CD Review: Rocky Dawuni's 'Branches Of The Same Tree'

Rocky Dawuni
Branches Of The Same Tree
Cumbancha

Ghanaian-native and LA-based, Rocky Dawuni brings a rousing mix of Afro-roots and reggae-based grooves to the forefront on Branches Of The Same Tree. The English vocals and great backup vocalizations make the songs very lively. However, the drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards played in a staccato pattern is the real prize here. "Black Star" features edgier guest vocals from Samini. There is even some electric guitar sounds that fuse a little rock n roll to the reggae beat. The pleasant and island-friendly tune, "Island Girl," is more of an acoustic song with earthy ukulele and catchy melodies. Of course, fans of Bob Marley will be enamored, as well as contemporary listeners of reggae music. This is jah-st a beautiful album! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Selasee & Fafa Family's 'Time For Peace'

Selasee & Fafa Family
Time For Peace
Self-Release

Born in Ghana, Selasee & Fafa Family, create whirling rhythms of heady funk and reggae beats with a fusion of Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, and Caribbean melodies that possess a pop background in a contemporary and somewhat urban setting. The music of West Africa is influenced by reggae music, but it is not as globally-prevalent as Afro-pop or blues music. The soulful vocals, bouncy drums, fluid bass, gritty guitars, sax and trumpet sounds, keyboard washes, and strings create a magnificent musical medley rich in history and highlife sensibilities, which grow out of the reggae and soul domain. Whatever it is called; it is something that should be shared with everyone you know as soon as possible. These African melodies and sounds are unparalleled. For a truly great musical journey, please make Time For Peace a staple in your listening library. ~ 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: Switzerland's Aurah Releases 'Summon The Sky'

Aurah
Summon The Sky
Very Music Inc.

Aurah is a Swiss-born and American-based duo with an ambient, electronica, and down-tempo groove. Aurah is comprised of musicians Marc Dold and Judith Martin. The opening tune, "Three Little Birds," is a Bob Marley cover, but it is a perfect new age tune with soaring vocals and contemporary arrangements. "Take My Breath Away" is a blissful tune with a smooth bass-line, electronic arrangements, and wispy vocals in a Hooverphonic-esque manner. "Summon The Sky" is an atmospheric gem with soaring vocals, blurby electronics, and a heavenly, yet subtle beat with a dreamy foundation. "Shine On" is a rootsy, electro-acoustic anthem with a few guitars, heady percussion, and back-up vocals in a somewhat rock instrumental manner that is not too loud. "Khorwa" contains a little electronic vocals, booming percussion sounds, and atmospheric blips that thoroughly explores the nature of world fusion and contemporary downtempo early on, but a strong rock vein pushes through. The final track, "Pleasant Placidness," is a rustic guitar song with a meandering melody without the aid of additional instrumentation for the most part and no vocals. Aurah is a mix of downtempo, dance, dream, meditation, and new age. Anyone seeking creative downtempo and ambient music will love Aurah's latest offering. ~ Matthew Forss