CD Review: Ailie Robertson's 'Little Lights'

Ailie Robertson
Little Lights
Lorimer Records

Scottish harpist, Ailie Robertson, is joined by Natalie Haas on cello and Tim Edey on guitar and accordion for a truly folk-riddled album of instrumental magnificence. The bouncy melodies are spritely and imaginative with great sounds all around. There are eleven tracks in all with many songs arranged in jig or waltz-like orientations. For instance, some of the songs have two titles side by side, which relate to the different tones and progressions characteristic of instrumental folk music from Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It is nice the album is not too short (46:46) either. Fans of instrumental harps and koras, along with roots, folk, and fusion interests, will love Ailie Robertson's new release. It's a little album with a big impact. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Baka Beyond's 'After The Tempest'

Baka Beyond
After The Tempest
March Hare Music

The Afro-Celtic band, Baka Beyond, grew out of a collaboration with the Baka of Cameroon with the musical styles of the Caribbean, Europe folk, and Afro-pop. The bubbly reggae-infused, "Heart Of The Night," is a perfect track for lounging. There are also Irish lullabies, Baka traditional songs, and Shakespeare-inspired compositions. The theatrical songs are full of life and quite varied. All of this success is owed to the instrumentalists and vocalists, including Martin Cradick on guitar, Su Hart on vocals, Kibisingo Douglas on bass guitar, Ayodele Scott on percussion, Paddy Le Mercier on violin, Clyde Kramer on drums, Ellie Jamison on vocals, and Molara on vocals. The uppity sound of "Mosumana Colle" is especially intriguing and friendly with vibrant percussion, lush vocals, and a Congolese-like guitar rhythm. After two decades of bringing Baka music to the world, Baka Beyond still has what it takes to keep listeners listening. Importantly, all royalties owed to the Baka musicians to to them via the Global Music Exchange (www.1heart.org). ~ Matthew Forss