CD Review: Brian Larney's 'At The Starting Line'

Brian Larney
At The Starting Line
Nunya Records

Connecticut-based singer, guitarist, and composer, Brian Larney, takes the spotlight on At The Starting Line. The folk music-based material contains a bit of Southern rock, contemporary pop, and nostalgic Americana. The eleven song release contains catchy melodies and rhythmic textures that are pure pop gold. The pop/rock anthem, "Closed Door," is a perfect song with a little Southern rock influences and lush harmonies. "Solace" is a little classic ditty with jangly guitars and an uppity tune that is highly-reminiscent of the late-Owsley. "Never Argue With The Devil" opens with jingly guitar lines and soft vocals in the vein of Fountains Of Wayne and the late-Owsley. "You Me And Allison" is an upbeat, jingly, pop-focused tune with swishy percussion and full guitar sounds. The classic folk tunes are more rock-inspired than folk, but there is an element of nostalgia inherent in similar songs from America's folk explosion in 1960's and 70's. Still, Brian puts a more modern spin on the music with a little Southern rock and contemporary folk. Each song gives us something to remember and that is definitely a positive quality. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Kareyce Fotso's 'Kwegne'

Kareyce Fotso
Kwegne
Contre-Jour

Cameroonian, Kareyce Fotso, is a talented singer and guitarist to emerge out of west-central Africa. "So'A" is a guitar and vocal song that begins the album. The song possesses a heartfelt, yearning quality throughout. "Peu Be" adds a little more instrumentation with the berimbau, calabash, and sikko creating a more robust sound quality, while still remaining traditional. The lack of rock guitar additions or electronic musical mixtures is not necessary to create outstanding, African music. In this case, Kareyce creates emotive songs using nothing more than simple percussion and a guitar. Kareyce's voice is a thing of beauty. In a similar manner, Kareyce's voice is not too far off from Mali's Rokia Traore. Overall, Kwegne is a great, contemporary Cameroonian release of auditory happiness. In addition, liner notes contain information and/or lyrics for most of the eleven songs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Burundi's Steven Sogo

Steven Sogo

Il est beau mon pays (It Is Beautiful, My Country)

Fidjo Music

Burundi's Steven Sogo is a premier singer/guitarist with an ear for great-sounding music and a clear, creative vision that does not disappoint. All eight songs are sung in Kirundi, Swahili, and French. The overall feel of the album is not particularly traditional or overly-polished. There are hints of African percussion, but for the most part, Steven's guitar and vocals convey a primarily Afro-pop tone indicative of Mauritania's Daby Toure. The Afro-pop-French connection is very much alive here. The relatively simplistic instrumentation does not detract in any way from the catchy tunes. Not only is Steven's country 'beautiful', but his music can be described in the exact same manner. This is the best Burundi has to offer. Anyone interested in Central and Eastern African guitar music should find Steven Sogo to be a welcome addition to any collection. ~ Matthew Forss