CD Review: Rocky Dawuni's 'Branches Of The Same Tree'

Rocky Dawuni
Branches Of The Same Tree
Cumbancha

Ghanaian-native and LA-based, Rocky Dawuni brings a rousing mix of Afro-roots and reggae-based grooves to the forefront on Branches Of The Same Tree. The English vocals and great backup vocalizations make the songs very lively. However, the drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards played in a staccato pattern is the real prize here. "Black Star" features edgier guest vocals from Samini. There is even some electric guitar sounds that fuse a little rock n roll to the reggae beat. The pleasant and island-friendly tune, "Island Girl," is more of an acoustic song with earthy ukulele and catchy melodies. Of course, fans of Bob Marley will be enamored, as well as contemporary listeners of reggae music. This is jah-st a beautiful album! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jenn Summers' 'When Life Gives You Lemons'

Jenn Summers
When Life Gives You Lemons
Self-Release

New York-born Jenn Summers is the next big thing to hit the airwaves with pop-driven compositions that contain a little R&B, ukulele, and roots music. Jenn's vocal calisthenics are reminiscent of Michelle Branch and Colbie Caillat. "Blue Velveteen" begins the musical set-up with sparkling vocals, pop-driven guitars, and catchy melodies that can only come from a genius like Jenn. "Get Better" contains lively, almost soukous-driven guitars that are not African in origin, but American-inspired roots elements combine with a little folk and island flavor. "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make L.O.V.E." adds some ukulele and handclaps to the mix with Jenn's soulful voice that harkens the playfulness of American pop songs from the 50s or 60s. "This Side Of Free" and "Wake Me Up" are roots-driven, pop concoctions that possess a flavor that is more rock-influenced than folk. Yet, Jenn's harmonic vocal lines and drum-kit percussion lead the way with melodic structures and youthful exuberance in a somewhat Trish Murphy-esque way. "Don't Mind Me" is a classic throwback to the woodblock, piano, and rippling guitars of American pop standards from the 50s or 60s. Morever, the vocal "oohs" and "doos" solidify the classic musical vein. Overall, Jenn's new work is not only top-notch, but it rivals the power-pop impact of Michelle Branch's The Spirit Room (Maverick, 2001). When Life Gives You Lemons is the best new album to come out this year. It's not sour, but you may shed tears of joy. At any rate, you will not be disappointed. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Jake Shimabukuru's 'Gently Weeps'

Jake Shimabukuru

Gently Weeps

Hitchhike Records

The precursor to Jake Shimabukuru's 2009 Live, Gently Weeps is a 2006 studio production of ukulele with additional instruments including bass, drums, keyboards, steel guitar, electric guitar, and strings. The classic songs 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Ave Maria', 'Sakura', 'The Star Spangled Banner', 'Misty', and 'Spain' are all instrumental renditions. The other songs are original compositions and mostly instrumental. However, one vocal track exists of 'Wish On My Star'. The singer is Jennifer Perri. Jake's jazzy, up-tempo rhythms and precise playing abilities on the ukulele shine throughout. Gently Weeps can be a metaphor of swaying palm trees on a sandy ocean beach, or the tears running down listener's cheeks. In this case, they are tears of joy. Gently Weeps is an album of soulful, mournful, serene, and sometimes frenetic moments. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jake Shimabukuro and the Ukulele: Live!

Jake Shimabukuro

Live

Hitchhike Records

Hawaiian-born Japanese American, Jake Shimabukuru, is the new face of ukulele pop. Shed your hula skirts and straw hats and enjoy the ukulele maestro live and in concert. Jake performs original songs, as well as renditions of popular and classic songs, including the late-Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', J.S. Bach's 'No. 4 in D Minor', Chick Corea's 'Spain', and George Harrison's 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'. Jake inserts limited commentary on some of the songs and his rise to stardom on Youtube.com. Live culls solo performances of ukulele from Japan, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Colorado. This is not your typical sleepy, dreamy ukulele music. Jake plays the ukulele with such ferocity, virtuosity, and tenderness, that it stands in world all its own. The Japanese-tinged 'Sakura Sakura' is an attempt at playing the ukulele with the mastery and likeness of a thirteen-stringed Japanese koto. The entire album features an absence of musical instrumentation beyond the ukulele and sung vocals are nonexistent. All in all, Jake takes the beach out of the ukulele and replaces it with a concert hall. A great change indeed. ~ Matthew Forss