CD Review: Various Artists' 'Afro-Caribbean Party'

Various Artists
Afro-Caribbean Party
Putumayo

Putumayo releases another gem of a recording and this time they celebrate the music of Afro-Caribbean lands for their aptly-titled, Afro-Caribbean Party. The new album contains a cast of ten different musicians hailing from Martinique, Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. You will hear the Cape Verde and New Orleans jazz-inspired medley of Kali, rolling reggae melodies by Clinton Fearon, jazzy ska by Ska Cubano and Wesli, Afro-Latin dance by Michel Blaise, Latin jazz from Asere, Mandingo reggae with Famara, island rhythms from Jan Sebon and Kazak International, Afro-Latin jazz and folk with a classic tone by Chispa Labori, and mostly instrumental Bahamian folk music from Fred Ferguson & Grafitti. The diverse musical line-up showcases a good overview of typical Afro-Caribbean examples, but it is in no way complete or covers strictly traditional music from the above-mentioned regions. Still, it is a vibrant and dance-worthy album that runs a little short (38:42), but it makes up for it with repeated listens. Plus, a refreshing Caribbean punch recipe is included. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Afro Bop Alliance's 'Angel Eyes'

Afro Bop Alliance
Angel Eyes
Zoho 

The Afro Bop Alliance is a Washington, DC-area band that showcases a wide-range of Latin jazz, salsa, bossa nova, and South American-inspired tunes on their latest release, Angel Eyes. The seductive album cover art draws in listeners by way of visual cues, but the visual quickly leads to the aural, as the sounds emanate from the album with such vivacity. The tracks are littered with infectious tunes and instruments, including the steel pan, bass, piano, drums, congas, sax, trumpet, cello, clarinet, and violin. The group enlists numerous jazz lines and Latin fusions that take on a lively life of their own. There are eleven tunes, but only two tracks include vocals: "Nature Boy" and "Minor Details." The Afro-Cuban elements are evident throughout. However, anyone with an interest in classic, Latin jazz music will love Afro Bop Alliance's Angel Eyes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Patricia Talem's 'Olhos'

Patricia Talem

Olhos

Tratore

The sensual voice of Brazil's Patricia Talem exceeds every expectation. The voice, in combination with the jazzy, piano and percussion-driven rhythms and melodies, create a sense of delectable leisure. Nine songs, mostly in Portuguese, reflect a Latin jazz palette of South American colors and flavors. Patricia is joined by Jane Monheit on 'Nascente' and Flavio Venturini on 'Club da Esquina.' Judging by the photogenic colored photos of Patricia in the liner notes, one can easily see how the album's title (trans. "eyes") came about. Of course, it could be equally titled "Voz" for 'voice.' The gentle rhythms and pleasant voice stand out as a strong Brazilian jazz release with piano, percussion, and strings. The music is relatively laid-back in scope. Anyone interested in Brazilian jazz, female vocalists, Latin music, and piano music should find Olhos 'eye'-opening. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Brazilian-Jazz Sounds of Nilson Matta & Roni Ben-Hur's 'Mojave'

Nilson Matta & Roni Ben-Hur w/Victor Lewis & Cafe

Mojave

Motema

The acclaimed quartet of Nilson Matta, Roni Ben-Hur, Victor Lewis, and Cafe, display a fine set of international musical talents with two Americans (one of Israeli origin) and two Brazilians on-board. Mojave includes Roni on guitar, Nilson on bass, Victor on drums, and Cafe on percussion. The instrumental, Brazilian jazz tunes are a mix of original compositions and music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Pixinguinha, Baden Powell, and Burt Bacharach. The cool-jazz feel of the compositions reflect the relaxed nature of watching the sunset on the beach with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. While that is a dream for most and a reality for some, the primary importance of Mojave is it's global, yet accessible appeal. The instrumental ambiance incorporates a bit of jazz, samba, bebop, and Latin elements without the big bands and orchestras, which gives it a more intimate and welcoming sound. Anyone with an interest in Brazilian jazz music will find Mojave scintillatingly addictive. ~ Matthew Forss