CD Review: 9Bach's 'Tincian'

9Bach
Tincian
Real World

Founded by singer Lisa Jen and guitarist Martin Hoyland, 9Bach takes the world by storm with inventive, contemporary Welsh music. The group's name is a play on words using the numeral "9" as "nain" and "bach" together to connote a cozy, warm frame of reference. Whether it is cozy, inviting, or infectious, 9Bach knows how to create meaningful sounds and melodies with equally-compelling vocals. The modern effort brings together folk, alternative, pop, and electronic elements to form a cohesive type of music that is memorable and refreshing. The diverse influences are what makes the music interesting and catchy. There is almost an ambient or new age feel to some of the songs. The Welsh vocals are unique and beautiful in the same manner. Some of the melodies are reminiscent of one of Hooverphonic's modern works. There are ten songs in all. There are no disappointments here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Juliane Jones' 'The Space Between The Telephone Lines'

Juliane Jones
The Space Between The Telephone Lines
Self-Release

New York-based singer, musician, and ethnomusicologist, Juliane Jones, brings us a unique set of songs that combine the poignancy and intimacy of French pop music with the folk and alternative melodies of Cantonese pop--ripe with Chinese and English vocals throughout. Juliane's pop-centered songs reflect a little Regina Spektor-meets-Faye Wong-and-Gigi Leung arrangement. The quirky, little songs are incredibly catchy from the opener, "Free This Mind," to the ballad-esque, "When You Sleep." It is rare every track on an album is great, but Juliane Jones succeeds without a hitch. "Wooden Horse" echoes with youthful brilliance, as the guitars reverberate and the roots-inspired keyboard combines with sparse drums and smooth bass wrapped around stellar Chinese vocals. "Hey Shadow" is a peppy little ditty that features a ukulele instrument that gives the song is happy feel. It is impossible to feel down when listening to this stuff. By the end of the album, you'll be craving some Chinese food and find yourself praising Juliane in Chinese with phrases such as: Hao ji le! (Excellent) and Wo hen xi huan Juliane! (I like Juliane very much!). Overall, Juliane is a fantastic singer and a fine addition to any world pop collection. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Catrin Finch/Seckou Keita's 'Clychau Dibon'

Catrin Finch/Seckou Keita
Clychau Dibon
Astar Artes Recordings

The Welsh harpist, Catrin Finch, joins forces with Senegal's kora master, Seckou Keita, for an unforgettable and instrumental journey devoted exclusively to string music. The West African kora culture meets the Welsh harp culture for truly great results. The strings are effervescent, soothing, and timeless. The glorious melodies are peaceful and meditative without additional instrumentation or vocals. The wholly instrumental work is a thing of beauty that is rarely created in today's society. The seven long tracks encompass the listener with crystalline melodies and slightly organic musings that are very sweet, sensual, and complimentary. Anyone with an interest in harps, koras, and related instruments will love the new work, Clychau Dibon, from two of the world's best string musicians. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cerys Matthews' 'Explorer'

Cerys Matthews

Explorer

Rainbow City

The Welsh singer of Catatonia fame graces her voice on the thirteen magnificent tracks of music spanning a few continents. Specifically, Cerys incorporates a little Spanish, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and American sensibilities, styles, and genres. Cerys' unique voice flirts with the tenderness of Leigh Nash with the bluesy grittiness of Trish Murphy and the downtempo moods of Geike Arnaert. As the title suggest, Explorer is an album of historic songs with a contemporary flair and a host of eclectic instruments spanning generations and countries. For instance, most Welsh albums do not incorporate the kalimba, oud, or Chinese temple blocks in their repertoire. This is where Cerys astonishes the listener with a varied collection of songs that seem to sound more like blues on "How Can You Say So Little When You Talk So Much" and "Avalanche." While "Galleon" suggests a more contemporary composition littered with Hooverphonic cues. The playful "Connemara Cradle Song" is a tune even adults can enjoy. Cerys' whispy voice easily morphs into a blues or folk groove without over-powering the instruments. A perfect album for the 'explorer' in your family! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Catriona McKay & Chris Stout

Catriona McKay & Chris Stout

White Nights

McKay Stout Music

Catriona McKay, a Scottish harpist, and Chris Stout, a Shetland fiddler, explore the world of music using only strings. The longing sounds of "Missing You" accentuate the fiddle's somber side, while the harp sounds offer hope and happiness. The giddy title track, "White Nights", is a folkish jaunt of creative pleasure for the mind and body. The sparkling "Eira" is a Welsh waltz for the celebration of friendship. Notably, the addition of vocalizations or other musical instruments are nonexistent on White Nights. The calming "A Home Under Every Tree" was written as a peaceful, hymn-style tune for a Norwegian silent film. On "Roddy Sinclair", Chris plays with much enthusiasm. With a running time over forty-five minutes in length, White Nights is loaded with enough care, charm, and charisma to please any fan of the harp or fiddle, as well as folk, Celtic, Scottish, Welsh, and Canadian music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: John Jones - The Rising Road

John Jones
The Rising Road
Westpark Music

Some people like to walk, and some people take it to an extreme. John Jones falls into the latter category. Best known as the front man for Celtic folk rockers Oysterband, The Rising Road is an album mostly of traditional folk songs, inspired by Jones' long treks through the Welsh countryside. The arrangements are much more subdued than Oysterband material, although several of the tracks feature contributions from band members, particularly Alan Prosser on guitar and Dil Davies on drums. However, it is Jones' voice that is front and centre, full of dynamics and emotion. An original track, "Walking Through Ithonside," won Best Original Song in the Spiral Awards. Rising Road is an intelligent listen and a must for fans of Oysterband and British folk alike. ~Paula E. Kirman