CD Review: William Johnson's 'Sacred Roots'

William Johnson
Sacred Roots
Cedros Records

A percussion wizard with ties to Illinois, California, and North Carolina, William Johnson creates scintillating compositions with lively percussion, strings, new age sounds, and world fusion melodies that are truly unforgettable. This is an energetic release with cultural ties to Latin America and Africa with many kinds of instruments to go along with it. The vibrant kora is highlighted on "New Every Morning." The country-tinged, "Carolina," is a musically-complex tune with many influences bleeding through. A few songs have duplicate titles, which connote different instruments utilized and/or different melodies employed. There are eleven total tracks, but only a couple of these are new with different track titles. Overall, William Johnson creates a magnificent collection of sounds, melodies, and instrumental arrangements that bridge together folk, jazz, Latin, African, and Americana music into an enjoyable mix of musical heaven. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Painted On Water's 'Chicago Issue'

Painted On Water
Chicago Issue
Self-Release

Based in Chicago and steeped in Turkish influences, Painted On Water is a duo project from long-time friends and collaborators, Sertab Erener and Demirkan. The new release is a five-track album with rock beats, swirling rhythms, punchy elements, and English vocals by Sertab. There are symphonic rock moments on "Hating You Loving You" and "Why Do You Love Me." The heavier tones do not interrupt the clear vocals. "Despite Ourselves" opens with a melodic and down-tempo introduction, but it is quickly interrupted with loud guitars, swishy percussion, and evocative vocals. "When I Need You The Most" is a punchy rock tune with a Garbage-esque instrumental arrangement and Shirley Manson-esque vocals that add an element of grunge and dance. "A New Me" includes a punchy beat, giddy guitars, funky bass lines, and Sertab's direct and catchy vocal repertoire. The music is engaging with a hard edge that is not too heavy or unnecessary. Fans of American rock music with a does of Turkish flair will find it heartily enjoyable. ~ Matthew Forss    

Song Review: Nick Carter Green's "ADD"

Nick Carter Green
"ADD"
Zuma Records

With ties between Illinois and Los Angeles, Nick Carter Green releases a hit new single with dance, R&B, and hip hop embellishments. The aptly-titled song, which focuses on repetition (both beat and lyrics), as well as a hyped-up melody, takes us on a techno-lined journey with swishy percussion, electronic blurbs, and various electronic noises. "ADD," which is the attention deficit disorder is probably not the best description, since the song is rather focused and tight. Nick's incorporation of electronic adornments and rap lyrics are especially intriguing, since the music is varied and never boring. Nick's vocals are similar in tone to Will Smith. At any rate, "ADD" is infectious, addictive, and something that cannot be ignored. ~ Matthew Forss