CD Review: Zvuloon Dub System's 'Anbessa Dub'

Zvuloon Dub System
Anbessa Dub
Self-Release

The Tel-Aviv-based reggae/Ethiopian jazz group, Zvuloon Dub System, seamlessly merges two unique musical styles together to form a danceable and very likable beat. The group infuses reggae beats on several tracks with a little Amharic to mix it up just a little bit. Roots reggae, jazz, and East African soul explains what is going on here. The moving beats and diverse vocals attract equally-great instrumental portions that are like little morsels of delicious candy. There are traditional reggae instruments, including the piano, organ, guitars, bass, drums, sax, trumpet, and trombone, along with Ethiopian krar (a plucked harp) and a masinko (a type of small fiddle). Mahmoud Ahmed is a featured and well-known performer here, but Zemene Melesse, Yaacov Lilay, and Shay Sattaman Jacovi add vocals, too. Otherwise, Gili Yalo is the lead vocalist. The East African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean influences are evident and pervasive, but everything is used in moderation. Anyone seeking reggae beats via Israel, Ethiopia, and beyond will have fun with Anbessa Dub. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Temesgen's 'Traditional Favorites'

Temesgen
Traditional Favorites
Self-Release

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Temesgen has since relocated to Michigan, USA. Temesgen plays a krar--a five-or-six-string bowl-shaped lyre from Ethiopia. The harp-like and meditative quality of the krar is a soothing accompaniment to Temesgen's low, gruff voice. The music is relatively rudimentary with no electric accompaniment. In other words, Traditional Favorites is a traditional romp through the folk music of northeast Africa. The thirteen tracks are calming, memorable, and easy to listen to with some light backup vocals, too. Whatever the occasion--relaxing, studying, dining, cleaning, or reading--Temesgen is a perfect addition to your household. Fans of harps, Ethiopian folk music, and African music in general, will love the vocals and sounds. This is my traditional favorite. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kenya's Suzanna Owiyo

Suzanna Owiyo

My Roots

Kirkelig Kulturverksted

Kenya's Suzanna Owiyo is a percussionist, guitarist, singer, and most importantly, a nyatiti player. A nyatiti is an eight-stringed, plucked lyre from Kenya. The nyatiti was a mainstay in the Benga music movement in Kenya beginning in the 1960's. It is related to the krar, which is a five-stringed, plucked lyre from Ethiopia. My Roots' opening track showcases the nyatiti's mesmerizing sound similar to a combination of an electrified harp with the buzzing sounds of the mbira. Her Luo and English lyrics tackle alcoholism, violence, abandonment, and faith. Her voice is as strong as Angelique Kidjo (Benin) and as sensitive as Rokia Traore (Senegal). Drawing upon comparisons throughout Africa, My Roots is more than a contemporary Afro-pop album with a crystal clear sound; it is a groundbreaking release that features an instrument never-before-played by women. A few guest musicians appear, such as Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi, Ogoya Nengo, and Makadem. Fans of East African popular music will find My Roots a very satisfying experience. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Sun of Eritrea [2 CD]

Tsehaytu Beraki
Selam [2 CD]
Terp Records

Born in Quatit, Eritrea in 1939, Tsehaytu Beraki has been playing the krar (a five/six-stringed lyre) and singing for several decades. After experiencing political and civil unrest for most of her life, she found peace in Holland. In fact, the double-album title 'Selam' means 'peace'. This is a massive collection of 17 songs running over two-and-a-half hours in length. She sings in Tigrinya and Tigre languages. All the songs possess vocals, but she is backed by back-up singers, drummers, hand-clapping, and double-bass on some of the tracks. This is not your typical electronic or pop dance release typical of modern Middle East of African music. This is traditional music with vitality -- a sound for every generation. The songs are political, but also deal with love and relationships. English lyrics are provided for each song. Additionally, a 36-page booklet details the origins of her music, along with an interview and history of Eritrea. Several black-and-white and colored photos are included of her early music performances, performers, maps, and cityscapes. There are also comments from other Eritrean musicians about her music. In the notes, Tsehaytu recalls a comment by fellow musician, Osman Abdulrahim, "Miss Tsehaytu is like a golden masinko...[one-string bowed lute] and shines all over Eritrea like a sun". In this regard, Tsehaytu's talent is evidenced by her extensive playing abilities and rigorous practice sessions. Let the sounds of Eritrea brighten your day...and for days to come! ~ Matthew Forss