CD Review: Raya Brass Band's 'Raya'

Raya Brass Band
Raya
Self-Release

The New York-based sextet, Raya Brass Band, brings to life the music of Eastern Europe and Balkan regions on their latest release, Raya. The sax, trumpet, accordion, keyboards, tupan, snare drum, and assorted percussion are all the Raya Brass Band needs to produce great, instrumental music. The horns, tuba, and percussion are quite varied and innovative, but nothing too far from historical traditions. The nine-track album features a rousing mix of sounds emanating from a variety of instruments that work harmoniously together to create an engaging and upbeat result. Though, the album is under forty-minutes in length, there is plenty of music to cheer about. The punchy, jazz-laden tune, "Sugar and Salt," adds a swirling mix of heady horns and great percussion for a slightly Gypsy/neo-classical approach that would be equally-at home on the classic Seven Brides For Seven Brothers film soundtrack. Overall, the music is diverse enough to capture the ears of listeners everywhere. Fans of brass bands, Gypsy music, instrumental tunes, world jazz, and fusion will find Raya very raya-mazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ozere's 'Anyplace'

Ozere
Finding Anyplace
Self-Release

The Canadian folk-roots-group, Ozere, tackles beautiful melodies, breezy rhythms, and rootsy vocals with engaging instrumentals mixed in for added pleasure on their latest release, Finding Anyplace. This is mostly an original effort with only two songs attributed to other artists, such as "Wayfaring Stranger" and "MacArthur Road." The instrumental gem on the album, "Anyplace," weaves a tapestry of sonic sounds ranging from Celtic to Nordic and even the Middle East in a seamless fashion. However, the vocals are great on "Keeper" and "Someday Soon." Ozere does not fit into a specific genre very well, but anyone with a passion for folk, roots, neo-classical, new age, and world fusion will find love at first note with this one. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gao Hong and Friends' 'Pipa Potluck'

Gao Hong and Friends
Pipa Potluck
Innova

Pipa, a Chinese plucked lute, is the central component of the new album, Pipa Potluck, by Gao Hong and several guest musicians. This is where Asian folk meets American roots, bluegrass, and classical music. The instrumental album begins with a rousing bluegrass number, "Cluck Old Hen," which features the banjo of Alison Brown, the fiddle by Matt Combs, and bass by Garry West. "Friendship" is more of a contemplative Arabic concoction with oud, percussion, and of course, the pipa. The pipa and guitar complement each other quite nicely on the excellent "Golden Season." Likewise, the slack key guitar by George Kahumoku, Jr. and the pipa create another friendly and enjoyable medley on "Mosquito Song." The bluegrass and folk stylings come back on "Sally Johnson." The serene "Lutes Around The World" finishes the album with poignant strings and delightful melodies. Fans of strings, lutes, Chinese folk, neo-classical, new age, bluegrass, Arabic, folk, Americana, and world music in general will love to sample Pipa Potluck. Remember to leave room on your plate for additional listens! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Shankar Tucker's 'Filament'

Shankar Tucker
Filament
Shrutibox Music

Shankar Tucker's new album, Filament, brings together neo-classical stylings, Hindustani classical music, and Western traditions in a contemporary context for both voice and instrument. Shankar is a clarinetist, but also adds vocals, guitarist, keyboardist, pianist, and percussionist to his list of talents. The wildly effervescent clarinet on "Chal Chal Sakhi" is especially intriguing, along with the vocals of Ankita Joshi. The heavily-laden cast of musicians on "Aa Re Chanda" brings out the classical, contemporary dance, and Indian music across form different forms: alaap, exposition, improvisation, and tillana. The vocals of Vijay Prakash on "Dil Hai Namazi" are very serene and ballad-like. The song is backed by Shankar's clarinet with tabla, cello, drums, keyboards, and guitar for a more modern arrangement. The more modern "Kashti" contains all the great tabla rhythms, percussion, and clarinet, but it adds the sweet vocals of Nikhita Gandhi for a truly remarkable result. Overall, Filament turns out to be the real-life thread that bridges the musical gap between the East and the West. ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Bill Gable's 'No Straight Lines'

Bill Gable
No Straight Lines
Self-Release

From the Midwestern United States, Bill Gable carves a niche in the pop and jazz standard genre with poignant and personal songs backed by flamenco, world jazz, neo-classical, and pop elements. The songs are slow-tempo morsels of ear candy that incorporates a stellar musical cast, including Steve Rodby, Jimmy Haslip, Larry Goldings, Greg Ellis, and a few others. Inspired by destinations never reached, No Straight Lines offers a spirited record of hope, love, and freedom to be one's self--no matter what people say. Subtle jazz horns, delicate acoustic guitars, and light percussive arrangements cement Bill Gable in a group of very talented musicians. Fans of laid-back, neo-classical, jazz, and pop standards with a world music presence will love No Straight Lines. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Michele McLaughlin's 'Undercurrent'

Michele McLaughlin
Undercurrent
Self-Release

Undercurrent is the fifteenth album from prolific, Utah-based composer and solo pianist, Michele McLaughlin. There are a total of thirteen introspective works that are relatively graceful, emotive, and full of flowing piano melodies that seem to take on a life of their own. All of the instrumental compositions are between two and four-and-a-half-minutes long. There are several notable tracks that contain cinematic appeal, including "On My Own," "Stepping Stones," and "The Space Between." The songs are somewhat neo-classical with historical nods to the greats of the classical era--but only in spirit. There is a strong contemporary vein to the works that resemble the music of Danny Wright and another Michele--Michele de Wilton, These are original songs that represent two years of creative work. Fans of solo piano music will find a place in their heart and ears for Michele McLaughlin's Undercurrent. 5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Balkan Clarinet Summit'

Various Artists
Balkan Clarinet Summit
Piranha

The neo-classical leanings of Balkan Clarinet Summit present musicians from all over Western Europe for a truly magical recording that is also a film. Goethe-Institut Athina director, Wolfgang Poehlmann, had the original idea, while Claudio Puntin and Steffen Schorn took charge of the musical direction. Artists come from Moldavia, Greece, Serbia, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Each artist contributes to the project in a collective manner, which leaves room for improvisation and innovation, but not straying too far from historic roots. The music is at times very peaceful, while other times it is very energetic and full of life. This is music created in Europe for people of all backgrounds and tastes, as it is completely instrumental and jam-packed with contemplative, relaxing, and even dance-friendly compositions and moments. Whether folk, neo-classical, or roots music is your passion, Balkan Clarinet Summit will surely inspire listeners everywhere to listen up. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarakina's 'Live In Studio'

Sarakina
Live In Studio
Amadeus

The Polish band, Sarakina, brings us a new album recorded during a live concert at Studio Rembrandt by Polish Radio Bialystok in Poland on February 23, 2014. The contemporary folk and Balkan musical connections are prevalent throughout with lush percussion and swirling rhythms led by strong, neo-classical vocals by Eliza Sacharczuk. Eliza's vocals are joined by kaval, bagpipes, tupan, tambura, clarinet, double-bass, and assorted percussion. The instrumental sections are vibrant, magical, and somewhat whimsical. The haunting and breathy kaval flute and organic drums, along with the dizzying sounds of the bagpipes, allows the album to explore various musical styles and influences ranging from the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Turkey, and Western Europe. There are some applause segments at the end of the songs, but it does not interfere with the flow of the album. The recording quality is excellent overall. Fans of Balkan folk, European folk, instrumental fusion, and lively world music will love Sarakina. ~ Matthew Forss

Song Review: Alan B. Salisbury's "Dream To Believe"

Alan B. Salisbury
"Dream To Believe"
Jabberwocky Books

Alan's new book, The Legend Of Ranger: The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly, is about a reindeer with a dream to dream big by being part of Santa's sleigh team. The book is accompanied by a splendid story-telling folk and pop song describing Ranger's story called "Dream To Believe." The three-minute-and-forty-six-second song was recorded in Nashville by producer Paul Busdiecker and includes a quartet from the Nashville Symphony with soothing and emotive vocals by Mary Allen. Mary's vocals are akin to England's Katie Melua, but the song is more neo-folk and neo-classical with a direct and rousing melody. The song is perfectly fitting for children of all ages. In fact, even parents will be singing along to this one. Dream big and listen to Alan's recent holiday creation. I give it five North stars out of five! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jayme Stone's 'The Other Side Of The Air'

Jayme Stone
The Other Side Of The Air
Self-Release

Canadian banjoist, composer, and producer, Jayme Stone, brings us a fresh release of globetrotting instrumentals that fit a chamber orchestra with such passion, intensity, and experimentation. This represents not only a classical side, but also an African and American roots conglomeration. Imagine experimental jazz with world fusion and classical undertones directing the entire project. The sparkling banjo tones and blurting horns and vibrant strings keep everything moving along unapologetically. It may be world jazz, world music, world fusion, or neo-classical, but one thing is for sure: the music is top-notch. Anyone looking for plaintive and relaxing tunes that seem to incorporate different ethnic influences will love this jazzy, classical, and unique recording. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rachel Barton Pine's 'Violin Lullabies'

Rachel Barton Pine
Violin Lullabies
Cedille Records

American violinist and award-winning performer, Rachel Barton Pine, presents us with an amazing set of lullabies on violin, which is joined by Matthew Hagle on piano. The album was inspired by the birth of her daughter a few years ago. After looking for classical music for lullabies, Rachel came up with Violin Lullabies, which features selective compositions from Brahms, Gershwin, Ravel, Schubert, Strauss, Rebikov, and others. The meditative and sweeping piano melodies alongside the somewhat somber and melancholic violin tunes creates a purely classical approach that is fun for mother, baby, and anyone else. There are twenty-five instrumental lullabies and cradle songs from across Europe. The earthy violin and plaintive piano sounds are a perfect mix for the neo-classical world. Rachel knows how to evoke emotive responses on violin without compromising anything. Fans of classical music will rejoice here, but anyone interested in relaxing or lounging will find plenty of music to eat up. It's high-brow wow for the common folk! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Eyvind Kang's 'The Narrow Garden'

Eyvind Kang
The Narrow Garden
Ipecac

The Northwest, USA-based composer, performer, and musician extraordinaire, Eyvind Kang, celebrates classical, Middle Eastern, and avant-garde/jazz rhythms and melodies with his latest release, The Narrow Garden. Eyvind is also an accomplished erhu player, violinist, and tuba player. Neo-classical upbringing aside, Eyvind creates beautiful palettes of aural color that emanate from the album with ease and grace. In fact, an angelic undertone is featured on "Pure Nothing," which contains female choral sounds and neo-classical and new age leanings not completely unlike the music of Enya. On "Forest Sama'i," Eyvind tackles Middle Eastern and Persian musicalities, which seem right at home on this album. The quirky, avant-garde masterpiece, "Usnea," showcases Eyvind's knack for creating intricate, unusual, and diverse compositions. In this case, the song wanders dangerously close to experimental realms with strings, flutes, and metallic embellishments without electronic accompaniment. The operatic vocals of "Mineralia" and the cinematic, neo-classical/ambient nature of "The Narrow Garden," evokes the works of Steve Roach, Brian Eno, Enya, Vangelis, and others to be named in the future. The Narrow Garden seems right at home straddling the musical worlds of neo-classical, Middle Eastern, spiritual, avant-garde, experimental, and new age. ~ Matthew Forss