CD Review: Barefoot Divas' 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes'

Barefoot Divas
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
VGM/MGM

Barefoot Divas is a collective of six women with a connection to the indigenous people's of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The vocal group is comprised of Aboriginals Ursula Yovich and Emma Donovan, Maori's Whirimako Black, Maisey Rika and Merenia. Ngaiire represents the Papua New Guinea connection. The opening vocal track by Maisey Rika is rather contemplative without any instrumentation. The serenity is short-lived, as "Never Forget" brings an amped-up, R&B and gospel composition to light. The Spanish-tinged, "Fortuna," is driven by the world fusion repertoire representing Greek, Chilean, and Peruvian elements. The work is largely vocal with a poetic, social commentary. However, the combination of vocals and contemporary instrumentation represents an edgy mix of world fusion worth listening to over and over. There are fourteen tracks in all. The recording was recorded live in 2012 at the Sydney Festival. This project could not have been possible without the group's creator, manager, and producer, Vicki Gordon. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Various Artists 'Oka! Soundtrack'

Various Artists
Oka! Soundtrack
Oka Productions

The music of the Bayaka Pygmies in the Central African Republic is showcased on this wonderful compilation from the Oka! film to be released later in 2012. The film is about a true story of an American ethnomusicologist, Louis Sarno, that ignores a life-threatening disease for three decades and decides to live among the Bayaka Pygmies. This album contains twenty-six compositions (some from previously-released albums) with a variety of natural instruments, choral singers, lively percussion, and environmental noises and sounds from the forest region. The result is a magnificent look into the music of Bayaka Pygmies and their music. Some of the music is quite lively and contains soukous-type rhythms. Anyone with an interest in Central African music, as well as Bayaka researchers, will love the new recording. The Bayaka Pygmies have been over-looked for far too long. Buy it today! ~ Matthew Forss