CD Review: Volga's 'Kumushki Pjut'

Volga
Kumushki Pjut
Asphalt Tango Records

Led by Armenian, Anzhelika Manukyan, Volga reinvents the traditional music of Russia using delicate house, dance, trance, and dub sounds that effervesce with soothing melodies and punchy rhythms. The Russian group resurrects ancient texts and performs them in modern contexts. The group comprises of Grammy Winner, Uri Balashov on zvukosuk and Tibetan cup, Alexey Ostashev on bass guitar, Sergei Klevensky on jaleika and bagpipe, and Roman Lebedev on guitar and electronic arrangements. Anzhelika is the lead vocalist. The poignant rhythms and electronic overtones are carefully selected and executed for a great result that is never too over-the-top. The mix of historical roots, modern rhythms, and various instruments make for a great album. The lilting melodies of "Kaverzi" appropriately demonstrates Anzhelika's emotive vocals and the sauntering guitar arrangements in a laid-back setting. "Postylyi Muzh" contains a pulsating rock guitar beat as an opener with recurring beats throughout. "Mala Nochka" possesses a cheery rhythm with rollicking bass, guitar, and percussion that eloquently accents the subtle electronic touches. Overall, Volga is one of the best groups to come out of Russia in recent memory. Enjoy it for yourself! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Adrian Raso and Fanfare Ciocarlia's 'Devils' Tale'

Adrian Raso and Fanfare Ciocarlia
Devil's Tale
Asphalt-Tango Records

The Balkan tunes of Fanfare Ciocarlia merge with Canada's eminent guitarist, banjo player, and electric bass aficionado, Adrian Raso. The instrumental tunes are mysterious with a saucy saunter and bellowing character that is anything but dull. The jazzy beats are quite pronounced and almost arranged in a Klezmer style. The punchy brass and uppity melodies are energetic and full of life. The musical style seems to mix old charm with new creative ideas that are refreshing and lively. Anyone with an interest in Balkan jazz, Romani music, and big brass sounds should check out Adrian Raso and Fanfare Ciocarlia. The Devil's Tale will grab you and never let you go. It's totally addictive. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Stand Up, People - Gypsy Pop Songs From Tito's Yugoslavia 1964-1980

Various Artists
Stand Up, People - Gypsy Pop Songs From Tito's Yugoslavia 1964-1980
Asphalt Tango Records

This collection of rare, socialist-era folk and pop songs from Yugoslavia contains lively gypsy rhythms, Bollywood influences, psychedelic pop, and whirling melodies that scream Balkan. There are nineteen tracks in all. Some of the songs are rather upbeat and moving. There are a mix of male and female vocals throughout. These songs originate from Serbia, Macedonia, and Kosovo and highlight the Roma Gypsy culture. Some of the musicians featured include Nehat Gasi, Muharem Serbezovski, Medo Cun, Esma Redzepova, Ava Selimi, Saban Bajramovic, and a few others. The music is purely Balkan with some Mediterranean, Turkish, and Caucasian influences. Anyone with a passion for Balkan music and rare, folk music from around the world will love this new release. There are enough great vocals and superb instrumentals to make it 'stand up' and stand out. The liner notes contain English translations of the songs. It is also available as a double-LP release. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Oana Catalina Chitu's 'Divine: Romanian Songs From The Repertoire of Maria Tanase (1913-1963)'

Oana Catalina Chitu
Divine: Romanian Songs From The Repertoire Of Maria Tanase (1913-1963)
Asphalt Tango Records

One of Romania's greatest chanson singers, Maria Tanase, created music in every venue imaginable--from clubs, restaurants, theatres, suburbs, and beyond--showcasing her inner and outer talent with memorable folk songs. The musical repertoire featured cymbalom, guitar, violin, sax, accordion, drums, and double bass that are carried on by today's singer, Oana Catalina Chitu. A native Romanian herself, Oana sings the music of Maria with such memorable and iconic abilities that transcend time and world regions. There are a dozen songs on the new album that convey a true Balkan presence with heady rhythms, folk tunes, dances, waltzes, and vocal earthiness so inherent in Maria's original music. Anyone familiar with female vocal music that is folksy and nostalgic should check out Oana's latest work. Fans of Maria Tanase will love the diverse musical incarnations that do her original music justice. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mahala Rai Banda's 'Balkan Reggae'

Mahala Rai Banda
Balkan Reggae
Asphalt Tango Records

The Balkan beatmasters, Mahala Rai Banda, have their music reinvented and remixed by a host of talented world music artists, including Gregory Fabulous, Nick Manasseh, La Cherga, Adisa Zvekic, Mad Professor, G-Vibes, Errol Linton, Vibronics, Koby Israelite, Annique, Kanka, and Kyle Sicarius. The modern beatmasters provide an electrified dance sound to the already amped-up songs. The music celebrates Jamaica's fiftieth anniversary of independence, so the sound is somewhat reggae-tinged. The instrumental and vocal tunes are strong throughout. The music is upbeat and danceable to say the least. There is a nice combination of dub, dance, and electronica that is centered around a Balkan foundation. Nothing is amiss here. Groove out with Mahala Rai Banda's classic tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Koby Israelite's 'Blues From Elsewhere'

Koby Israelite
Blues From Elsewhere
Asphalt Tango Records

The bluesy side of world music is eloquently captured on accordion, percussion, and melodies straight out of the Balkan region. There is a heavy dose of rock instrumentals, too. The Israel-born Koby does not feel discouraged about mixing different genres of music to create a pumped-up Balkan rock sound with a hint of Ladino or Klezmer punk-funk. Whatever it is called, the music speaks volumes--especially when turned up! At any rate, the music is steeped in rock-driven folk music with an element of Balkan passion thrown in for flavoring. There are some more solemn moments, but the album as a whole is energetic, upbeat, and driven by multinational charm. Everyone will notice the music contains an edge. The sixteen tracks represent Koby's ideal perception of what blues music should be--wherever it is found. ~ Matthew Forss