CD Review: David Correa's 'New Moon'

David Correa
New Moon
BajaTSR Records

David Correa is a very talented Spanish guitar player from California with a knack for flamenco, rumba, and folk song structures over a fifty-minute medley of heavenly sounds in an instrumental arrangement. However, "Tierra Roja" is the only track with vocals, which are provided by David himself. The tunes are not just Spanish guitar tunes--they are complex creations of musical delight backed by a slew of instruments, including bass, palmas, drums, congas, bongo, cajon, darbuka, udu, timbale, violin, and other acoustic guitars. The Spanish guitar is the lead instrument on this album. The melodies ebb-and-flow with a calming influence throughout. The plaintive, yet up-beat musical tone is refreshing and relaxing. Fans of Matthew Montfort and Lawson Rollins will love David Correa's latest venture. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ola Fresca's 'Elixir'

Ola Fresca
Elixir
Pipiki Records

Cuban-American singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, Jose Conde, spices things up with a heady mix of Latin sounds and rhythms with his band, Ola Fresca. Steeped in a rich history of Cuban son, rumba, timba, salsa, Puerto Rican influences, and related styles, Elixir attempts to convey a tropical message of percussion-heavy, musical tunes. The nine energetic tracks are marked by great vocals, heavy percussion, sweeping piano, and traditional instrumentation for a truly magical experience. The Latin horns are equally enthralling and cement Ola Fresca's musical presence in Latin, Caribbean, and tropical genres. This is ideal for tropical, beach parties, lounging, weddings, or other special occasions. It is even suitable for lazy, unproductive days when you can't (or won't) do any chores! Available as a download, CD, or LP. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Domenico's 'Cine Prive'

Domenico
Cine Prive
Plug Research

Domenico's Brazilian and Italian heritage shine through on the contemporary and easy listening release, Cine Prive (Private Cinema). The sonic textures are rhythmic, nostalgic, bossa nova-inspired, and electronic without any worries of where the music can go. The music is littered with friendly little nuances that are blurby, dance-ready, trippy, and avant-garde to the hilt. The minimalist percussion and instrumentation is not a deterrent, as the vocals set the stage for engaging tracks and happy melodies that possess inner and outer beauty. The almost absurdist embellishments are relatively cohesive and pleasant throughout. This is one of the most exciting albums from Brazil I have ever come across. Own it today. Your ears will thank you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Staff Benda Bilili's 'Bouger Le Monde!'

Staff Benda Bilili
Bouger Le Monde!
Crammed

The paraplegic street musicians from Kinshasa, DRC, have once again charmed the world with another fine album, Bouger Le Monde!, which means, 'to move the world.' Staff Benda Bilili knows how to make the world move and shake their hips to the soukous rumba of the guitars, percussion, and vocals. The effort is also produced by Vincent Kenis (of Congotronics fame). The eleven tracks are energetic, percussion-heavy, and African-rich with loads of melodic sensibilities. The music contains bass, drums, guitars, and a satonge, which is a metal can with a metal string attached. The resulting sound resembles an electric guitar wail, but the sound is very earthy, but magical. The rickety rhythms and glorious vocals are outstanding and worthy of praise the world over. Get your bodies moving to the sounds of Staff Benda Bilili. They will change the world for the better. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ablaye Ndiaye Thiossane's 'Thiossane'

Ablaye Ndiaye Thiossane
Thiossane
Syllart

A singer in the 1950s in Senegal, Ablaye Ndiaye Thiossane finally records his first album for all of us to hear. Thiossane, which means, "all things related to tradition," is an album steeped in Latin rumba and Senegalese flavors that elicit danceable actions in all those within earshot of its entrancing melodies. A form of Cuba-lese music combines the rhythms and percussion of Cuba with the Afro-pop sounds of Senegalese uptempo jazz. At 74, Ablaye is a seasoned veteran when it comes to performing music. He is joined by a plethora popular performers, including Cheikhna Ndiaye, Thierno Kouate, Robert Lahoud, Cheick Tidiane Tall, Samba Laobe Ndiaye, Papa Noel, Muctar Wurrie, Lofti Benjeloun, Balla Sidibe, Medoune Diallo, Souleymane Faye, and others. Nine long tracks showcase the diversity and longevity of Ablaye's music. Fans of Senegalese music, Cuban music, and Afro-pop will love Thiossane. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga's 'Maisha Ni Matamu'

Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga
Maisha Ni Matamu
Virunga Records

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Samba Mapangala has since worked in Uganda, Kenya, and the USA. Samba's Orchestra know how to entertain smooth, hip-swaying guitar lines that echo the golden era of soukous music. The Latin-influenced and Caribbean-tinged compositions reflect Central Africa's historical link to the Caribbean and Latin American regions. The jazzy, "Zanzibar," features guest vocals from Tanzanian vocalist, Bi Kidude. Not only is the album sweet, the title even connotes that "life is sweet." The swaying rhythms of the vocal track, "Jirani," provides a luscious array of rumba/reggae melodies. The upbeat and jazzy "Nipigie Simu" is a writhing hit that inspires one to dance the night away and never look back. Despite the forty-minute length, the music is varied, danceable, and rhythmic. Not to mention, the music carries on the rumba, soukous, and Afro-Latin musical connections that have put central Africa on the map. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Niwel Tsumbu's 'S'All Vibrations'

Niwel Tsumbu
S'All Vibrations
Self-Release

Congolese-native and Ireland-based, Niwel Tsumbu, creates music with an Afrocentric base that is peppered with rumba, flamenco, and jazz, and seasoned with a dash of soukous. Singing mainly in Lingala, English, and French, Niwel transforms Congolese classics and original compositions on guitar and percussion. The music is generally very energetic and steeped in African musical traditions. Niwel is very accessible to listeners of contemporary African music. Moreover, the rumba elements will excite the Latin and flamenco listeners. As with many soukous songs, the length typically runs 5 or more minutes--and this is exactly the case with Niwel. There are lighter moments that are more reflective, such as "Freezing Cold." Perhaps the fastest song on the album might be "Heartbeat," which is a funky, groove-ladened romp into the Central African abyss. The music is diverse enough to be enjoyed by any African music fan. Niwel is top-notch all the way! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Damjan Krajacic's 'Glide'

Damjan Krajacic
Glide
RoundTone Records

Zagreb-born and L.A.-based, Damjan Krajacic knows how to play the flute and create wonderful Afro-Cuban rumba, Latin-jazz, and nostalgic, downtempo lounge music. Damjan's vocals and flute are accompanied by piano, fender rhodes, congas, bass, drums, and assorted percussion. However, a majority of the music is instrumental. The fluttering flute melodies, spicy percussion, and punchy piano sounds make Glide stand out from the crowd. You will hear sounds from Cuba, Brazil, Caribbean, and America. If you are interested in jazz, samba, Latin music, and rumba styles thrown into an experimental mix of aural colors, then Glide is right for you. Perhaps the only musical element indicative of Damjan's Croatian past is the piano. The jazzy nuances and tender melodies are ideal for fans of jazz and world music. Let Damjan take you on a journey where you glide effortlessly through the musical styles created by his mind and body. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pistolera's 'El Desierto y La Ciudad'

Pistolera

El Desierto y La Ciudad

Luchadora

The Mexican-American repertoire of Pistolera is largely relegated to the alternative folk, rock, and ballad genres. Band leader and songwriter, Sandra Velasquez, performs songs with the clear artistic vision of Lila Downs and the dark grittiness of Germany's Ersatzmusika. Though seemingly disparate comparisons, Pistolera and Ersatzmusika contain the similar gritty guitars, deep bass, and accordion. However, Pistolera is still full of lively Latin-tinged percussion and dance ballads with all of the finesse of an elite songstress. Of course, there are more energetic, urban tracks, such as "Escucha," "Todo Se Cae," and "Ponle Frenos." The blaring horns, lively percussion, excellent vocals, and Latin mystique, serve as a wonderful mix of music bridging two countries together. If what you seek are some great tunes in the vein of Think of One, Lila Downs, and Erstazmusika, then Pistolera will please you beyond belief. Spanish vocals and some song descriptions are included in Spanish. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The 'Spirit' of Lawson Rollins' Espirito

Lawson Rollins

Espirito

Infinita Records

The fiery sounds of jazzy-flamenco guitar stylings and Latin/Caribbean rhythms make Espirito all the more enjoyable. Guitarist Lawon Rollins is joined by Shahin Shahida and the producer for Ottmar Liebert, Dominic Camardella. The outstanding musical accompaniment of Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Kayhan Kalhor, Charlie Bisharat, and Horacio El Negro Hernandez completes a truly 'world music' journey across styles, countries, and sounds. Vocalist Flora Purim adds a tropical, rumba-esque feel to the album. There is classic flamenco, bossa nova, jazz, tango, gypsy, and lounge elements throughout. The intrinsic musical abilities of all involved shine through on every track. 'Santa Lucia Waltz' is an especially endearing and moving instrumental piece. Though not a negative in my book, the instrumental tracks are somewhat reminiscient of the older music for the local forecasts on The Weather Channel. Still, Lawson and company brings a refreshing outlook to new guitar-centered music. Espirito is an album made with all the right ingredients for a delicious result. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Salsoul Songstress Cecilia Noel

Cecilia Noel
A Gozar! (To Enjoy)
Compass Records

A Peruvian-native, Cecilia Noel creates an energetic salsa and soul music that warrants a new term, "salsoul", which Cecilia coined. An obvious nod to Cuban and Latin music rumba, jazz, funk, and African elements permeates her musical creations. Most of A Gozar! is sung in Spanish, though English lyrics make a few short appearances. This is a highly danceable album best enjoyed with your favorite dance partner. The lively percussion, brass band section, and vocals section, is salsa performed in a slighty more aggressive style than the more familiar light-hearted, romantic-styled salsa. It is easy to imagine Cecilia Noel dancing around while singing these infectious tracks. The liner notes do not contain song lyrics, but song personnel are included. If you want to heat up your day, play a little A Gozar! and dance the night (and day) away. ~ Matthew Forss