CD Review: Kyle Carey's 'North Star'

Kyle Carey
North Star
Americelta Records

The sparkling folk and roots music of Kyle Carey spans continents and time-spans that are unimaginably magical. The incorporation of American, Celtic, Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian leanings are evident throughout. Kyle's vocals are akin to European songstresses, Heidi Talbot and Karine Polwart. There are fiddle, mandolin, piano, cello, banjo, bass, guitar, and percussion elements that add to the folksy roots. Some songs connote a bright, sunny day, while others touch on love, loss, immigration, seasons, dreams, and even gospel connotations. The dozen songs represent morsels of delight that are enriched by the musical traditions of North America, Scandinavia, and the U.K. Fans of folk, roots, European music, and country will be amazed by the stuff on this album. I give North Star five big ones! Try it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yagoda Galo's 'Polar'

Yagoda Galo
Polar
Sketis Music

Based in Arkhangelsk, Russia--Russia's northwest region on the White Sea, Yagoda Galo performs folk, traditional, and original compositions from all around the North and in Russian lyrics. The eleven-track release contains some of the most beautiful and innovative Russian folk music ever recorded. The ensemble utilizes various instruments, including the didgeridoo, acoustic guitar, domra, mandolin, flute, clarinet, bongo, djembe, jew's harp, drums, bass guitar, and a few others. The result is a complex mix of songs that are vocally and instrumentally-rich. Many of the songs resemble early European or Scandinavian sea-faring songs, but these contain a Russian edge. At any rate, "By The Sea," "Far Away," and "Dreamboat" contain the most sea-faring elements. The best track on the album is probably "Around The Town." This track contains an extremely catchy melody and killer instrumental bridge at the end of the song. If you had to hear one song before you died; this would be it. I would not hesitate placing in the top ten best world music song list of all time. Polar combines the vocal/instrumental traditions of the Cold North, but presents us with the inner warmth of feel-good rhythms and melodies that shine beyond borders...and expectations. Polar is one of the best albums of music anywhere and at any time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Spiro's 'Kaleidophonica'

Spiro
Kaleidophonica
Real World

Spiro is a British band that incorporates folk instruments, but the group is anything but folk. There is a strong kaleidoscopic element of whirling violins, acoustic guitar, mandolin, accordion, and cello, which showcase a strong, instrumental medley throughout. The contemporary folk music is unique and fresh without ho-hum melodies and banal tendencies. The instrumental delights do not include vocals, which lets the instruments sing out with tonal pleasures. There is an element of dance, classical, and new age influences that cannot be ignored. The writhing, driving rhythms and melodies may seem a bit redundant, but that is part of the charm. The songs whirl and swirl the listener into a super folk world of imaginative bliss. Spiro is not to be missed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Darryl Gregory's 'Big Texas Sky'

Darryl Gregory
Big Texas Sky
Emptyhead Musikwerks

Darryl Gregory's home-base in Connecticut is not the usual place for creating alternative country music. However, Darryl succeeds with his latest release, Big Texas Sky, and doesn't let his New England base affect his Texas roots. The release is rather short, but it contains seven diverse alternative country, pop, or folk compositions for a total of thirty-two minutes. The bluesy-rock song, "Prayer & Hallelujah," is steeped in Southern guitar stylings--the 'gospel' of the musical South. The pensive piano ramblings of "Aunt Jean's Piano" contains a loving, devotional sound with vocals from Michel Rae Driscoll and Jim Allyn on fiddle and mandolin. Darryl's contribution is not limited to vocals and guitars--the drums and piano are also played. "Workin' Man" contains a steel or ironworker sound of hammering with a gritty, muffled vocal track amidst a bluesy background. Overall, Darryl aims high with Big Texas Sky and leaves a few good songs for us to soak up. ~ Matthew Forss