CD Review: Sia Tolno's 'African Woman'

Sia Tolno
African Woman
Lusafrica

Hailing from Conakry, Guinea and raised in Sierra Leone, Sia Tolno releases a hot new album full of Afro-jazz, highlife, pop, and funky, Yoruba-infused beats that will shake one's body with happy vibes and grooves. Some of the lyrics touch on serious social issues and incidents pervasive in African society, but Sia should be thanked for highlighting the plight. With vocals akin to Benin's Angelique Kidjo, African Woman contains beautiful vocals that are classic, jazzy, and heartfelt. The contemporary release is a pan-African journey into the soul of an artist with incredible vocal talent and musicianship. The twelve track release contains many great tracks that are all highly recommended. Anyone interested in female Afro-beat music with a soul and a good heart should check out Sia Tolno's latest release, African Woman. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Avila's 'Featuring Ernest Ranglin'

Avila
Featuring Ernest Ranglin
Avila Street Records

Jamaica's ska purveyor, Ernest Ranglin, dazzles crowds worldwide with his scratchy, nimble guitar sounds he produces in several world music and fusion styles. Ernest tackles roots, jazz, funk, and fusion with a strong command of Afro-beat styles. The entire CD features Ernest with several guests, including Yossi Fine, Ian Inx Herman, Jonathan Korty, Ryan Scott, Alex Baky, Jonathan Chi, Evan Frazer, and Alexis Rezon. The music is instrumental and groovy with drums, trumpet, bass, B3, piano, lap steel, melodica, and assorted percussion picking up a majority of the sound. The funky, smooth jazz leanings of "Ernossi" signals a relaxing side of the music that is still dance-focused. The edgy, horn-driven "Swaziland" adds a touch of township jazz, funk, and percussion greatness to the forefront. The opening track, "Manenberg," is actually a song by Abdullah Ibrahim, but it is still a jazz-centered tune with smooth notes and funkadelic notions. Let Ernest take you on a whirlwind of music brimming with boiling rhythms and sounds from Jamaica, Africa, and beyond. ~ Matthew Forss