CD Review: Vahagni's 'Imagined Frequencies'

Vahagni
Imagined Frequencies
Self-Release

Armenian-born and LA-based, Vahagni is a talented guitarist and composer with an intuitive ability to cross genres and borders with his unique musical style. Vahagni weaves through flamenco, world jazz, classical, folk, and Afro-Spanish worlds via guitars and a range of strings, percussion, and sequencing. The flamenco-induced, "Sketches of Dali," is especially intriguing and upbeat. The Afro-Spanish-influenced, "Hov arek sarer jan," contains soft vocals from Buika for an otherwise Armenian song. The serene melodies are akin to Baaba Maal or other Senegalese performers. Vahagni brings in piano, bass, drums, percussion, blul, duduk, violin, cello, and a few other instruments for an adventurous palette of sound. The dreamy and somewhat pensive, "Pendulum," is ideal for relaxing or dreaming. Over forty-minutes and eleven tracks represent a wide range of music from Vahagni that is highly-praised for good reason. Fans of Matthew Montfort and Lawson Rawlins will enjoy Vahagni. Experience Vahagni's Imagined Frequencies for yourself (and for a friend). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lawson Rollins' 'Traveler'

Lawson Rollins
Traveler
Infinita Records

Many influences grace the sounds on Traveler by Lawson Rollins. The instrumental tunes represent a romp through world jazz, flamenco, lounge, improvisation, and even Latin America. The fiery guitar stylings, edgy percussion, flashy horns, punchy piano, and lively strings from the hands of Mads Tolling, Charlie Bisharat, Randy Tico, Dave Bryant, Cameron Stone, and even some Big Dad Voodoo Daddy members. The spritely strings and earthy rhythms of "Cafe Paris" conjures up images of gypsy, Roma, or Cape Verdean sounds, most likely due to the clarinet. "Berlin Bossa" incorporates some Bach influences, while "Meeting In Madrid" fuses jazz with flamenco and roots for a truly exciting journey. There are twelve tracks to enjoy for over an hour of fun. Each tune is new and reveals a varied array of influences that are never dull or unimaginative. Lawson takes listeners on musical journeys that are fun-filled and authentic. Your first trip should be to your local music store or online retailer for Traveler. No fluff here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lawson Rollins' 'Full Circle'

Lawson Rollins
Full Circle
Infinita Records

American guitarist extraordinaire, Lawson Rollins, brings together a dozen songs that mix world fusion with flamenco, new age guitar stylings, and Spanish-tinged melodies. Many of the instrumental songs are akin to the guitar stylings and arrangements of Jesse Cook. Lawson plays classical, flamenco, and electric guitars, along with keyboards and drum programming. Lawson is joined by Dominic Camardella on keyboards and piano, Dave Bryant on drums and percussion, Randy Tico on acoustic and electric bass, Richard Hardy on clarinet, soprano sax and flute, Charlie Bisharat on violin, and Cameron Stone on cello. The scintillating melodies are timeless and free-flowing. Anyone with an interest in acoustic guitars and instrumental music will find happiness in Lawson's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lawson Rollins' 'Elevation'

Lawson Rollins
Elevation
Infinita Records

Innovative guitarist and keyboardist, Lawson Rollins, returns with another astounding album of world fusion and avant-garde jazz on Elevation. Rollins reaches new musical heights that are engaging, warm, and cozy. The album was recorded in Nepal, the U.S., and Iran, which represents some of the ethnic elements inherent in Rollins' work. The slightly jazzy "Daybreak," resembles the laid-back and smooth-jazz tunes popular on The Weather Channel's Local-On-The-8s. Though, Rollins is not a vocalist; Elevation still retains a worldly, vocal base with sparse vocals representing the Middle East and South Asia. Nearly two-dozen musicians are featured alongside Rollins. The result is a New Age-tinged musical journey with elements of jazz, Latin American, and Indian connotations. Some of the songs are inspired by Middle Eastern poetry, while others find inspiration in the sounds of the world. Rollins definitely rises to the occasion with Elevation leading the wave of musical change across the global landscape--transforming everything and everyone in its path. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The 'Spirit' of Lawson Rollins' Espirito

Lawson Rollins

Espirito

Infinita Records

The fiery sounds of jazzy-flamenco guitar stylings and Latin/Caribbean rhythms make Espirito all the more enjoyable. Guitarist Lawon Rollins is joined by Shahin Shahida and the producer for Ottmar Liebert, Dominic Camardella. The outstanding musical accompaniment of Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Kayhan Kalhor, Charlie Bisharat, and Horacio El Negro Hernandez completes a truly 'world music' journey across styles, countries, and sounds. Vocalist Flora Purim adds a tropical, rumba-esque feel to the album. There is classic flamenco, bossa nova, jazz, tango, gypsy, and lounge elements throughout. The intrinsic musical abilities of all involved shine through on every track. 'Santa Lucia Waltz' is an especially endearing and moving instrumental piece. Though not a negative in my book, the instrumental tracks are somewhat reminiscient of the older music for the local forecasts on The Weather Channel. Still, Lawson and company brings a refreshing outlook to new guitar-centered music. Espirito is an album made with all the right ingredients for a delicious result. ~ Matthew Forss