CD Review: Tom Teasley's 'Dreams Of India'

Tom Teasley
Dreams Of India
T & T Music

The DC-area percussion king, Tom Teasley, pounds out beat after beat of incredible instrumental mastery incorporating world percussion and some contemporary electronic embellishments on his latest release, Dreams Of India. The pulsating tracks showcase diverse percussive stylings produced by instruments such as doumbek, alto melodica, tabla, konnakol, bamboo flute, wavedrum, cajon, udu, hang, glockenspiel, cymbal, shakers, kalimba, riq, snare, kanjira, bodhran, and a few others. The mix of wind instruments and percussion instruments provides a great balance between light, dreamy sounds and heavier percussive beats. Still, the music is never over-produced and the sounds are a mix of fusion, new age, and jazz. Yes, there are South Asian influences, but there is also an experimental vein bringing in North American styles to a point. Tom's vocal scat is another percussive instrument that is utilized on a few tracks. Overall, there are cinematic moments, dreamy qualities, and entrancing tunes that are both nostalgic and contemporary. Dreams Of India is the best dream anyone can have! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Therianthrope's Self-Titled Release

Therianthrope
Therianthrope
Avaaz Records

They call it Indian surf music, which is an appropriate term after a few short listens to the new album, Therianthrope. The music is produced by a talented world music fusion quintet based in the San Diego area. The group plays guitars, tabla, and assorted percussion. The music flows effortlessly through sound and ocean waves with such ease and melancholy that every song is unforgettable. The instrumental tunes are soft and supple and frenzied in other parts. However, the result is the same: every song is amazing. The songs are even imaginatively-titled, including "Eight-Dollar Watermelon," "Wolfman Vs. You," "Canary In A Bitcoin Mine," "Am I A Merman," and "Unicorn Tranquilizer." The songs are not psychedelic with electronic embellishments and endless dance beats. Instead, the instrumentation is rather clear, dreamy, rhythmic, and fusion-inspired with a good degree of improvisational qualities. Everyone should like this one. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nadaka & Gopika's 'Surya'

Nadaka & Gopika
Surya
Raga Mantra

Nadaka & Gopika's newest release, Surya, contains beautiful, contemplative, and aural-friendly vedic mantras with the light and energy of the sun the primary focus here. The instrumental tunes contain some of Gopika's Indian vocals, but Nadaka's raga guitar, guitar synth, and added vocals add an avant-garde and experimental element to the mix. The duo are joined by tabla, violin, percussion, and sampling on most of the tracks. There is a transcendental quality to the sound that creates a sense of deeper calm and new age spiritualism. The South Asian and Sanskirt-soaked album is meditative enough to be wanted by yoga fanatics and world fusion fans everywhere. There are eight total tracks that range from four to nine minutes in length. There are some electronic subtleties that remind us of the modern era; but nothing is too overdone or overt here. Experience inner and outer light with Surya. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Quraishi's 'Mountain Melodies'

Quraishi
Mountain Melodies
Evergreene Music

Quraishi is a New York City-based and Afghan-born rubab player with a penchant for reviving traditional Afghan music with a classical and courtly edge. The entire album is instrumental and contains a minimal mix of traditional instruments comprised of rubab, tabla, and dhol. There is a classical, Hindustani connection with Afghan music and that is evident throughout the album. There are only nine tracks, but the scintillating strings, thumping dhol and tabla, and overall melodies are worthy of repeated listens. The music does not contain electronic effects or guitars. Essentially, this is true Afghan folk music that celebrates Afghanistan's national instrument as the album's chief sound. Fans of traditional Afghan music will love its nostalgic simplicity. Furthermore, anyone with an interest in the music of Central Asia will appreciate the beautiful and serene musical qualities. Great job. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jalilah's Raks Sharki's 'Stagecuts'

Jalilah's Raks Sharki
Stagecuts
Piranha

Jalilah's Raks Sharki is part of an oriental dance series in sixteen tracks or 'stagecuts', which highlight the best dance form influenced by Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey. The instrumental tracks are orchestral, full of percussion, and loads of danceable rhythms in every tempo imaginable. The group is spearheaded by Jalilah (AKA Lorraine Zamora Chamas), Mokhtar Al-Said, Hossam Shaker, and Ihsan Al-Mounzer. There are doumbek solos and tabla showcases, which will blow you away. The incredible musicianship is heartily apparent after the first few sounds on the first track. The entire project contains tracks pulled from six previous albums. Stagecuts does not have lengthy dance tracks, which were something rather commonplace years ago. Instead, the tracks are mostly four to five minutes long. Anyone interested in bellydance, Middle Eastern and African percussion, and Hossam Ramzy will love Stagecuts. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ferenc's 'Gypsy Dream'

Ferenc
Gypsy Dream
Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings

Classically-trained and world famous, Ferenc is a violinist with a gypsy soul and a fusion touch. The instrumental recording brings together acoustic guitar, violin, piano, acoustic bass, tambura, tabla, viola, percussion, and violincello for a somewhat jazzy, gypsy, and flamenco-tinged result. Ferenc's violin is rather folksy and energetic, but always emotive. The music ebbs and flows with such a musical intensity that it is difficult to ignore for any length of time. The music is jazz-based with a folklore foundation bridging Ferenc's Hungarian roots with the classical world in a jazz setting. The flowing piano melodies are appropriately-accompanied by skillful percussion sections and a medley of strings, guitars, and acoustic presence. Fans of instrumental gypsy music with a world fusion, jazz, and folk backbone will definitely find happiness in the tracks of Gypsy Dream. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nistha Raj's 'Exit 1'

Nistha Raj
Exit 1
Self-Release

A distinguished performer of Hindustani Classical and Western Classical violin in the Washington, DC-area, by way of Texas, Nistha Raj connects with her Indian roots, but includes a twist: vocal beatboxing, upright bass, piano, and drums. The edgy, innovative, and clearly awe-inspiring tunes are Indian fusion at its best. There is a jazzy feel with the bass, piano, and violin, but the Indian connection is channeled through raga cycles, tabla, and somewhat rustic, earthy tone of the violin. The somber, "Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai," is an instrumental ballad with organic violin, pensive piano, and light drum accompaniment. In contrast, "The River," embodies the innovative Indian instrumental spirit with punctual violin melodies, rhythmic percussion, and luscious drones. There are upbeat and plaintive moments throughout. However, the South Asian instrumental arrangements are creative and fresh. Nistha knocks this one into another dimension and it definitely 'beats' the competition. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: EarthRise SoundSystem's 'Rock Beats Paper'

EarthRise SoundSystem
Rock Beats Paper
Yoga Organix

EarthRise SoundSystem is David Schommer and Derek Beres' brainchild that includes a slew of talented guest artists that know how to create percussive, urban, and dance grooves incorporating world melodies and sounds. You will hear the music of Srikala, Davi Vieira, Lucy Woodward, Camille Armstrong, Ramin Sakurai, Shahar Mintz, Marti Nikko, Dave Eggar, Go-Ray, Renata Youngblood, and many others. The upbeat tracks include Rhodes, tabla, horns, cello, violins, sitar, guitars, mandolin, kora, timbau, dulcimer, drums, electronic arrangements, and others. This is not a one-sided album with only one kind of musical beat. Moreover, there are South American, Caribbean, South Asian, and American influences throughout. This is a percussive dreamscape with engaging vocals and instrumentation. Anyone seeking a truly global musical concoction will find it here on Rock Beats Paper. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Shujaat Khan/Abhiman Kaushal/Katayou Goudarzi/Ajay Prasanna's 'Spring'

Khan/Goudarzi/Kaushal/Prasanna
Spring [2-CD]
Self-Release

The two-disc set, Spring, is a combination of Persian vocals and Indian instrumentation that promises to be an adventurous and mesmerizing ride. Both discs contain the same musicians with their respective instruments and vocals. Shujaat Husain Khan plays sitar and provides vocals, Ajay Prasanna plays flute, Katayoun Goudarzi provides vocals, and Abhiman Kaushal plays tabla. The music combines Persian vocals, Indian melodies, and South Asian rhythms that are fresh and classical. Each disc contains five different songs that follow the same musical influences. The instrumental portions are very dreamy, engaging, and vibrant. You can almost smell the incense in the air when the tracks resound with blissful notes of heaven. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bombay Dub Orchestra's 'Tales From The Grand Bazaar'

Bombay Dub Orchestra
Tales From The Grand Bazaar
Six Degrees

The Bombay Dub Orchestra is project of composers Garry Hughes and Andrew T. Mackay. The nine track release contains a plethora of instruments, including sitar, sarangi, bansuri, qanun, baglama, oud, strings, synth, keys, table, santoor, sarod, French horn, guitars, cello, kalimba, harpsichord, and others. The music ambulates along with many instruments shining and glimmering with sparkling tones, filmic undertones, and traditional elements. The music is contemporary with floating vocals used at times. The music is very dreamy and instrumental with a strong Indian presence, but filmic ambiance, too. The music is slightly electronic with some dance elements, but this is primarily a groovy album with atmospheric washes, cultural instruments, and a sonic beat. Fans of Six Degrees albums will love it and anyone with a passion for Indian fusion. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gao Hong's 'Quiet Forest, Flowing Stream'

Gao Hong
Quiet Forest, Flowing Stream
Innova

Pipa master, Gao Hong, is a Chinese lute player with a knack for creating beautiful melodies and scintillating songs. On Quiet Forest, Flowing Stream, Gao enlists the help of acclaimed-veena player and vocalist, Nirmala Rajasekar, Michelle Kinney on cello, Biplab Bhattacharya on table, David Hagedorn on percussion, Shubhendra Rao on sitar, Joseph Schad on piano, and Kenny Endo on taiko drum. The galloping melodies are steeped in an Indo-China medley of song elements that work quite well together. The instrumental work is full of spritely melodies that represent a little Inner Asian influences, such as Mongolian folk songs. There are some vocals on "Butterfly" and "Celebration," but they are primarily used for an aural accompaniment. Fans of South Asian, Chinese, and Central Asian folk music should add Gao Hong to their collection. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Marya Stark's 'The Garden'

Marya Stark
The Garden
Self-Release

The sweet and melodic songs of Marya Stark are steeped in classicism, theatre, avant-garde, alternative pop, and new age concoctions. Marya's vocals are rather soothing with some influence from Sheila Chandra, Squonk Opera, and Katie Melua. There are symphonic arrangements that incorporate cello, bass, viola, tabla, bansuri, sax, violin, accordion, clarinet, and keyboards. The music is not in one specific genre, but it seems to ebb-and-flow through a variety of genres, which arrive in a cohesive, swirling, and addictive form of musical expression. Thirteen songs represent the breadth of The Garden. Borrowing some down-tempo arrangements and vocals indicative of Alpha, Marya still retains a sense of personality that is quite unique and refreshing. In essence, Marya knows how to create evocative tunes and compelling melodies that are unforgettable. Anyone into world fusion, new age, neo-classical, and theatrical music will adore Marya Stark's new release, The Garden. Great music begins in The Garden. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: ArHai's 'Eastern Roads'

ArHai
Eastern Roads
Balkanworlds Records

ArHai began with Jovana Backovic, a vocalist, keyboardist, and programmer from Serbia. Her bandmate, Adrian Lever, is a tambura player, guitarist, pianist, and double bass player on the album. The duo enlist the help of additional instrumentalists, including tabla, percussion, electric bass, and vocals. The music is folktronic with a good amount of world fusion ranging from South Asian to Scandinavian influences, but Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions are not too distant either. The background vocals on some tracks are reminiscent of Enigma-type tracks. However, this is not a dance album. Still, there are some 'danceable' tracks that are very moving. If contemporary folk music is what you are after, then ArHai serves it up deliciously. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Annbjorg Lien's 'Khoom Loy'

Annbjorg Lien
Khoom Loy
Compass Records

As a Norwegian fiddler and traditional musician, Annbjorg Lien has enthralled listeners throughout the world for years. Khoom Loy, which is Thai for 'Paper Lanterns,' is a fun romp throughout the Scandinavian and Celtic fiddling worlds with lively nyckelharpa, guitar, zither, banjo, pedal steel, B3, mellotron, bass, assorted percussion, and various brass. The songs are mostly instrumental, but Annbjorg's vocals on "Khoom Loy,'' suggest a strong folk influence. The jazzy, jam outro on "Natten" and "Needles Eye" are most akin to many of the Dave Matthews Band jam sessions with lively percussion, strings, and horns. The buzuq, bouzouki, tabla, sarod, and related instruments provide a Middle Eastern and South Asian element on "Den Storste Daarlighed" and "Til." There are spirited moments, contemplative melodies, and jazzy sounds that truly encapsulate the essence of world music today. Nothing is cheesy here. This is one of the best albums from Annbjorg's repertoire. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Edo & Jo's 'Kirtan Alive'

Edo & Jo
Kirtan Alive
Chai-Tunes

The Australian kirtan duo, Edo & Jo, brings us rousing, emotive, and inspirational devotional tunes inspired by yogic vibrations and universal harmony. Kirtan is a sacred, devotional expression of music and vocals that bring inner peace to souls around the world. In this case, kirtan is accomplished with Sanskrit vocals by Edo & Jo, along with flute, harmonium, ukulele, synthesizer, acoustic/electric guitar, and vibes. In addition, a fleet of Indian percussion, including tablas, dholaks, violins, manjiras, tombaks, mridangams, and darabukas accompany some of the songs. Kirtan is marked by repetitive vocal lines and rhythms, which is fairly evident on Kirtan Alive. The ecstatic union of sounds is very enthralling and addictive. Fans of kirtan, Hindu devotional music, yoga music, and inspirational music will love the kirtan wanderings of Edo & Jo. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Somali Party Southall'

Various Artists
Somali Party Southall
Keda

The UK-based Somali Party Southall release features the music of Abdulkarim Raas, Raj Kumar Lagoo, Nimco Degan, Mehboob Meghjee, Kuljit Bhamra, Al-Karim, Mohinder Kaur Bhamra, and Siciid Hussein. The UK-based musicians represent a Somali and Punjabi collective of musical styles ranging from jazz, pop, bhangra, and Bollywood playfulness. The instruments are varied and prevalent throughout the album. For instance, the bongos, tabla, dhol, oud, keyboards, violins, dholak, guitar, sax, clarinet, and flute play a large role in the instrumental arrangements. The vibrant beat and exciting vocals on "Ya Salam Ya Salam" is especially intriguing, because it contains a bit of bhangra, Bollywood, and East African influences. Nimco Degan stars as the lead singer on "Qalbigayga Lulayee." The final dance track is "Dholdrums," which features bhangra greatness on various drums and percussion without vocals. This is perfect for fans of UK bhangra or Punjabi music. Get your party started today with Somali Party Southall. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pandit Rajeev Taranath's 'Swar-Kalyan'

Pandit Rajeev Taranath
Swar-Kalyan
Navras

Swar-Kalyan is a live recording from two different locations: Raga Yaman Kalyan at the Theatre de la Ville in Paris in 2008 and Raga Mishra Kirwani and Raga Sindhu Bhairavi at the University of Oregon in 2003. Pandit Rajeev Taranath is a leading sarod player from India. The sarod is an unfretted string instrument with metal, plucked strings. Taranath is joined by tabla player, Abhiman Kaushal. The reflective, meditative, and captivating compositions are timeless, professional, and authentic. The music is raw, unplugged, and historical. This is perfect for relaxing, unwinding, and understanding the complexities of Hindustani music. A must-have for sarod fans. Liner notes are included for this instrumental, one-hour release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hariharan's 'Lahore Ke Rang, Hari Ke Sang'

Hariharan
Lahore Ke Rang, Hari Ke Sang
Sachal Music

Hariharan is a playback singer and composer of contemporary Hindi music who has won numerous awards for singing and songwriting. Born in Mumbai, Hariharan studied Carnatic music and later on, ghazals (love poems). On this release, Hariharan celebrates the music of Lahore, Pakistan. A few of the composers are included, such as Wazir Afzal, Nazar Hussain, and Qadir Shaggan. Lyricists include Amir Khusro, Bulleh Shah, Majeed Amjad, Hasrat Mohani, Mushtaq Soofi, Tajjamul, Adeen Taji, and Nasir Kazmi. The instrumentation is characteristically filmic; with symphonic strings, tabla, sitar, and floating vocals that coalesce into a wonderful musical medium. The contemporary arrangements should intrigue young and old alike. The ten tracks run almost one-hour in length. Buy it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ustad Fateh Ali Khan's 'Bandish: Classical Compositions Re-Interpreted'

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan
Bandish: Classical Compositions Re-Interpreted
Sachal Music

Born in Pakistan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan showcases his classical voice for eight different ragas that are re-interpreted with The Orchestra of the Great Musicians of Lahore. The raga compositions are similar in tone to Indian ragas. The instrumentation is similar, notably the sitar, table, dholak, mrdang, violin, santur, shehnai, mandolin, sarangi, sarod, viola, assorted percussion, and more contemporary instruments, including the Spanish guitar, keyboards, and bass guitar. The rich instrumentation and Ustad Fateh’s classic voice gives the music very high marks with limited outside influence. Specifically, the music may be re-interpreted, but it still retains its Punjabi charm. Every track is great. If you are into classical Punjabi or Indian music, then Bandish… is right for you! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists - 'Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova'

Various Artists
Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova
Sachal Music

The Pakistani and Indian contexts are mixed with jazz standards and South American bossa nova to create a rousing mix of mostly instrumental pieces. Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond's "Take Five" is a great, instrumental medley of South Asian proportions without losing any of its initial charm. "Desafinado" originally composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Newton Mendonca is brought to life in a laid-back, Bollywood sort of way. There is a fine sense of Brazilian charisma and ambiance throughout. Dave Grusin’s “Mountain Dance” is perfectly suited for the table and sitar. “Garota de Ipanema,” or “Girl From Ipanema,” is another Antonio Carlos Jobim track familiar to bossa nova fans everywhere. This is the first time it has been adapted for Indian music and the result is a winner. Producer Izzat Majeed does a fine job bringing together these original and jazzy standards for a new audience and culture. Fans of bossa nova and Indian music with a jazz undertone will love Sachal Music's latest addition. ~ Matthew Forss