Goats & Unmarried Women'

She'Koyokh
Wild Goats & Unmarried Women
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Based in the U.K., She'Koyokh bring us rollicking good fun with brassy instruments, pulsating gypsy rhythms, and klezmer-inspired traditions on their latest release, Wild Goats & Unmarried Women. The album title is as fun as the music, which traverses the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The jazzy horns, punchy rhythms, and unmistakable melodies are great for dancing and enjoying what the musical world has to offer. Interestingly, the album's title refers to male goats jumping up and down during mating season to attract female goats, which is similar to dancing movements inspired by the music contained herein. At any rate, She'Koyokh knows how to combine classic klezmer grooves with gypsy sounds and pan-European influences. The music is both vocal and instrumental throughout. Fans of klezmer, gypsy, brass, jazz, and world music should check out She'Koyokh today. Don't delay! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ego Vs. Emo's Self-Titled Release

Ego Vs. Emo
Ego Vs. Emo
Egotop Rec

German electro-klezmer music? Yes, indeed. That is the only way to describe Ego Vs. Emo's latest musical offering. The album contains seven long tracks of instrumental glory littered with danceable elements, brassy and bossy klezmer sounds, and swirling melodies and rhythms that are punchy and original. The songs are full of vibrant sax, violin, drums, accordion, guitar, and electronic programming. The songs are titled in German, but consist of various numbers. There are a couple spoken, German vocals on "Hundertdrei," but the majority of music is instrumental. Balkan jazz, klezmer, big band, and psychedelic constructions define the primary theme of Ego Vs. Emo's self-titled album. If the band's name won't draw you in, then the music will. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yasmine Hamdan's 'Ya Nass'

Yasmine Hamdan
Ya Nass
Kwaidan Records/Crammed Discs

Lebanese-singer, Yasmine Hamdan, is currently based in Paris, France, but her work extends beyond Europe and the Middle East with her latest release, Ya Nass. The contemporary music contained throughout the album is slightly organic, electronic, and dreamy. This is not dance music or Arabic percussion music, but it does contain some elements of both. Though, Yasmine sticks to a highly modern result with atmospheric electronics and a sweet vocal set-up. The edgy youthfulness of "Shouei," "Samar," and "Deny," represent some laid-back rhythms and melodies that are rather cosmopolitan and adventurous. "Enta Fen, Again" blends some trip-hop, dance motifs with the Arabic vocals. Yasmine tones it down a bit on "Nediya," which provides a more steady almost indifferent beat throughout. At any rate, Ya Nass is an album steeped in Middle Eastern and Arabic sensibilities with contemporary and mature edge that satisfies the soul and moves the body. Buy it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Earl Mobile Orquestra's 'Mosaiq'

Earl Mobile Orquestra
Mosaiq
Out - O - Space Records

The Germany-based group, Earl Mobile Orquestra, incorporates swinging, Balkan, jazz, and Latin-infused elements throughout the ten tracks for a truly world fusion release of danceable music on Mosaiq. The jazzy sounds are upbeat, very moving, and top-notch. The tracks are wholly instrumental and the band is named after the general manager. The group's repertoire includes a pianist, bassist, drummer, violinist, guitarist, and trumpeter. The punchy sounds are worthy of repeated listens, as each listen brings out something new. The jaunty piano, punchy brass, and swirling melodies are something reminiscent of Balkan jazz, gypsy rhythms, and folk music. This is some of the best music to come out of Germany--especially with a Balkan twist. Get it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jaro Milko & The Cubalkanics' Cigarros Explosives!'

Jaro Milko & The Cubalkanics
Cigarros Explosives!
Asphalt-Tango Records

The Switzerland-based band, Jaro Milko & The Cubalkanics, combine edgy, Latin percussion from Cuba and punchy, horn-driven, gypsy music from the Balkans. The seemingly unlikely combination of instruments and styles comes together to form a unique and fluid blend of world fusion at its finest. The musical syncopation adds a little psychedelic moments, while other sounds take on a neo-ska origin. At any rate, The thirteen tracks are diverse, catchy, and very danceable. The surf-like guitar accompaniments and fluid bass-lines bring out the best in Cuban, Balkan, and gypsy music. Fans of heart-pounding dance riffs, punchy percussion and horns, and Latin rhythms inspired by the 1960's and 70's will especially love its resilient and memorable sound. Cigarros Explosives! is what results when you travel through Hungary, Switzerland, and Cuba--all at the same time! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Solvguttene and Kudsi Erguner's 'Pervane'

Solvguttene with Kudsi Erguner
Pervane: Floyet fra Guds Hand
KKV

The music of Solvguttene is steeped in the rich, classic melodies and instrumentation of Turkey with some lyrics by Norway's Henrik Wergeland and Hans Nielsen Hauge. The symphonic choral pieces represent a seemingly unlikely connection between Norway's religious choral constructions and Turkey's Sufi poetry. However, the result works with flying colors and effervescent flutes. Flute legend, Kudsi Erguner, vocalist Bora Uymaz, qanun player Serkan Halili, percussionist Hamdi Akatay, pianist Andreas Utnem, and double bass player, Jo Fougner Skaansar, round out the musical repertoire. The music is dreamy, Middle Eastern, angelic, and new age all wrapped into one indelible package. The swirling, dervish rhythms and instrumentation is somewhat Renaissance-themed, but that is just the old nature of the instruments and cross-cultural influences throughout Central Asia and Europe. At any rate, Solvguttene and Kudsi Erguner bring us a lively instrumental and vocal medley of world music with sauntering melodies that are mature and unforgettable. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bubamara Brass Band's 'Balkanteka'

Bubamara Brass Band
Balkanteka
Sketis Music

A Balkan music group from Russia? Absolutely. In fact, Bubamara Brass Band wastes no time throwing out the punchy brass melodies and rhythms with an earnest fervor. The upbeat, almost Middle Eastern-tinged percussion tracks combine a bit of gypsy music with bellydance. At any rate, the music will get your body moving. Bubamara even employs the musical talent of famed-Balkan maestro, Marko Markovic. The dozen tracks represent a structured, yet zany whirlwind of brassy tunes with a heady fever of a pace. Balkanteka is a moving album with danceable consequences that are anything but boring. The vocals are very good, too. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Balkan music--no matter where it's from--will love Bubamara Brass Band. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Go: Organic Orchestra's 'Sonic Mandala'

Go: Organic Orchestra
Sonic Mandala
Meta Records

Composer, Adam Rudolph, brings us thirteen sensational, improvisational, and mesmerizing world fusion tracks and Brahim Fribgane composes the last track, "Part Twelve." As a composer and conductor, Adam leads a group of thirty-some musicians to musical greatness with loads of cinematic flavors, classical renderings, and world percussion with a dash of strings and horns for good measure. There are elements from South Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The organic elements are fairly evident with mostly instrumental arrangements and very little vocal appearances. Anyone with a passion for various flutes, horns, conchs, didgeridoos, zithers, and assorted percussion from around the world will love the fluid, punchy, and expressive display of musicianship throughout the album. Some of the tunes are mysterious, suspenseful, and free-flowing. Do not let this one get away! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'World Yoga'

Various Artists
World Yoga
Putumayo

Anyone familiar with the relaxing qualities of yoga will be familiar with the music that goes along with it. Our friends at Putumayo have put together an incredible collection of soothing, relaxing, and creative music for yoga--or other relaxing ventures. The music is culled from a variety of musicians, including Sona Jobarteh, Quentin Dujardin, Deva Premal & Miten, DJ Drez, Ara Dinkjian, Geoffrey Oryema, Kelsang Chukie Tethong, Stevin McNamara, and others. The quiet, reflective, and mood-quenching music incorporates scintillating guitar work, vocal harmonies, transcendental arrangements, and contemporary spiritual influences that astound listeners and rejuvenate souls. With musicians from diverse regions as Gambia, Wales, Portugal, Mali, Armenia, Sweden, Tibet, Uganda, and others, World Yoga is truly a global collective of musical styles for the yoga genre. Overall, the music is meditative, vocal, instrumental, and serene. In fact, I cannot stop listening to it. ~ Matthew Forss

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: DeLeon's 'Tremor Fantasma'

DeLeon
Tremor Fantasma
Golemite

The Sephardic wanderings of Mexico's DeLeon are inspired and influenced by Jewish musical traditions and folk music from Western Europe, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. The contemporary music is not overtly-traditional in scope, but it contains a slight nod in that direction. Fortunately, the modern leanings of percussion, bass, guitars, and up-tempo instrumentation provide a Spanish feel and slightly experimental mode overall. For instance, the instrumental rock tune, "Lamma Bada," contains punchy electric guitar displays of beauty with Middle Eastern-type shakers and meditative drumming. The retro Brazilian-tinged tune, "Para Que Quero," is a jingly tune with an electric guitar solo and reverberating vibes. The sweet song contains smooth grooves, haunting vocals, and a Latin rock feel unsurpassed by other groups. The country-tinged, "Barminan," represents an Appalachian tune with banjo-picking and fast percussion. Who would think Sephardic nomads ventured up and down the Appalachian? This represents DeLeon's global appeal and varied genre stylings. DeLeon is a very good Sephardic music that is hip, fun, and ready to take the world by musical storm. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Rachel Hair Trio's 'No More Wings'

Rachel Hair Trio
No More Wings
March Hair Records

Scottish group, Rachel Hair Trio, is a brilliant folk ensemble with a full-range of vocal melodies and instrumental delights. The music is inspired not only from Scotland, but Galicia, Brittany, Sweden, Wales, the USA, and other places with string and folk traditions. The eleven musical morsels are steeped with evocative harp, rhodes, accordion, sax, percussion, and jig-friendly guitar stylings with a hint of double bass to beef it up a bit. The rather acoustic and intimate feel of the album is not an accident. The whirling sax on "Swedish," signifies an almost Klezmer approach to jig music. Jenn Butterworth's smooth, folk-centric vocals on "Grey Funnel Line," takes on a slight Shawn Colvin resemblance amidst the folk guitar, light percussion, and harp. Fans of harp and folk music from Europe will love the contemporary musings of the Rachel Hair Trio. This album may be titled No More Wings, but it still soars away with happy melodies and compelling instrumentation. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Choban Elektrik's Self-Titled Release From The Balkans By Way Of Brooklyn

Choban Elektrik
Choban Elektrik
Self-Release

Choban Elektrik, which means 'electric shepherds,' is a rousing recording with Balkan gusto and instrumental tunes that are steeped in Bulgarian, Macedonian, Albanian, Greek, Armenian, and other styles. The use of Hammond organ, rhodes, electric guitar, accordion, piano, synth, bass, drums, kanjira, marimba, riqq, pandeiro, and violin, make Choban Elektrik stand out from the crowd, due to its folksy, psychedelic, and funky dance grooves that eloquently bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary. The rock guitar elements of "Moj Xhemile," represent an almost Saharan rock guitar arrangement--but this is not an African music recording. This only solidifies Choban Elektrik's uncanny ability to use different rhythms, styles, and instruments in their creative purposes for a meaningful and memorable result. Though, this is mostly an instrumental effort, Eva Salina Primack adds her vocal talents on "Moj Xhemile" and "Cobankat." This is a perfect album for fans of Balkan folk, rock, psych, and dance without all the brass that is typically associated with Balkan music. ~ Matthew Forss