Single Review: Rene Lopez' "Restless"

Rene Lopez
Song: Restless

New York-based, Nuyorican musician, Rene Lopez, turns heads and gets feet movin' with the smooth, electro-latin-soul song, "Restless". Rene is a talented songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer that has explored an intimate palette of aural magnificence originating from his passionate vocals, tropically-tinged songs, and an ever-present, contemporary or urban presence. The song begins with a steady, synth melody, clap-like percussion, soaring strings, and background vocals with a gospel edge. There is an uplifting element of the song near the end of the song with louder vocals and more background accompaniment. In fact, Rene's vocals at the end of the song resemble Bruce Springsteen. However, the song is not a rock anthem, nor a hip hop party track. Instead, the song is a trip hop, lounge standard with classy vocals and a steady, yet creative beat. Fans of Craig Armstrong's earlier works will find similarities here. At any rate, everyone should check out "Restless" by Rene Lopez. 5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Mara Measor's 'Naked Prayers'

Mara Measor
Naked Prayers
Self-Release

Chinese-American songstress, writer, and actor, Mara Measor, brings us a lively mix of personal songs with quaint instrumentation, sweet vocals, and spiritual undertones. Naked Prayers is a nine-track album under forty-minutes in length that contains several uplifting songs. In fact, all of the songs are really good with varying aural textures, melodies, and light rhythms bordering on new age-pop or alternative pop. Mara's sweet vocals resemble the Canadian group, Dala, as well as the U.K.'s Katie Melua, with similar instrumental set-ups akin to the former. The final number, "Love Will Find You," seems like a throwback to the funky, jazz standards of the 1970's. The calming and essentially word-less song, "Ooh," is a spiritual wonder with only Mara's voice leading the song and a distant thud of a drum. "You Saw Me" is a pensive, piano-driven song with guitars and percussion that are truly beautiful. All in all, Mara succeeds in creating a gorgeous album with memorable melodies, sweet vocals, and an underlying message of "good" without sacrificing anything. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Honeybird's 'Out Comes Woman'

Honeybird
Out Comes Woman
Duckhead Green Music

Honeybird incorporates a variety of world, jazz, urban, classical, and pop elements on Out Comes Woman. The fourteen tracks are uniquely-named and equally-enthralling from a musical perspective. Some of the titles include, "TMBLGBT," "Ex-Spearmint," and "Bi Dead Chickens." Some of the vocals are arranged in a scat jazz setting, while others are set in a theatrical or artsy context with whimsical instrumentation and short or fast beats. This is not a power pop album or rock album, for that matter. Instead, it is filled with poignant melodies, diverse vocals, and varied instrumentation arranged in delicate ways. The vocals are often reduced in more of a spoken word or poetic delivery--especially on "Wanted In Wanted Out." At any rate, Honeybird creates some sweet tunes for anyone looking for something different. ~ 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: Tipsy Oxcart's 'Upside Down'

Tipsy Oxcart
Upside Down
Self-Release

Balkan music from Brooklyn? Yes, indeed. The instrumental ensemble creates dance-friendly tunes with lively percussion, trumpets, baritone/alto/tenor sax, trombone, accordion, violin, electric bass, and drums. Though, some of the songs are more contemplative and serene, a majority of the tracks are upbeat, edgy, and full of high-energy. "Homecoming" contains a Balkan-beat that is reminiscent of South American cumbia, but in a Balkan form. The frenzied "Tutti Frutti" is a rousing track with blaring horns, bubbly bass, and punchy drum beats throughout. There are eleven tracks in all. With track titles as diverse as "Fax Mission," "Honey Dripper," "Tipska," "Bone Dance," and others, Upside Down will astonish you with their uncanny rhythms and contemporary sounds in pure, Balkan music form. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Easy Star All-Stars' 'Dub Side Of The Moon'

Easy Star All-Stars
Dub Side Of The Moon
Easy Star Records

In celebration of their 10th anniversary for the 2003 release of the same name, Easy Star All-Stars are proud to announce their dubby and reggae-infused, Dub Side Of The Moon. The album celebrates the music of Pink Floyd with his ever-popular, Dark Side Of The Moon released many years ago. This new release contains different liner artwork, a liner note booklet, and a few bonus tracks. The entire project is produced by Michael Goldwasser and Victor Axelrod. The album is fifteen-tracks long and features the music of Pink Floyd's abovementioned release, including "Speak To Me," "Breathe," "On The Run," "Time," "Brain Damage," and several others. The dub and reggae-infused concoctions are heady, lush, and dance-inducing. There are electronic elements, which modernize the sounds a bit. But, anyone interested in reggae, dub, and Pink Floyd will love this very special ten year anniversary release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Zongo Junction's 'No Discount'

Zongo Junction
No Discount
Electric Cowbell Records

The Brooklyn-based, Afro-beat maestros, Zongo Junction, brings us a moving piece of history with Ghanaian-infused, instrumental tunes in the shadows of Fela Kuti and others. The funky, psychedelic tracks are danceable and emotive with bubbling keys, punchy sax, and diverse instrumentation in a jazzy setting. The writhing sounds are Afro-beat grooves at their finest. The sax frenzy on “A Van That Got Away,” proves why Zongo Junction makes the best Afro-beat music in America. The down-tempo electronica of “Longtooth,” showcases their diverse talent of Afro-beat, jazz, experimental, funk, and pop. The entire album is an instrumental journey, which is very likable throughout. There are even some Balkan jazz or Klezmer moments on "Invented History." At any rate, No Discount is an engaging, Afro-beat pleasure that will be enjoyed by everyone that fancies music of the African kind. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Various Artists' 'globalFEST Selector'

Various Artists
globalFEST Selector
Magenta

globalFEST is a not-for-profit organization that promotes world music from around the globe that is marked by a music festival every January in New York City. The thirteen-track release covers the gamut of musical styles--ranging from electronica, Middle Eastern dance, African blues, and beyond. The album is quite contemporary, but still retains an ethnic charm full of lively instrumentation that is traditional. The North African trance music of Hassan Hakmoun is evident on the first track, "Balilli." Brooklyn Qawwali Party brings the late-Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music to life, instrumentally speaking with a side of jazz, on "Sochan Dongian." Kailash Kher brings us a South Asian-tinged concoction of swirling electronica elements on "Rang Rang Ma." Other great tracks are included, such as "El Madi" from Noura Mint Seymali, "Khadadaa" by Namgar, and "San Kuily" by Alif Naaba. There are thirteen different artists presented here. Twelve of the tracks are previously unreleased, but the result is far from ho-hum. Every track is diverse, upbeat, and catchy. Great stuff! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ali Bello's Venezuela Tunings On 'Connection Caracas-New York'

Ali Bello
Connection Caracas-New York
Zoho

Venezuelan-born and New York-based, Ali Bello is a talented violinist with youthful vigor and jazzy undertones. The Latin-themed recording is rich with jazz elements and Latin American percussion. The violin displays are on par with Ruben Blades' Panamanian ensembles. The mix of classical, folk, jazz, roots, and Latin genres are very compelling and enthralling. However, vocals are not present on this album. The nine tracks contain piano, guitars, violins, sax, bass, drums, maracas, percussion, and other instruments, which make the album shine with Latin delight. One need not venture too far from Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Venezuelan roots here. Anyone with an interest in violin music with added percussion and world fusion elements will find a connection with Ali Bello's latest release from Zoho Music. ~ Matthew Forss

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: Pablo Ziegler & Metropole Orkest's 'Amsterdam Meets New Tango'

Pablo Ziegler & Metropole Orkest
Amsterdam Meets New Tango
Zoho

A contemporary in the world of Argentinian music, Pablo Ziegler melds tango music, classical, and folk traditions with music from The Netherlands--thanks to Metropole Orkest. Pablo is a talented pianist that includes luminaries, such as Quique Sinesi on guitar, Walther Castro on bandoneon, and percussionist, Quintino Cinalli. The instrumental ensemble is backed with the talented orchestrations and classical-themed medleys of Metropole Orkest. There are nine long tracks that shimmer with fiery jazz-lines, cinematic washes of symphonic beauty, and edgy melodies that inspire and entertain. There are slower jazz melodies and rhythms, along with more energetic displays of musicianship that is anything but boring. The lively bandoneon and emotive strings are classic, yet modern. Anyone looking for new tango music with a jazzy, classical, and symphonic edge, then Amsterdam Meets New Tango is highly recommended. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: David Newman & Krishna Venkatesh's 'Re-Bliss: Stars Revisited'

David Newman & Krishna Venkatesh
Re-Bliss: Stars Revisited
White Swan Records

David Newman, also known as Durga Das, is a talented kirtan chant artist from Philadelphia. Krishna Venkatesh is a New York-based composer, producer, yoga teacher, and former electronic band member for Think Tree. Relying on a mix of funk, jazz, and eclectic electronic music that is driven by the soul and an inner bliss, Krishna adds a variety of groovy textures to the new album. David adds vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion. The eight long tracks are inspirational, relaxing, and meditative with a steady melody and trip-hop/jazz-inspired embellishments. The contemporary compositions combine a bit of dance grooves, electronic music, and blissful adventures that are catchy and void of faults. The duo showcase what really can be done when two blissful hearts come together and play music with a deeply meditative groove. Now is the time to bliss yourself. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Oli Rockberger's 'Old Habits'

Oli Rockberger
Old Habits
Oli Road Records

The moving and pleasant musical concoctions of New York-based singer, songwriter, producer, keyboardist, and arranger are cleverly showcased on Oli's sophomore release, Old Habits. The vocals are indicative of John Mayer, but the musical structure is more mature and jazzy than typical rock or pop music. The jazz, blues, gospel, and roots musical influences are highly developed and a pleasure to experience. The piano and harmonica add a jazzy addition to the music, along with bass, drums, keyboards, and the beautifully-executed Fender Rhodes embellishments. There are ten tracks in all, but "Never Grow Old" is repeated twice--once as a vocal track and the other as an instrumental reprise. The breezy opener, "Live A Lie," is a great tune with brushy percussion, sparkling electronic tones, and rippling bass lines. The entire album is marked with lush melodies, plaintive piano, light percussion, infectious grooves, and moving rhythms that are littered with musical goodness. Nothing is left out here. Old Habits is a new album that will never get old with each listen. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: The Mickey Finns' 'Prayers and Idle Chatter'

The Mickey Finns
Prayers and Idle Chatter
Mankeltray Music

The Celtically-inspired gospel, punk, bluegrass, and folk collective, The Mickey Finns, creates an inspirational, upbeat, and refreshing album of excellent music. The opener, "Return of The Prodigal Son," is an energetic gospel-bluegrass tune with Celtic fiddle and guitar work. The seasoned vocals make the song shine with Celtic pride. "Tanks and Barbed Wire" is a slower tune with fiddle, percussion, and guitar. "The Jester" is a playful tune with lively strings, percussion, guitar, and plucked instruments. The vocals are good and the melody is upbeat and classy. The Celtic-bluegrass connection is not that far away here. "Be Minor" is an upbeat instrumental track with bass, fiddle, percussion, and jiggy guitar. The music is contemporary, but not electronic or dance-laden in that regard. However, a little toe-tapping is expected, along with some head-nodding. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Celtic music with an ear for bluegrass, gospel, punk, and folk idioms will love The Mickey Finns. I give it a 5 out of 5. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Elijah Tucker's 'Saturn'

Elijah Tucker
Saturn
Self-Release

The Washington, DC-raised and Brooklyn, NY-based singer and guitarist, Elijah Tucker, releases a groovy set of bluesy, jazzy, and rock-pop songs. The contemporary wanderings are rooted in folk styles without going into a sort of dance, electronic, or hard rock path. The bluesy, funked up "Crazy Things," is a gritty, blurby guitar tune that contains wailing horns and reverberating B3 sounds. "If I Only Had A Brain" is a slow, bluesy tune that pays homage to the tune with the same name from The Wizard Of Oz film. "Gimme Gimme" is throwback to the 1950s or 60s with hand-clap percussion and rootsy guitar with a few sparkling piano notes. The tune would be a perfect fit for the 1998 film, That Thing You Do. "O Pain! Piano" is a piano, guitar and percussion-driven bluesy tune with a little Owsley, Beatles, and Oasis thrown in. Saturn is a little bluesy, jazzy, folksy, and rock-inspired. There is nothing wrong with this release. It may be a cliche, but Saturn is really out of this world--in a down home bluesy sort of way. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Analog Players Society's 'Hurricane Season In Brooklyn'

Analog Players Society
Hurricane Season In Brooklyn
Studio Brooklyn

The Brooklyn-based Analog Players Society shake up the music scene with loads of thick grooves and funky, instrumental rhythms that throw in jazz, soul, pop, and dance. The opener, "Free," is wholly instrumental and loaded with Afro-jazz hooks and funky melodies. "Hurricane Season In Brooklyn" is a jazzy medley with scat vocals and a percussive background and a spacious keyboard nuances. "Let The Music Play" is an instrumental gem with piano, percussion, and reggae-type beat without a noticeable African vein. The soulful, female vocals on "I Can't Wait" is a classic throwback to the 1970s, but it is decidedly modern in feel and tone. "Just A Day" continues the classic, funky, soul tune with great vocals. Anyone with an interest in groovy, Afro-inspired, jazz tunes will love the Analog Players Society. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Orient Noir'

Various Artists
Orient Noir
Piranha

This fourteen-track release represents the collective efforts of music curator and collector, Dr. Bertram Nickolay. The musical tapestry of the album traverses the Mediterranean, North African region, and the Middle East. Several notable artists are involved in this project, including Watcha Clan, Bi Kidude Baraka, Mahmoud Fadl, Susan Sandler, Ihsan Al-Mounzer, Maurice El-Medioni, The Klezmatics, Emil Zrihan, and others. The music is joyous, boisterous, and classical with touches of strings, percussion, and chaabi dance music and swirling melodies. There are also elements of gypsy, klezmer, jazz, and improvisation throughout. The mix of styles is not a negative, as each song is something different, but always engaging. Listen to the music of Serbia, Jerusalem, NY, Lebanon, Egypt, Zanzibar, France, and elsewhere. Vocals are in Arabic, French, Hebrew, Ladino, and Swahili. This is a great compilation from the Orient. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Bree Rose's 'Breakthrough'

Bree Rose
Breakthrough
Iafelice Publishing

The New Jersey-based power punk singer, Bree Rose, is tearing up the charts with a voice that is nothing unlike the talents of Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, and Kelly Clarkson. Despite obvious vocal characterizations, Bree Rose is a singer and guitarist with a different type of music and vision. The new music is clearly pop-driven, but there is a good amount of power punk thrown in for a little angst. However, the music is largely contemporary with some electronic embellishments and dance rhythms. "Hands Up" is a dance song with power punk elements, electronic infusions, and crystal clear vocals. "Breakthrough" showcases a bit of power rock elements with Avril-esque vocals and upbeat rhythms. "Wake Of Our Reckoning" is a power ballad with rumbling guitars, electronic echoes, and pop vocals. "Just Until You Bleed" begins with a little piano accompaniment and breathy, angelic vocals amidst a string-infused, electronic brew of musical ingeniousness. A bit of power rock music ends the song. "I'm Not Afraid" opens with an orchestral and electronic introduction that quickly delves into a power punk ballad with static-driven guitars. Breakthrough is a work of pure power punk beauty. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble's 2-CD 'East And West'

Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble
East And West [2-CD]
Self-Release

The Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble brings us an exciting 2-CD set of Sephardic music with lively instrumentals and joyous vocals. The Ladino qualities are inherent throughout, but there is a good deal of Mediterranean, Greek, and Arab musical influences contained throughout both CDs. Both CDs contain identical songs in identical order, but the first CD contains vocals by Ljuba Davis, while the second CD contains one vocal track by Avram Pengas. The group consists of Ljuba Davis on vocals, Avram Pengas on vocals and bouzouki, Rachid Halihal on oud, Nadav Lev on Spanish guitar, Ossama Farouk on hand percussion, and Marty Confurius on string bass. The rousing group is very fun to listen to and steeped in Ladino glory. This is music for the Klezmer, Jewish, Ladino, and Mediterranean music fan! ~ Matthew Forss