CD Review: Sia Tolno's 'Mouka Mouka'

Sia Tolno
Mouka Mouka
Lusafrica

Based in Conakry, Guinea, Sia Tolno brings a powerful voice with African-backed jazz, rock, and pop infusions on Mouka Mouka. The rather short EP contains five tracks that are featured on her latest release, African Woman. Whether this is an extended single release or EP, the result is the same: great music that is worth repeated listens. The jazzy, Afro-pop concoction, "African Police," showcases Sia's Angelique Kidjo-esque vocalizations and arrangements. The uncanny similarity to Benin's Angelique Kidjo is one of amazement and pride. The music is upbeat and littered with local issues surrounding male power, mutilation, women's rights, education, peace, and dance. The entire album is produced by Tony Allen, so you know it's gonna be good. The music is giddy, funky, and melodiously memorable. Fans of African contemporary music will love it's lush melodies, rhythms, and groovy vocalizations. ~ 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: Tchiya Amet's 'Celestial Folk Music'

Tchiya Amet
Celestial Folk Music
Milky Way Records

The soothing, world beat music of America's Tchiya Amet combines soulful reggae rhythms, jazzy melodies, and various instrumental medleys that encapsulate innovative and engaging musical creations. Tchiya's voice is whispy and airy--similar in tone to Sade's voice. The new release of sixteen songs contains a bit of afro-funk and afro-latin rhythms and melodies. The laid-back vocal delivery and ear-friendly percussion, guitars, bass, keyboards, and other instruments make the entire album stand out. The reggae and funk-tinged, "Po Tolo" is a good example of reverberating beats and a sultry vocal line. The reggae-influenced "Great Purification," provides a throbbing organ sound and languid percussion beats with sultry flute. "Ast Maat: R U Sirius Enuff" is a more upbeat, hip-hop-focused tune with jazzy vocals, fluid melodies, and a reggae pulse. "Equinox" opens with a funky sax and languid bass line. Tchiya's breezy vocals represent a bit of Brazilian pop with similar instrumentation from the same region. However, Tchiya knows how to make the music shine in multiple genres. As a whole, Celestial Folk Music contains blissful folk music with strong reggae, funk, jazz, new age, and world beat ties. The fluid vocals are classy and Sade-esque. The melodies, rhythms, and instrumental solos are outstanding. This is a perfect companion for world beat, world jazz, world reggae, and folk music with an ethnic twist and cosmic origin. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nickodemus' 'Moon People'

Nickodemus
Moon People
ESL Music

Brooklyn-based DJ/producer, Nickodemus combines global sounds with the latest in club compositions founded upon a heady foundation of urban grooves and dubtronica. His twelve compositions bridge seemingly disparate worlds of American, Arabic, and Latin music within a modern context with ethereal vocals. The funky, pulsations of "Moon People," feature The Real Live Show with Arabic connotations and urban grooves. The urban grooves and down-tempo delights are enough to surprise the electronic music fan, as well as the fusion fan, too. Nickodemus features the talents of Afrika Bambaataa, Kathrin deBoer, The Candela Allstars, Sammy Ayala, and Kissey Asplund. The soulful vocals, punchy percussion, and Afro-Caribbean/Latin foundations are first and foremost an aural delicacy for the ears. This is good enough for moon people as it is for Earth people. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: All Good Funk Alliance's 'Jack Of All Trades'

All Good Funk Alliance
Jack Of All Trades
Fort Knox Recordings

All Good Funk Alliance (otherwise known as AGFA) is an electro-funk ensemble with urban, groovy, techno, spacey, and stylistic in its approach to music-making. The electrified vocals resemble the same modifications by the group Air. A variety of musicians lend their talents to the mix founded by Frank Cueto and Rusty Belicek. You will hear Rubber Johnson, Neighbour, Think Tank, Mustafa Akbar, Empresarios, and Piper Davis. The disco-influences, funk-blended, giddy mix of electronica provides a good dance beat and electro-pop jam to get any parted started with ease. Jack Of All Trades aptly represents the varied musical genres inherent in the mix. For example, hip hop, rap, and nu-disco tunes heat up the album with loads of swag and style. The thirteen tracks are not for the faint of heart, as the beats are sure to get anyone moving. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Edzayawa's 'Projection One'

Edzayawa
Projection One
Soundway

The Ghanaian funk of the 1970's is captured brilliantly on Edzayawa's first and only LP. The newly release CD and LP versions showcase a heady, contemporary mix of funk 'n' roll music with a nice vocal range throughout. The eight long tracks incorporate rhythms and styles from Ghana and Togo, which infuse less rock elements than other regional music. However, Edzayawa knows how to kick in the beats with rousing percussion and groovy bass lines. The psychedelic elements of reverberating B3's and steady, but languid guitar stylings, signify a great range of musical enjoyment. Despite the few tracks, the music is top-notch and a vital release for any funk, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and West African guitar fans infatuated with 1970's Africa. Step back in time with our friends, Edzayawa! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brownout's 'Oozy'

Brownout
Oozy
Nat Geo Music

As a split personality with their other notable group, Grupo Fantasma, Brownout sets out to hit the road with a compelling, funkadelic mix of psychedelic grooves from the great state of Texas. The gritty and funky "Flaximus" cements their reputation for creating spacious riffs, horny accompaniment, and classic guitar work. The wholly instrumental tune contains some Latin percussion to keep it interesting. The funky "Stormy Weather" is a classy 70's-era vocal tune created in today's age. The rootsy, earthy sound is unsurpassed by comparable artists of today. The Latin-titled "Andy Y Dando" is a funky, horn-driven delicacy with booming bass and crunchy guitars with some vocals to match. The remaining songs contain quirky electronic embellishments that bridge the gap between the worlds of funk, roots, psychedelic, soul, Latin, and jazz. The result is a groove-laden adventure with fun for the whole family. When the lights go out, Brownout will brighten your day. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: The Funk Ark - From The Rooftops

The Funk Ark

From The Rooftops

ESL Music

The Washington, D.C.-based funk group creates groove-ladened, tracks inspired by the Latin and African dance scenes of the 1960's and 70's. The mostly instrumental treats are funkier than ever. The brainchild behind The Funk Ark is songwriter and keyboardist, Will Rast. Vocalist Asheru and Sitali lend their vocals to 'Funky DC'. The majority of the tracks are rooted in Afrobeat and Latinbeat music with little rest from the danceable rhythms and melodies. In fact, the music is brimming with life and energy. Interestingly, Noah's Ark wouldn't be large enough to contain the immense amount of funky happenings. From The Rooftops is a top-notch recording of beat music with funky swagger and soul that is as unforgettable as it is unique. Fans of funk, Afrobeat, dance, and classic Latin and Afro sounds of the 1960's and 70's will find The Funk Ark an especially rewarding surprise. ~ Matthew Forss