CD Review: BKO Quintet's 'Bamako Today' w/DVD

BKO Quintet
Bamako Today (w/DVD)
Buda Records

Under the direction of Cris Ubermann, BKO Quintet releases a great recording of contemporary music rooted in Malian traditions with traditional instruments to boot. The new album, Bamako Today, features the music of Aymeric Krol with various instrumental accompaniment, including the dunun, donsongoni, djembe, djelingoni, acoustic and electric guitar, and drum set. The instrumentation is very organic and soul-stirring with a steady supply of affectionate intonations and historic renderings. The accompanying DVD contains musical performances of the group in a documentary format for nearly fifty-three minutes. Fans of Malian music, ngoni music, Saharan music, Afro-pop, and contemporary African music will not be disappointed here. ~ Matthew Forss    

DVD Review: Soul Resonance - A Cross-Cultural Celebration of Zimbabwean Music

Soul Resonance - A Cross Cultural Celebration of Zimbabwean Music
By Douglas and Laurel Epps, narrated by Taj Mahal
83 Min.
[DVD]
Sacred Path Explorations

The opening sequences of the film include a few interview snippets with marimba musicians and various marimba (balafon) performances across the USA. Taj Mahal narrates the origins of Zimbabwean music with still images of maps, instruments, and people. The mbira origins were explored, as well as input from ethnomusicologist Robert Kauffman, musician Stella Chiweshe, the late-Ernest Brown, and Erica Azim. The development of British culture throughout the country threatened the indigenous music traditions of Zimbabwe, which was then preserved by Robert Sibson, who started the Kwanongoma College of Music. Zimbabwean music stars, Dumi Maraire, Thomas Mapfumo, and others are discussed. The rise of the marimba ensembles in America began with Dumi Maraire in the late 1960s. The rise of Shona music with mbira and marimba began in Seattle, Washington with the Minanzi Marimba Ensemble led by Dumi in the 1970s. During the 1980s, the spread of shona music traveled south through Oregon, while inspiring many communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The website Dandemutande was created in the early 1990s in order to join others around the world with an interest in Zimbabwean music. Also in the early 1990s, the shona music sound spread eastward to other areas in the West. The final scenes of the film showcase a few different ensembles from various communities and schools with final thoughts by a few musicians and teachers. This a perfect film to expose world music fans to the wonderful world of Zimbabwean music in Africa and in the USA. However, this is primarily a traditional music production that surveys Shona music in the USA and not the guitar traditions popularized by many performers since the 1970s in Zimbabwe, including notable guitarist and singer, Oliver Mtukudzi. On that note, Soul Resonance is still a good buy for Shona music fans. ~ Matthew Forss      

CD Review: Del Castillo's 'Infinitas Rapsodias' [CD/DVD]

Del Castillo
Infinitas Rapsodias [CD/DVD]
Smilin' Castle Records

Texas-based Del Castillo excite crowds with their energetic songs and charismatic personalities. Thankfully, this is all captured on their latest release, Infinitas Rapsodias. Five new songs and several previoiusly-released favorites are presented here. Many of the songs are upbeat, flamenco, and Latin/rock gems. The vocal harmonies, ballad-esque songs, and party tunes are all here. "Mujer Angel" is a lovely ballad that could be featured on any contemporary music chart in the USA and other countries, for that matter. The solemn guitar solo electrifies the soul. As a bonus, a DVD is included tht features a behind-the-scenes look at producing the album. It also containsa video for "Canta de Alma" and three covers: "Listen To The Music," What A Wonderful World," and While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Overall, the flamenco and gypsy-driven music is peppered with doses of rock and folk, which are funky, groovy, and unforgettable. Whatever you call it, 'amazing' comes to mind. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tinariwen +|O:|

Tinariwen
Imidiwan: Companions + DVD
Independiente

The release of Imidiwan, which is Tamasheq for 'companions', is another superb musical journey from the Saharan blues-guitar group. Fans of their previous release, Aman Iman from 2007, will find all the tracks easily enjoyable. The opening, 'Imidiwan Afrik Tendam', is a catchy, invitational ode for African people everywhere. An equally engaging song, 'Tahult In', is only a few lines, but funky enough to please anyone. The entire album incorporates their signature use of tinde drum, female ululations, bluesy-guitar riffs, and lyrics describing the Saharan spirit with the rest of the world. Tinariwen never disappoints; and Imidiwan is no different. It's an album that stays with you long after the final track fades out. A special feature of this release includes a half-hour documentary of candid Tinariwen moments playing guitar, singing and traveling through the desert. For those unfortunate to have never experienced Tinariwen live, I have included a link to my concert review here to satiate your appetite: www.insideworldmusic.com/library/blconcertdec07.htm. English subtitles are utilized, though sparingly, since this documentary is predominantly and observational examination of the music. Anyone familiar with the videography of Sublime Frequencies releases can attest to the very similarly observational, non-narrative nature of their musical documentaries. The liner notes are in Tamasheq and English to aid in following along, as Tamasheq language resources are relatively non-existent outside communities of indigenous speakers. As with Aman Iman, Imidiwan is also available on vinyl, but for an extremely limited pressing of 350. Come join Tinariwen as 'companions' on their musical journey across the globe. ~ Matthew Forss