CD Review: Sonido Gallo Negro's 'Sendero Mistico'

Sonido Gallo Negro
Sendero Mistico
Glitterbeat

Mexico's engaging and psych-inducing ensemble, Sonido Gallo Negro, brings the sounds of the 1970's alive with cumbia-infused beats, boogaloo, chicha, huayno, and other styles in an action-packed, Farfisa organ-soaked delight of musical exploration in a contemporary context. The mostly instrumental tunes are littered with psych references that contain electric guitars, flowing rhythms, indigenous percussion, and electronic samples. The head-bobbing music is ripe with cumiba sounds and instrumental riffs that strike the soul with such a powerful chord that nothing is impossible for these guys. This is psych-funk music at its best. Fans of Turkey's Hayvanlar Alemi will find similarities with Sonido's music. Overall, Sendero Mistico is a wild journey with danceable rhythms and great melodies that transcend a defined description. However, everyone will find happiness in the tunes of Sonido Gallo Negro. Get your psych-on today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Leslie DiNicola's 'Some Greener Yard'

Leslie DiNicola
Some Greener Yard
Self-Release

New York-based, Leslie DiNicola, brings us a set of five songs that display a poignant beauty the goes beyond simple vocals. Leslie's voice is a mix between Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin and Janis Joplin. "Stay" is a jaunty song with an upbeat folk and roots melody. "Weight" is a sauntering piano melody with a slow beat and progressive presence. "It's Alright" is a bluesy, roots-inspired voyage into the soul with reverberating organs, swishy percussion, and sweet vocals. "Shaky Wire" opens with a grungy guitar, bubbling organ sounds, and a classic folk-roots element resembling some of Shawn Colvin's earlier work. At any rate, Leslie knows how to evoke emotive works with words and musical arrangements. Every song is worthy of repeated listens. Life is greener in Leslie's yard. Push play now... ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba's 'Jama Ko'

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Jama Ko
Outhere Records

Mali's ngoni masters, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, bring us another amazing treat, Jama Ko. The ngoni lute, an instrument hailing from Mali, Africa, creates scintillating sounds that are kora-like. This is Afro-pop at its finest. There are featured artists, including Khaira Arby, Zoumana Tereta, Taj Mahal, Kasse Mady Diabate, and Amy Sacko. There are chilling male and female vocals that would win-over fans of Mali music without a doubt. Some of the songs are more upbeat and include organ, drums, and electric guitar. However, the majority of songs are steeped in the rich, cultural history of Malian music traditions in a contemporary format. Overall, the fine list of guests and engaging ngoni blues are something worth listening to. If you get a chance to see the group live, do not miss it. There is a limited, 2-LP release of this title, too. ~ Matthew Forss