CD Review: Batida's Self-Titled Release From Portugal and Angola

Batida
Batida
Soundway

The rousing beats of electronica are composed with an Angolan and Portuguese presence, which evokes classical rhythms and dance tunes with a dash of kizomba thrown in for good fun. The ten tracks feature a variety of beatmasters and vocalists, including MCK, Ciruito Feixado, Ikonoklasta, Beat Laden, Ngongo, and others. The twisting rhythms and hyper-percussive foundation is ideal for parties and urban celebrations. There are hints of cumbia and some soukous leanings, too. Fans of Portuguese and Angolan music will love Batida's carefree and contemporary dance forms. Available in CD, LP, and digital formats. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Edzayawa's 'Projection One'

Edzayawa
Projection One
Soundway

The Ghanaian funk of the 1970's is captured brilliantly on Edzayawa's first and only LP. The newly release CD and LP versions showcase a heady, contemporary mix of funk 'n' roll music with a nice vocal range throughout. The eight long tracks incorporate rhythms and styles from Ghana and Togo, which infuse less rock elements than other regional music. However, Edzayawa knows how to kick in the beats with rousing percussion and groovy bass lines. The psychedelic elements of reverberating B3's and steady, but languid guitar stylings, signify a great range of musical enjoyment. Despite the few tracks, the music is top-notch and a vital release for any funk, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and West African guitar fans infatuated with 1970's Africa. Step back in time with our friends, Edzayawa! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Funkees' 'Dancing Time: The Best Of Eastern Nigeria's Afro Rock Exponents 1973-77'

The Funkees
Dancing Time: The Best Of Nigeria's Afro Rock Exponents 1973-77
Soundway

Nigeria's premier funk music group, The Funkees, were purveyors of contemporary music and a formidable force for hey-day, Lagos-based bands, MonoMono and BLO. Eighteen happy grooves sweating with killer tunes selected by Miles Cleret from their two full-length albums and several 45s. The Funkees were also featured on Soundway's Nigeria Special and Nigeria Rock Special recordings within the last few years. The writhing and raw melodies are produced by some of the finest guitar work and percussion examples to come out of Nigeria in years. The extended instrumental pieces are especially evocative. The pulsating grooves and Nigerian styles are funk-driven, rock-driven, and percussion-laden. Fans of Joni Haastrup, Femi Kuti, Lijadu Sisters, Prince Nico Mbarga, MonoMono, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Sir Warrior and His Oriental Brothers, and Tirogo will probably already know about The Funkees. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sound of Siam - Leftfield Luk Thung, Jazz & Molam [1964-75]

Various Artists

The Sound of Siam - Leftfield Luk Thung, Jazz & Molam [1964-1975]

Soundway Records

The vinyl sounds of Thailand in the 1960's and 70's signaled a rise in various styles popularized in the cities and rural areas. The music of luk krung contains a longer running time than luk thung, or country music, and it is more instrumental. Molam is indigenous to the northeastern part of Thailand and it involves faster vocals, a mouth organ (khaen), a lute (phin), and a bowed violin (sor). Despite the fairly rudimentary classification, The Sounds of Siam... incorporate psychedelic guitars, groovy bass-lines, and hints of Latin or African influences. Many of the tracks are catchy, including "Lam Tung Wai", "Lam Toey Chaweewan", "Mae Kha Som Tam", and the instrumental hit "Soul Lam Plearn". The male and female vocals are passionate, funky, and never boring. The funk-ladened "Sao Lam Plearn" is very attractive. At any rate, the folks at Soundway Records have captured the musical pinnacle of Siam's yesteryear. Numerous obscure bands never-before-released outside southeast Asia are prizes for anyone into the psychedelic, funk-driven, folk music of Thailand. A detailed 24-page booklet includes music background and band/song information. The Sounds of Siam... put the fun in funk! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Soundway Records Sampler

Various Artists

Afro Tropical Soundz Vol. 1

Soundway

The funk-ladened sounds of the African continent and Afro-Caribbean regions are highlighted on this sampler. In fact, only tracks culled from a few of Soundways recording catalog are included. In short, this sampler is an excellent introduction into the pulsating sounds of the African diaspora from classic recordings. All the vocal songs were originally recorded in the 1960's through early 1980's. You will hear music from Colombia, Ghana, Panama, Nigeria, Benin and beyond. Eleven songs comprise the entire album, though it will leave you yearning for more. Despite it's length and repetition of two different tracks from the same full-length release, Afro Tropical Soundz Vol. 1 is a perfect addition to any collection of Afro-Caribbean and African funkadelica. ~ Matthew Forss