CD Review: Simangavole from Reunion Island

Simangavole
Maloya Manier Fanm
Maron Productions

The music of Reunion Island is relatively underrepresented in today's world music industry. Thankfully, Simangavole is here to change all that. Located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, the island boasts a range of highly-percussive and vocal music traditions. Simangavole sing Creole songs and include a host of traditional percussion instruments with lively, upbeat rhythms. The female vocals border on the voice of Benin's Angelique Kidjo, but with a little less intensity and softer vocal range. At any rate, the chorus of singers and percussion set is vibrant, Sufi-like music with Afro-pop vocal patterns, but with a more limited melodic range. The music is quite similar to the music of kirtan in an Afro-Indian sort of way. The songs are rather short in length, and the whole album comes in under 40 minutes. Still, the music of Reunion is unique, refreshing, and worth the listen. Buy it today. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Hawaii's Waitiki 7

Waitiki 7

New Sounds of Exotica

Pass Out Records

The exotic sounds of the 1950's, 60's and 70's have inspired Hawaii's Waitiki 7 to explore and reinvent the exotic lounge jazz sounds from tropical islands. The Latin-jazz and breezy sounds of the vibraphone, sax, flutes, animal calls, violin, piano, double bass, and assorted percussion make New Sounds of Exotica a favorite for any summer party. The instrumental songs are also inspired by Martin Denny or Arthur Lyman. The ensemble consists of Tim Mayer, Helen Liu, Zaccai Curtis, Jim Benoit, Lopaka Colon, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., and Randy Wong. Some of the musicians were Grammy-nominated for other projects. The immense talent of all performers are evidenced on the Tito Puente-like hit, "Bali Ha'i" to the slower, but no less brilliant, "When I First Love". There is a South American feel to many of the songs, along with tropical jazz. At any rate, Waitiki 7 are sure to bring loads of exotica to any location with shining results. There are even a few drink recipes included. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: South Pacific's Te Vaka

Te Vaka

Haoloto

Warm Earth Records

The New Zealand-based Te Vaka is an award-winning group that comprises members from New Zealand, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, and Tuvalu. Haoloto (Free) is the most recent worldwide release. It features some traditional choruses, Pacific Island percussion, modern keyboards, and fusion pop-beats. The music incorporates catchy melodies and electronic beats indicative of Enigma mixed with a touch of Australia's Yothu Yindi. The modern music style and South Pacific drumming sounds highlight Te Vaka's strengths and diverse cultural connections. In fact, it is difficult to find fault with anything they do. The music is filled with vivacity and richness. The lyrics are in Samoan, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan, and English. English translations are provided in the liner notes. If you enjoy the sounds of the South Pacific diaspora, then discover Te Vaka today. Haoloto is a breeze of fresh, South Pacific air. ~ Matthew Forss