CD Review: Ajoyo's Self-Titled Release

Ajoyo
Ajoyo
Ropeadope

The heady grooves and rhythms of Ajoyo's West African, jazz, and afro-beat inspired music with roots in Cameroon, Tunisia, France, and beyond. Spearheaded by Yacine Boulares with lead vocals coming from Sarah Elizabeth Charles and other vocals by Linton Smith and Alon Albagli. The rhythms and textures are created with the piano, rhodes, organ, percussion, bass, drums, sax, clarinet, udu, and others. The Cameroonian-influenced release is highly-contemporary and driven with diverse sounds and hypnotic lines that will keep anyone enthralled for a long time. Whether it is world jazz, bikutsi pop, afro-beat, or jam music, Ajoyo knows how to entertain us in creative ways without succumbing to pitfalls. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Karikatura's 'Eyes Wide'

Karikatura
Eyes Wide
Ropeadope

The New York City-based Karikatura produces a worldwide release of music inspired by many different countries and cultures. For example, there is nostalgic psych-funk inherent in "Someone," while a Balkan-Klezmer beat pervades "Brighton Beach" and a reggae beat percolates through "NYC Hustle." The band comprises of Ryan Acquaotta on lead vocals and percussion, Dima Kay on guitars, samples, back-up vocals, and glockenspeil, Eric Legaspi on bass, Morgan Greentstreet on drums, percussion, back-up vocals, and samples, Joe MF Wilson on sax and glockenspiel, and Ric Becker on trombone. Karikatura seems to capture different musical styles and make them their own. Where else could you find Zimbabwean chimurenga music and Klezmer music all on the same album? Eyes Wide is meant to open one's eyes and hearts to other musical styles and cultures. Karikatura still retains a unique voice amid all the influences and instruments. Everyone should check out Karikatura. ~ Matthew Forss