CD Review: Carmen Souza's 'Kachupada'

Carmen Souza
Kachupada
Galileo

Cape Verde's Carmen Souza brings us an energetic mix of island rhythms and jazz melodies on Kachupada. There are thirteen songs in all, but 'My Favourite Thing' is one of those iconic odes that seems to transcend time and cultures. The fast rhythms and quick vocal tempo changes speed occasionally. However, the jazzy interludes shed some of the indigenous influences at times. Nevertheless, Carmen's voice is still young and fresh with bright elements and embellishments that keep one coming back for more. There are various vocal acrobatics that mimic some of the instrumentation. There are more indigenous elements that are not to be missed. Jazzy outros, folkish displays of fun, and complex textures make it all worth while. Fans of Cape Verde music, Portuguese music, and island rhythms will be especially enlightened by the music of Carmen Souza. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Dotschy Reinhardt's 'Pani Sindhu'

Dotschy Reinhardt
Pani Sindhu
Galileo Records

The music of the Roma and Sinti peoples bridge the social and cultural link between German and Indian/Pakistan music. Thankfully, Dotschy Reinhardt's enthusiastic release, Pani Sindhu, traverses the spectrum of musical genres, from classic Brazilian, flamenco, Portuguese, Spanish, jazz, improvisational, and traditional Indian music. The tabla and sitar make an appearance on several tracks. However, the music is mixed with equal doses of Dotschy's jazz standard vocals, piano, and lounge club percussion. Dostchy's sweet and tender vocals are in the Romanes language. The throwback to the 1960s or 70s South American jazz tunes are not particularly far-fetched on Pani Sindhu. The addition of Indian/Pakistani musical and instrumental elements makes Pani Sindhu exciting for fans of South American jazz, improvisational music, Indian music, and European notions. The result is a new form of music cleverly-defined as Rom-Indo music. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Carmen Souza + Theo Pas'cal's 'London Acoustic Set'

Carmen Souza and Theo Pas'cal
London Acoustic Set
Galileo Records

Recorded in London, England in an intimate setting with limited applause, London Acoustic Set features the musicianship of vocalist, guitarist, and percussionist, Carmen Souza from Cape Verde, as well as Portuguese-born, Theo Pas'cal on bass, double bass, udo, and percussion. The duo electrifies the soundwaves, albeit 'acoustically,' with limited instrumentation and soulful, breezy vocals. Carmen's voice takes on a jazzy, pop-standard sound, which sounds a bit different from her previously-released albums. At any rate, the interplay between Theo and Carmen is quite warm and inviting. The spacious sounds and light, African melodies make London Acoustic Set a favorite for world jazz, Cape Verde, Portuguese, and improvisational music fans. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Matuto's US-Brazil 'Matuto'

Matuto
Matuto
Galileo Records

Imagine the bluegrass sounds of the American South with the Brazilian folk rhythms of South America coming together in musical harmony. That is what you get when you listen to Matuto, which means 'bumpkin.' The mish-mash of sounds is full-on bluegrass fiddle and vocals, but it often occurs alongside the Brazilian folklore traditions of forro, samba, chorinho, frevo, and others. The folksy, guitar-picking melodies are entwined with lively accordion, Gypsy rhythms, and upbeat, traditional instrumentation that shines with aural color. The slight jazz and improvisational feel is evident on some tracks. The bottom line is a diverse mix of songs, melodies, and instrumentation that does not seem boring, lethargic, or annoyingly obtrusive. Instead, Matuto brightens the music of Brazil with European leanings and American rock sensibilities without resorting to mainstream pop. This is Gyspsy music of the South...Brazil, that is. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: On Breezy Shores with Cape Verde's Carmen Souza

Carmen Souza

Protegid (released 6/8/2010)

Galileo

Cape Verde's Carmen Souza brings us an inspired, soulful and relaxing set of tunes in the morna style indicative of the East-Central Atlantic region. The most striking quality of the songs is the uncanny similarity to lounge jazz pop standards. The poppy percussion, spritely vocalizations and piano playing remind one of a Latin lounge jazz club somewhere in Praia or Sao Paulo. At any rate, Cesaria Evora is the most noted singer of the morna style from Cape Verde. Though, a handful of rising stars continue the morna tradition with subtle contemporary arrangements reflecting a more global perspective. The seemingly cheery melodies are somewhat tinged with elements of sorrow and mourning, which represent a truly bluesy and jazzy feel throughout the album. Protegid is a protege for how great sounding Cape Verdean music should be made today and in the future. ~ Matthew Forss