CD Review: Hot Club Of The Americas' 'Federico Britos Presents...'

Hot Club Of The Americas
Federico Britos Presents Hot Club Of The Americas
3 Knocks Entertainment

As a tribute to the music of The Hot Club of France and led by violin-wielding Federico Britos, the Hot Club Of The Americas, brings us a world-class recording with North American jazz sounds, Latin elements, South American folk, and Cuban percussion for a spectacular result. A native of Uruguay, Federico knows how to liven up any composition with earthy strings, bouncy rhythms, and jazzy interludes that are full of vivacity. A dozen songs feature a host of guest musicians, including Hendrik Meurkens, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Antonio Adolfo, in addition to the regular line-up of Federico, Jorge Garcia (guitar), Felix Gomex (piano), Renyel Rivero (bass), Edwin Bonilla (percussion), and Carlomagno Araya (drums). In short, there are plenty of Gypsy and Latin-influenced jazz with a good deal of folk and classical thrown in rather appropriately. The  mostly instrumental album reinvents the jazzy 1960's era with engaging, moving, and lounge-ready songs that sway along in a lazy manner like a sultry, mid-summer afternoon on a quiet, Havana beach. Anyone with a fascination in world jazz and Latin/Gypsy concoctions will love Hot Club Of The Americas. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Phil Chester Group's 'Open Door Samba'

Phil Chester Group
Open Door Samba
Self-Release

The very talented composer, arranger, saxophonist, and band-leader, Phil Chester, creates a moving instrumental album of jazzy concoctions with a good dose of South American grooves, American sensibilities, and cheery Latin arrangements for a rousing and inventive result. The music is bouncy, meditative, dance-friendly, and soothing. The multi-factoral musical feelings are related to the diverse instrumental abilities of the group, as well as the tempo, rhythm, and melodies. Phil Chester is joined by Bob Quarant on piano, Ian Froman on drums, Leo Huppert & Joe Fitzgerald on bass, Katie Jacoby on violin, and Tomas Ulrich on cello. The fluttering sax sounds are emotive and display a blend of bluesy urgency and a happy beach day. The somewhat classical undertones are a perfect accompaniment to the bossa nova, samba, and South American-tinged backbone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Artem Uzunov's 'Let's Do It - Darbuka Stories'

Artem Uzunov
Let's Do It - Darbuka Stories
Sketis Music

This is a percussionist's dream. Artem Uzunov brings out the best of percussion utilizing a host of instruments in his repertoire, including the darbuka, dhol, cajon, dohola, bendir, riq, sagats, duduk, brazilian percussion, and guitar. There are twenty-one tracks with heart-pounding, bellydance-moving, and toe-tapping compositions that are primarily instrumental with only a few indiscriminate vocals thrown in. Each song is typically three to four-minutes long. The combination of darbuka and assorted instruments provides a more complex and deep rhythm section that is never boring or dull.  Some tunes are more involved musically than others, but that doesn't make the others less important. Fans of darbuka percussion, Arabic music, Middle Eastern music, and instrumental tunes will love Artem Uzunov's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jalilah's Raks Sharki's 'Stagecuts'

Jalilah's Raks Sharki
Stagecuts
Piranha

Jalilah's Raks Sharki is part of an oriental dance series in sixteen tracks or 'stagecuts', which highlight the best dance form influenced by Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey. The instrumental tracks are orchestral, full of percussion, and loads of danceable rhythms in every tempo imaginable. The group is spearheaded by Jalilah (AKA Lorraine Zamora Chamas), Mokhtar Al-Said, Hossam Shaker, and Ihsan Al-Mounzer. There are doumbek solos and tabla showcases, which will blow you away. The incredible musicianship is heartily apparent after the first few sounds on the first track. The entire project contains tracks pulled from six previous albums. Stagecuts does not have lengthy dance tracks, which were something rather commonplace years ago. Instead, the tracks are mostly four to five minutes long. Anyone interested in bellydance, Middle Eastern and African percussion, and Hossam Ramzy will love Stagecuts. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ibrahima Sarr's 'Danaya Percussion Presents Ibrahima Sarr'

Ibrahima Sarr
Danaya Percussion Presents Ibrahima Sarr
Kanaga System Krush

Ibrahima Sarr is a professional djembe player from Mali that has toured the world over the last few decades. Ibrahima incorporates various djembes, balafons, and vocals on the mostly instrumental and percussive release. The thunderous drums and lighter balafon sounds aptly showcase a dynamic range of sounds that are trance-inducing and memorable. the highly traditional sounds are not bluesy, contemporary, or rock-centered. Instead, the organic arrangements of vocals, drums, and balafons make the album shimmer with a nostalgic and historic presence. The talented group of instrumentalists make the album stand out, along with the various themes revolving around medical issues, ceremonies, and dances. The extensive liner notes illustrate some of the song meanings in English. Fans of Malian drumming and African dance music will love the entrancing melodies and rhythms produced by the drums, balafon, and sporadic vocals. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Helge Lien Trio's 'Badgers And Other Beings'

Helge Lien Trio
Badgers And Other Beings
Ozella Music

The Helge Lien Trio hails from Norway and brings us a perfect blend of soothing jazz music that is created by drums, piano, and bass. The rather simplistic instrumental repertoire showcases a wide diversity with punchy drums, flowing and sweeping piano rhythms, and poignant bass-lines that make hearts smile. Helge Lien is the piano maestro, while Frode Berg is the bassist and Per Oddvar Johansen is the drummer. Running a few minutes under an hour, the album transcends time and space with beautiful melodies and rhythms that contain a level of classicism and pizzazz that are unforgettable. This is an ideal album for lounging or relaxing. It is very reflective and soothing. Notably, the entire album is void of vocals, so you can let the instrumental medley sweep you away and believe me; it will. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gjertrud Lunde's 'Hjemklang'

Gjertrud Lunde
Hjemklang
Ozella Music

The German-based group spearheaded by Gjertrud Lunde brings a Norwegian presence to the mix, as all of the songs are sung in Norwegian, as well as French, English, and Portuguese. The album, which means "home sounds," is an excellent reflection of Gjertrud's heritage. The four-piece band incorporates a little guitar, electronics, piano, rhodes, percussion, drums, tabla, and trumpet. The plaintive piano melody of "Going Home" is a reflection of peace and solitude with yearning at the forefront. The jazzy and equally-contemplative, "Marche vers l'Aube" showcases trumpet and electronics in a new light without any vocalizations during the first two minutes of the song. At any rate, the jazzy piano, light percussion, worldly vocals, and experimental rhythms make Hjemklang stand out from other albums. Anyone interested in Scandinavian jazz, European pop, and great music in general, will love Gjertrud Lunde's first, full-length effort running over one hour in length. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ahmed's 'Dhaalu Raa'

Ahmed
Dhaalu Raa
Asasi Records

Ahmed Nasheed hails from The Maldives--a tiny group of islands off the coast of India. Ahmed weaves melodies and rhythms of The Maldives with acoustic and electric guitars, drums, sax, percussion, bass, organ, and euphonium. The contemporary instruments are played right alongside traditional, percussion instruments, such as boduberu and dhandi. The soft and laidback "Dhiyaanaage Huvafen" is poignant and emotive with arrangements akin to Daby Toure of West Africa. The upbeat "Alifuthu" provides lots of log drum rhythms and rockin' guitars in a pop-focused arrangement. "Dhoni" contains great vocal harmonies and sweet guitar sounds in a classic, laidback melody that resembles world folk at its best. "Magumathi" is a jazzy and punchy tune with guitar rhythm rich in roots and fusion. "Manjemen" is another stellar track with soft vocals and light guitar work. The rock guitar elements electrify the notes on "Rasge." Overall, the songs are sweet and melodic with very inviting elements from an ocean community rarely heard in the West--or other places, for that matter. Think of Gurrumul meets Daby Toure. Take a trip to The Maldives and let Ahmed be your musical guide. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yagoda Galo's 'Polar'

Yagoda Galo
Polar
Sketis Music

Based in Arkhangelsk, Russia--Russia's northwest region on the White Sea, Yagoda Galo performs folk, traditional, and original compositions from all around the North and in Russian lyrics. The eleven-track release contains some of the most beautiful and innovative Russian folk music ever recorded. The ensemble utilizes various instruments, including the didgeridoo, acoustic guitar, domra, mandolin, flute, clarinet, bongo, djembe, jew's harp, drums, bass guitar, and a few others. The result is a complex mix of songs that are vocally and instrumentally-rich. Many of the songs resemble early European or Scandinavian sea-faring songs, but these contain a Russian edge. At any rate, "By The Sea," "Far Away," and "Dreamboat" contain the most sea-faring elements. The best track on the album is probably "Around The Town." This track contains an extremely catchy melody and killer instrumental bridge at the end of the song. If you had to hear one song before you died; this would be it. I would not hesitate placing in the top ten best world music song list of all time. Polar combines the vocal/instrumental traditions of the Cold North, but presents us with the inner warmth of feel-good rhythms and melodies that shine beyond borders...and expectations. Polar is one of the best albums of music anywhere and at any time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Hip Abduction's Self-Titled Release

The Hip Abduction
The Hip Abduction
Single Fin Records

Formed in Florida and seasoned with the production credits of Easy Star Records' Michael Goldwasser, The Hip Abduction creates a groovy and reggae-infused concoction that is very catchy and memorable. The twelve tracks feature the musical talents of David New, Pat Klemawesch, Chris Powers, Matt Poynter, Paul Chlapowski, David Johnson, Kevin Clark, and Pat Hernly. The album contains your typical drums, keyboards, bass, guitars, sax, trumpet, and vocals. However, the real charm is in the rarer instruments not commonly associated with reggae albums, such as the kora, kamalengoni, kanjira, nyatiti, and kora. The vocal and instrumental catchiness starts right away with "Children Of The Sun" and "Live It Right," but "All Eyes," "Holiday," and "Walk Away." The instrumental, "La Resaca" and "Kalapani" combine a funky, reggae beat with African strings and experimental charm. While some tracks possess a reggae vibe, many other tracks contain a more rhythmic pop and world fusion presence. All in all, The Hip Abduction is hip and here to stay. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Ali Bello's Venezuela Tunings On 'Connection Caracas-New York'

Ali Bello
Connection Caracas-New York
Zoho

Venezuelan-born and New York-based, Ali Bello is a talented violinist with youthful vigor and jazzy undertones. The Latin-themed recording is rich with jazz elements and Latin American percussion. The violin displays are on par with Ruben Blades' Panamanian ensembles. The mix of classical, folk, jazz, roots, and Latin genres are very compelling and enthralling. However, vocals are not present on this album. The nine tracks contain piano, guitars, violins, sax, bass, drums, maracas, percussion, and other instruments, which make the album shine with Latin delight. One need not venture too far from Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Venezuelan roots here. Anyone with an interest in violin music with added percussion and world fusion elements will find a connection with Ali Bello's latest release from Zoho Music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jyotsna Srikanth's 'Call Of Bangalore'

Jyotsna Srikanth
Call Of Bangalore
World Music Network

Jyotsna Srikanth plays Carnatic or South-Indian classical music on violin, but it is accompanied by a mridangam (two-sided drum) and khanjira (frame drum). There are six long tracks that run over seventy-eight-minutes long. Some of the compositions are rather peaceful and classical, while others are upbeat and very moving. The violin still retains a somber tone that is rather organic and earthy, but the addition of the mridangam thuds and khanjira slaps fills in the melody with such precision and pleasantness. "Brovabarama" is the longest tune at nearly forty-minutes. It is especially spacious and somber...almost meditative. The violin is akin to L. Subramaniam's work. At any rate, Jyotsna will enrich the lives of all who listen to the mesmerizing and Carnatic tracks on Call Of Bangalore. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Argentina's Tremor Releases 'Proa'

Tremor
Proa
Wonderwheel Recordings

Contemporary folklore musicians, Tremor, shake it up with Proa, which is a heady mix of digital noises and sounds with groovy beats, South American percussion, and exotic embellishments that are never dull or boring. The trio features Camilo Carabajal on bombo leguero, snare drum and caja; Gerardo Farez on keyboard and analog synthesizers, bombo leguero, snare drum, drums, melodica and kazoo; and Leonardo Martinelli on guitars, charanga, ronrocco, walaycho, sachaguitarra, kazoo, trutruca, bombo leguero, synths, samples, and programming. Keep in mind there are some vocals throughout, but the majority of music is instrumental. There are a few guest musicians on tarkas, quenas, sicus, clarinet, bass clarinet, and soprano sax. The title Proa symbolizes "the place where the bow of the boat cuts through the water." In this case, Proa cuts right to the top of the surface with quasi-modern beats, swishy percussion, and a South American spread of luscious sounds and melodies. Think of Nuklearte mixed with psychedelic cumbia masters, Bondi Blaster and Chico Trujillo. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lala Njava's 'Malagasy Blues Song'

Lala Njava
Malagasy Blues Song
Riverboat/World Music Network

Anyone familiar with Malagasy music knows about the valiha (tube zither) and probably Tarika - one of the most popular bands from Madagascar. However, you need to know about another group spearheaded by blues songstress, Lala Njava. Lala creates moving, contemporary, and bluesy tunes with lush Afropop rhythms and melodies that are very accessible. Lala is the chief vocalist, but is joined by Dozzy Njava on guitars, Pata Njava on drums/percussion, and Maximin Njava on bass. There are also backing vocals in the mix, along with a banjo and accordion making an appearance on a few tracks. Lala's vocals are rather choppy and mature beyond her years, but that breaks up the backing vocals and crystalline instrumentation. Vocally, Lala is the African equivalent of Stevie Nicks. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chris Berry's 'King Of Me'

Chris Berry
King Of Me
Kanaga System Krush

The laid-back, scintillating sounds of Zimbabwe's mbira has been modified and electrified for Chris Berry's use. The combination of mbira, reggae-type melodies, and urban-pop sounds makes King Of Me shine with superb melodies, infectious sounds, and smooth vocals throughout. Chris is a composer, singer, teacher, and Grammy Award-winner. Mali's Awa Sangho lends her talents on "Sister River." Chris is also joined by top percussionist, Daniel Moreno, as well as singer Deja Solis. The sparkling balafon-esque mbira sounds showcase a diverse instrument that works perfectly. The mix of lounge rhythms, reggae vocals, drums, and delicate pop structures makes King Of Me an exciting and refreshing contemporary release. Twelve tracks feature the diverse stylings of zim-fusion (Zimbabwe-inspired music) and the help of Abou Diarrassouba on drums, Awa Sangho, Daniel Moreno, Deja Solis, and Moussa Camara. This is great, groovy music with heart and soul. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Harmonic Blue's 'Villa Borghese'

Harmonic Blue
Villa Borghese
Self-Release

The Maryland-based quartet, Harmonic Blue, is an alt-pop, rock, folk, and classical group that is refreshing and amazing in the same vein. Lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist, Zach Field, is joined by Anthony Ajluni on guitars, Gabe Bustos on bass, keyboard, and harmonica, and Sam Balcom on drums and percussion. The breezy, "Silver Spoon," is slightly jazzy overall, but not too far removed from alt-pop and folk. Jake Balcom's trumpet solo at the end of the song finishes it off nicely. The jaunty, ambulating "Subreality" is anything but fiction. The lilting guitar and wavering harmonica tones set the stage for an alt-folk composition that opens up into a quasi-rock medley mid-song. "Villa Borghese" opens with a rumbling guitar tune and light percussion that would make Xavier Rudd jealous. The tune finishes with a nice trumpet display. The seven-track release is a heavenly rompy through the world of alt-folk, pop, and rock with a raw, organic performative nature. This is a very fine recording that will please the college crowd, as well as the refined audiophile. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Debashish Bhattacharya's 'Beyond The Ragasphere'

Debashish Bhattacharya
Beyond The Ragasphere
World Music Network

India's international superstar, Debashish Bhattacharya, is a lap steel aficionado, as well as an innovative musical performer combining styles of jazz, funk, fusion, and folk. The experimental nature of Beyond The Ragasphere stems from guest musicians, John McLaughlin and dobro king, Jerry Douglas. Of course, there are Indian flavors from the tabla, flute, keybaord, hand percussion, and various drums. However, the improvisational guitar sounds and reverberating string drones makes Beyond The Ragasphere a memorable and invaluable recording. There are even some vocals on a few tracks provided by Debashish's daughter, Anandi Bhattacharya. Anyone with an understanding of traditional raga forms will appreciate the 'non-traditional' approaches here. Fans of Indian jazz, fusion, and world music will love Debashish's new recording. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: JuJu's 'In Trance'

JuJu
In Trance
Real World

JuJu is the collaboration of England's Justin Adams and Gambia's Juldeh Camara. Justin is a guitarist that also plays the bendir. Juldeh is the lead vocalist, ritti player, and talking drum aficionado. The duo are backed by Billy Fuller on bass, backing vocals, Dave Smith on drums and assorted percussion, and Martyn Barker on drums and cajon. The seven-track release is a mix of jazz, rock, African fusion, and blues. There is also an element of psy-trance - hence the title. However, there is much similarity to various North African guitar groups and the late-Ali Farka Toure. The ambulating beats are spacious and raw. The intense guitar riffs, crazy sounds of organic noise, and African vocals make In Trance a suitable recording for North African guitar band fans and world fusion with a good dose of blues, rock, and 'other'. Think of an amped up Master Musicians of Jajouka. It is very en-trancing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Frank Herzberg Trio's 'Handmade'

Frank Herzberg Trio
Handmade
FH Studio

The Brazilian trio is composed of Frank Herzberg, Alexandre Zamith, and Ze Eduardo Nazario. The trio performs jazzy compositions with lush percussion, sweeping piano melodies, and classical bass. "Don't Talk Crazy," "A Xepa," and "The Trio" are the most musical compositions with all of the instrumentation working together to create a jazz ensemble sound indicative of a North American-based lounge club. Though, traditional Brazilian sounds are kept to a minimum. The wholly instrumental effort contains three separate tracks devoted exclusively to each instrument, which are aptly-titled: "The Drums," "The Bass," and "The Piano." The lack of vocals make the songs brighten with excellent displays of musicianship. The punchy rhythms and melodies eloquently coalesce between the laid-back atmosphere of the percussion on some tracks with the rousing structures of others. Anyone with an interest in jazz, instrumental music, and neo-classical will love the natural feel of Handmade. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Tendai "Baba" Maraire's 'Wona Baba Maraire'

Tendai "Baba" Maraire
Wona Baba Maraire
Hearth Music

As the son of Dumisani Maraire, it is only natural Tendai "Baba" Maraire would follow in his father's footsteps. In this case, Tendai takes up the shona torch and presents the world with a fiery set of shona songs inspired by Tendai's homeland of Zimbabwe. The shona music contains lively vocals, the unmistakable mbira (thumb piano), and several familiar drums: conga, djembe, and djundjun. Karim Koumbassa provides additional drumming from Guinea. Overall, Tendai adds lush melodies and traditional riffs that catapult the soul into a place of supreme beauty. The imagination runs wild and the rhythms follow closely behind. Nearly fifty-minutes of music makes the album a pleasure to listen to. If you are a fan of South African music, Zimbabwe sounds, and shona music, then pick this one up today. You ears will thank you for it. ~ Matthew Forss