CD Review: Spokfrevo Orquestra's 'Ninho de Vespa'

Spokfrevo Orquestra
Ninho de Vespa
Motema

The seventeen-piece, Brazilian band, Spokfrevo Orquestra, pens its name from an old carnival style of Brazilian music that includes a feverishly-played jazz foundation that is akin to New Orleans jazz and Balkan jazz. There is a tambourine, drums, and loads of brass horns on this instrumental release. Thirteen songs comprise the album and they definitely fit into a jazzy vein with South American vigor. The fluid keyboards and swishy percussion are danceable and fueled by an unmistakable and unrelenting passion for creative tunes. The music is punchy, jazzy, swing-like, and classic with loads of rhythms and melodies to satisfy everyone that is within earshot. Fans of Brazilian jazz will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Awa Sangho's 'Ala Ta'

Awa Sangho
Ala Ta
Motema

Mali's Awa Sangho is a very talented singer with a passion for music and incorporating traditional instrumentation in a contemporary setting. The music is fresh, catchy, and full of rich textures. The melodies and rhythms are equally-astounding. There are thirteen delicacies on this album and not one of them are identical. In addition to Awa's youthful vocals, the album is graced with guitar, bass, percussion, ngoni, kora, balafon, talking flute, ndjarka, bolon, bass guitar, and djembe. "Tambin Y Tambor" is a perfect blend of international instruments coming together for a relaxing and intriguing tune. "Denko" is a jazzy, Afro-pop tune with stellar vocals and sounds, "Emama" is a gritty, guitar tune with rippling sound effects and a Congolese-like rhythm. All of the songs are easy to listen to and void of anything distracting, disruptive, or unnecessary. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Malian music will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nilson Matta's 'Black Orpheus'

Nilson Matta
Black Orpheus
Motema

Nilson Matta reimagines the music of  the play, Orfeu da Conceicao, and a film, Black Orpheus--both of which are Brazilian. Nilson is a Brazilian bassist and producer. The music of Brazilian is varied and often jazz-inspired. In this case, Black Orpheus is littered with jazz inflections that border on session jazz, smooth jazz, and contemporary instrumental. There is a heavy Brazilian flavor, danceable bossa nova embellishments, and giddy rhythms that are very moving. The classic jazz references to the 1950’s are incredibly relevant here with scintillating guitar work, effervescent percussion, and soulful, albeit sultry, vocals. There are seventeen tracks in all and several tunes are attributed to Antonio Carlos Jobim. Other tunes are created by Luiz Bonfa, V. de Moraes, and Nilson himself. Anyone familiar with Brazilian jazz—and classic Brazilian jazz especially—will love Nilson’s homage to a nostalgic and unforgettable musical era. Buy Black Orpheus today! ~ 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

CD Review: Malika Zarra's 'Berber Taxi'

Malika Zarra

Berber Taxi

Motema

Malika is a Berber/Amazigh singer from Morocco. Based on local rhythms and influences, Malika incorporates several languages into the mix as well, including English, Arabic, Moroccan Arabic, French, and Berber. The music is not Gnawa, but it does transport one into a place of peace and tranquility. Musically, Malika is a more folked-out musician that is not as rock-oriented as fellow Berber countrywomen, Hindi Zahra or Iness Mezel. In fact, some of the tunes are quite laid-back, including the jazzy 'Houaria' and 'Mossameeha.' If you can picture Berber jazz, then this might be it. Some of the rhythms take on a Caribbean or Afro-Latin feel. This is especially evidenced on 'Amnesia.' It is refreshing to hear other voices from the deserts of North Africa. If you would like to take a brief respite from groovy blues guitar music, then relax and transport your way via Berber Taxi into the heart of Moroccan charm. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rufus Reid & Out Front's 'Hues Of A Different Blue'

Rufus Reid & Out Front

Hues Of A Different Blue

Motema

The richly-textured, jazz release, Hues Of A Different Blue, are not blues and in no way signify a somber tone. In fact, the release is rather bubbly with equal amounts of piano accompaniment, guitar, trumpet, double bass, drums, and saxophones. Moreover, the music is entirely instrumental. The music is more aligned with blue side of cool. Rufus Reid knows how to liven up any situation by creating engaging instrumentals with fun rhythms and sounds. An almost Brazilian composition, 'Francisca,' features some airy vocals and breezy guitar strumming from Toninho Horta. A mix of classic jazz, cool jazz, and Latin-tinged tunes incorporate a few ethnic influences, though primarily the music is good ol' American jazz. Fourteen tracks of really good music provide a lengthy listening session. If jazz is on your mind, then Rufus Reid & Out Front is not too far behind. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rondi Charleston's Jazz Is Timely

Rondi Charleston

Who Knows Where The Time Goes

Motema

Rondi Charleston's latest release of jazz music is one for the ages. Centered mainly on time-related matters, Who Knows Where The Time Goes includes a few songs written by Rondi. Notably, "Your Spirit Lingers", "Dance of Time", "Land of Galilee", and "Song For The Ages" were written and sung by Rondi. The slower percussion and languid vocals make some of the songs last forever, but don't worry, that is a good thing. Two Brazilian tunes pop up, including Antonio Jobim's "Wave" and Milton Nascimento's "Everything That You Were Meant To Be". The Brazilian elements of bossa-nova and jazzy percussion lighten the album's slower moments. The last track, "Freedom Is A Voice", was attributed to Bobby McFerrin, but this version includes a chorus of girls singing in the Zulu language. The majority of the album is sung in English with some Portuguese and Zulu. Find the time to enjoy Rondi's timeless music. ~ Matthew Forss