CD Review: Various Artists' 'Women Of Brazil'

Various Artists
Women Of Brazil
Putumayo Records

The breezy and laidback samba, bossa nova, and Latin jazz of Brazil's many ethnic communities comes alive on a classic compilation of new artists and contemporary compositions. The music is characteristically Brazilian, which does not include electronic, techno, rock, or dance-type musical styles. Fans of traditional music will love the new Putumayo release. You will hear new music from Nossa Alma Canta, Graca Cunha, Clara Moreno, Flavia Coelho, Maguinha, Aline Morales, Luisa Maita, Juliana Kehl, Mart'nalia, Miriam Aida, and Miriam Maria. Anyone familiar with South American music that incorporates jazz elements and a few delicate electronic embellishments will desire the Women Of Brazil with open ears. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Electric Cowbell Records Presents - Bongolia

Various Artists

101 Things To Do In Bongolia

Electric Cowbell Records

The music on Electric Cowbell's latest release is a compilation of music from records featuring the best in funky, psychedelic, groovy, and danceable music from Africa, the Caribbean, and the USA. A range of artists and groups grace the tracks on this album, including Sierra Leone's Sahr Ngaujah, Superhuman Happiness, Los Riberenos, Bio Ritmo, Debo Band, CSC Funk Band, Amazing Ghost, Spanglish Fly, Greg Ginn, and Talibam!. Somewhat instrumental and vocal, the music is certainly littered with funky, electronic, and innovative danceability that increases with each listen. The music is not particularly traditional, because there is an urban and contemporary sensibility with most of the songs. Think of downtempo, trip hop, funk, rock, dance, pop, and electronica genres merged together. It is not as chaotic as it may seem. Perhaps Bongolia is a country unto itself. If this is the music of the country, then someone send me there immediately. ~ Matthew Forss