CD Review: Hanneke Cassel's 'Dot The Dragon's Eyes'

Hanneke Cassel
Dot The Dragon's Eyes
Hearth Music

Based in Boston, Hanneke Cassel's fiery fiddling style incorporates a little Texas swagger, along with Cape Breton and Scottish music styles that make the entire project a foot-stompin' good time. There are twelve tracks that feature Hanneke's fiddle, but the piano, cello, viola, guitar, and trumpet are featured on other tracks for a truly unique and enjoyable experience. The somber and somewhat reflective "The Captain" features the earth fiddle, along with guitar and  other strings. Of course, a fiddle album would not be complete without a few waltzes, jigs, and reels, which are present here. The wholly instrumental album features great music with a mixed style that is sure to please fiddle fans and folk music connoisseurs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Naomi Wachira's Kenyan Roots On Her New Self-Titled Release

Naomi Wachira
Naomi Wachira
Hearth Music

Kenyan-raised and Seattle-based, Naomi Wachira brings us a soulful, bluesy, Afro-pop release with folksy guitar accompaniment and limited percussion. The release is a strong vocal production with gospel roots and vocal harmonies. The lilting guitars are great accompaniment with the vocals. The percussion is limited, which is not a big negative overall. The mature, soulful vocals awaken the spirit and entrance the listener with a talented sound emanating from all of the tracks. A few songs are mostly vocal without any additional accompaniment. There is a classy feel to some of the songs, which seem to evoke singer-standard compositions of the 1930's to the 1950's. At any rate, Naomi knows how to inspire listeners with her voice. Fans of female vocal music from Kenya, by way of the USA, will love it. All of the songs are in English. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarah Alden's 'Fists Of Violets'

Sarah Alden
Fists Of Violets
Hearth Music

The Appalachians are explored with Sarah Alden's classic voice and earthy fiddle. The folksy vocals are very nostalgic with hints of bluegrass, old-time, and European folk. There are various waltzes, dance tunes, and traditional tunes. The jaunty piano tune, "Old Man Moon," reflects an old-timey presence that is pure gold. The country-tinged, "Ruby, Honey Are You Mad At Your Man?," is a classy, folk-riddled tune that would seem quite fitting on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. "Dink's Tune" is a reflective tune with light percussion and fiddle fun that is somewhat indicative of Canada's April Verch. At any rate, the ten tracks reflect a great cross-section of folk, country, bluegrass, and even gypsy-type music. Fans of Euro folk, fiddle music, bluegrass, waltzes, Appalachian music, and old-time music will gobble up Sarah's Fists of Violets. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Joy Dunlop's 'Faileasan'

Joy Dunlop
Faileasan
Hearth Music

Scotland's Joy Dunlop combines vibrant, Gaelic vocals a slew of folk instruments and whirling rhythms that are bright, edgy, and historic. The quick vocals are quite fitting with other Gaelic performers, including Julie Fowlis. There are fiddles, pipes, whistles, piano, drums, percussion, and other instruments and sounds on Joy's newest release, Faileasan, which means, 'reflections.' There are slower tunes, such as "Eilean Luinn" and "Cumha Chailein Ghlinn Lubhair," as well as energetic tunes, like "Puirt A Beul Earraghaidhealach" and "S Daor A Cheannaich Mi 'Phog". Joy's angelic vocals carry the songs into very relaxing worlds of comfort and solitude. There are traditional themes here, but the songs are created for today. There are vocal traditions indicative of Inuit, joik, and Inner Asian derivatives. Importantly, this recording is made in Scotland and it does not steer too far away from that tradition. There are eleven songs total. Yes, the music is as beautiful as Joy. ~ 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