CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'This Train Is Now'

Raya Brass Band
This Train Is Now
Self-Release

The Brooklyn-based band, Raya Brass Band, releases a new album, This Train Is Now, which frolics with Balkan brass delight and thick rhythms that do not let go. The trumpet work of Ben Syversen allows the tracks to brighten with jazzy eminence. The tupan accompanies most of the tracks and provides a deeper, more rich tone to the percussion repertoire. The throbbing tuba, pulsating accordion and farfisa, along with the tenor horn, keyboard, and sax, provides a full-on assault of sound with improvisational know-how and blissful sounds. Fans of Balkan jazz, klezmer, Romany music, and Mediterranean sounds will be enlightened by this energetic and prominent recording of infectious music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Choban Elektrik's Self-Titled Release From The Balkans By Way Of Brooklyn

Choban Elektrik
Choban Elektrik
Self-Release

Choban Elektrik, which means 'electric shepherds,' is a rousing recording with Balkan gusto and instrumental tunes that are steeped in Bulgarian, Macedonian, Albanian, Greek, Armenian, and other styles. The use of Hammond organ, rhodes, electric guitar, accordion, piano, synth, bass, drums, kanjira, marimba, riqq, pandeiro, and violin, make Choban Elektrik stand out from the crowd, due to its folksy, psychedelic, and funky dance grooves that eloquently bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary. The rock guitar elements of "Moj Xhemile," represent an almost Saharan rock guitar arrangement--but this is not an African music recording. This only solidifies Choban Elektrik's uncanny ability to use different rhythms, styles, and instruments in their creative purposes for a meaningful and memorable result. Though, this is mostly an instrumental effort, Eva Salina Primack adds her vocal talents on "Moj Xhemile" and "Cobankat." This is a perfect album for fans of Balkan folk, rock, psych, and dance without all the brass that is typically associated with Balkan music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Toni Kitanovski & Cherkezi Orchestra's 'Shukar'

Toni Kitanovski & Cherkezi Orchestra
Shukar
Yellowbird

Gypsy band music has been universal ever since the popularity of Besh O Drom and others that have paved the way for global acceptance of such an incredible (and danceable) musical delight. The Macedonian-based Toni Kitanovski is joined by the Cherkezi Orchestra on his latest release, Shukar. Shukar, which means, "good," is probably an understatement if one is referring to the music. The music takes on gypsy qualities, but explores inter-related musical influences, too. For instance, "Addis Abeba" examines a little Ethiopian jazz, while "Lagrimas Negras" looks at a Cuban and Latin jazz influence. The trumpet is a powerful instrument that nicely accompanies the giddy and jazzy guitar playing. The vocals of Tehamana Skenderovska are also very appealing. The twelve tracks contain vocals, trumpet, tapan drum, tarabuka, bass, melodica, french horn, organ, and guitars, which round out the musical experiences. Toni & Cherkezi Orchestra touches on Latin, jazz, gypsy, and experimental music that is sure to elicit happiness in one's heart. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Electric Balkan Jazz Club's 'Balkan Dogs'

Electric Balkan Jazz Club
Balkan Dog
Musique Estetica

From the Mediterranean to the Balkans, Electric Balkan Jazz Club presents an exciting mix of music inspired by Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, and German music traditions. The upbeat percussion, wailing brass, and whirling melodies are accomplished with the guitar, bass, accordion, bouzouki, oud, saz, mandolin, darbuka, sax, clarinet, and others. The twelve tracks contain energetic rhythms and melodies that are reminiscent of klezmer and gypsy songs, too. The mix of vocal and instrumental songs provides a great selection of danceable tunes. The emotive vocals and ballad-esque repertoire on some occasions, makes Balkan Dog nothing to 'balk' at! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: BalkanBeats From German/Bosnian Beatmaster Robert Soko

Various Artists

BalkanBeats: A Night In Berlin

Piranha

BalkanBeats' brainchild, Robert Soko, is the originator and ambassador of the best Balkan beats organized in Germany. Robert Soko includes tracks by some of the most popular groups of gypsy, Balkan, and Rom music today. Boban and Marko Markovic, Vrelo, Kal, Ahilea, Magnifico, Al Jawala, and other musicians are included on this release. Some of the tracks feature vocals in English, Turkish, Slovak, Romany, Lari, Hungarian, German, Czech, Russian, Serbian, and Slovak languages. This attests to the widespread Balkan diaspora. As an added bonus, the CD includes a full-artist information file and slideshow when placed in a CD-ROM. The pulsating, gyrating, and funky brass beats ignite a high-danceability index. Piranha has yet again produced another amazing Balkan beat album for all to enjoy. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The (electro)-Cafe Svetlana

Ahilea
Cafe Svetlana
Essay Recordings

The electro-Balkan tunes of producer and DJ Ahilea Durcovski has brought out the best tracks for lounging, dancing, and everything else in between. A mix of male and female vocals accompany the downbeat, Balkan tracks. A hint of Klezmer brass and Transylvanian folk permeates the album. The groovy beat of 'O Mangas' is reminiscent of something recorded by the folks at the Sublime Frequencies label. This is modern folk music with an electronic backbone. In fact, the name Cafe Svetlana is taken from a legendary musical club of the same name in Vienna. Thanks to Ahilea, the secretive music of Cafe Svetlana is now a global presence. The instrumental beats are quite infectious and never dull or flat. This is adventurous music for the adventurous listener. Clearly, one of the best recordings of 2009! ~ Matthew Forss