CD Review: Various Artists' 'Afrolove Kizomba Special' [2 CD]

Various Artists
Afrolove Kizomba Special [2 CD]
Lusafrica

The folks at Lusafrica understand Lusophone music inside and out. This new release, Afrolove Kizomba Special, is all the evidence anyone needs to make up their mind about the best African music release of the year. The double-disc features urban hip hop, romantic ballads, folk sounds, dance music, and Portuguese-influenced compositions with musical roots running from the Cape Verdes through West Africa and ending in the south-central regions of Angola and Congo. Some of the most catchy music is brought to us by Sekouba Bambino, Fode Baro, Meiway, Cubanito, and Oliver N'Goma. Even Cesaria Evora is featured, but it is a remix of "Regresso." At any rate, anyone interested in contemporary music from Africa would find this a must-have album without a doubt. The music is akin to Afro-zouk, Congolese rumba, and the loose-fitting term of kizomba, which encompasses all Lusophone dance musical traditions. It is nice to know this does not contain very much rap, if any, which would interrupt the accessibility of this recording to some age groups. Thankfully, it is highly-recommended to anyone with a fascination in contemporary African music. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Various Artists' 'Role: New Sounds of Brazil'

Various Artists
Role: New Sounds of Brazil [2-CD]
Mais Um Discos

The double-disc release, Role: New Sound of Brazil, is not your ordinary Brazilian album. This is not bossa nova or samba. Instead, the music is experimental, urban, electronica, indie rock, funk, hip-hop, and dark, brooding sounds on guitars, percussion, and samples. Both discs contain similar music that is amped-up with killer vocals and grooves that are almost indescribable, but can be included in avante-garde-grunge. The diverse vocals and instrumentation make the release a must-listen. Over forty tracks and nearly as many artists grace the albums. Fans of popular Brazilian music will get the most out of the tracks. However, anyone that wants an in-depth look at what's going on with Brazil's independent and underground music scene will find satisfaction in the tracks on Role: New Sounds of Brazil. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Da Cruz' 'Disco E Progresso'

Da Cruz   

Disco E Progresso [2 CD]

Boom Jah Records

Brazilian-born and Swiss-based, Da Cruz enlightens listeners with giddy, soul-stirring dance music with equal amounts of dancehall, funk, new wave, samba, electronic, and pop elements. The new album is a two-disc set that is labeled “light” and “dark.” These connotations describe what is going on from a musical perspective in Brazil. The uppity tunes are still enchanting and catchy, despite the title monikers. On the “light” album, the jazzy “Nascer Livre” showcases some great vocals and instrumentation that is very showy and upbeat. The swaying rhythm of a seaside melody on “Din Din” possesses a laidback atmosphere that is timeless and nostalgic. “Tuda Flui” is a funk-inflected tune with light vocals and a jazzy vein. There are eleven tracks on the "light" CD. The "dark" CD contains ten tracks and songs that are more experimental with more jazzy, funk, electronic, and rock elements. The breakbeat sounds of "Cala a Boca" and the dark tones of "Aonde vai" signify a varied mix of music. The music tends to be a little more urban overall. The dark guitars and Garbage-esque arrangements on "Menino mau" showcase a different side of Da Cruz. No matter what side of Da Cruz you experience; you will be pleasantly surprised. ~ Matthew Forss