CD Review: Vishten's 'Terre Rouge'

Vishten
Terre Rouge
Les Editions Du Corfus

The folksy trio, Vishten, hails from Prince Edward Island, Canada, and thrill audiences everywhere with their unique blend of Francophone folk, fiddle tunes, ballads, and roots music. Some of the more instrumental tunes are quite suitable for dancing and foot-stomping, while the vocal tunes incorporate a little pop and roots for a truly French-Canadian or European-infused musical ride. Besides vocals, whistles, mandolins, piano, bodhran, jaw harp, guitar, accordion, and bass synth instruments fill in the repertoire. The rousing melodies are ideal for relaxing, dancing, and meditating upon the wondrous skills of Vishten. Fans of Heidi Talbot, Karine Polwart, Varttina, and fellow-countrywomen--Natalie MacMaster and April Verch--will find happiness in the tunes on Terre Rouge. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mara & David's 'Once We Were Gods'

Mara & David
Once We Were Gods
Ozella Music

Germany's Mara & David brings us a warm world of cozy, alternative folk songs with a classical and pop vein. Mara's vocals accompany the acoustic guitar work of David, but Stephan Braun adds some cello and double bass to round out the repertoire. The folk leanings are contemporary in a similar company with Katie Melua or Heidi Talbot without drum accompaniments. Mara's soothing, almost sultry voice, carries sweetly throughout the album. Eleven songs highlight a relatively quiet, simple, and rustic sound. The intimate recording may be recorded in Germany, but the lyrics are in English with more resemblance to English or Scottish compositions. Some of the songs contain poetic verses with very little singing, while others contain more elaborate vocal displays. The punchy strings and lively guitar are neo-classical or alternative pop overall. Mara & David are 'gods' when it comes to music-making. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Heidi Talbot's 'The Last Star'

Heidi Talbot

The Last Star

Compass Records

The Irish singer/guitarist, Heidi Talbot, continues to create inspiration, sweet, and tender folk songs with all the charm and charisma Ireland has to offer. The folksy instrumentation of accordion, ukulele, piano, percussion, guitar, bass, whistles, uileann pipes, harmonium, and fiddle provides an engaging listening experience. As a songwriter, Heidi composes and arranges songs with her husband, John McClusker. However, "Start It All Over Again" and "The Shepherd Lad" were attributed to Scotland's Karine Polwart. Additionally, the late-Sandy Denny is covered on "At The End of The Day". Heidi's English vocals possess the sound and sincerity of America's folk singer/guitarist, Shawn Colvin. If anything, The Last Star represents a strong release that does not outshine prior releases, but that does not make it bad. In fact, Heidi's latest release is slightly more folk than rock or pop. Liner notes include English lyrics. ~ Matthew Forss