Paco Pena
A Compas! [2 CD]
Nimbus
One of the newest releases from Nimbus, Paco Pena and Company brings us an engaging 2-CD set of flamenco music recorded at a live show. From the inserts, you quickly learn of the musicians and dancers. Yet, it is unfortunate you do not get to watch these talented dancers in action. Though, it allows for the listener to be carried off to their own flamenco paradise. It is not difficult to find yourself dancing a bit when listening to any of Paco Pena's music. Flamenco music is such an emotive and passion-infused form of music that Paco Pena certainly explores with such genuine talent and aesthetic sensibilities. Check out his other recordings from Nimbus. ~ Matthew Forss
Friday, December 19, 2008
CD Review: Don't Say 'Nay' For The Ney
Hossein Omoumi
The Song of the Ney [2 CD]
Nimbus
This 2-CD set of Iranian flute music also features vocals, daf, doumbak, and tar. The repertoire explores the dastgah and avaz modal systems. Though, the ney is the wind instrument most commonly heard throughout the Middle East and it is also one of the oldest instruments in the world. Hossein's mastery of the ney showcases the various levels of skill required to perform classical music in a traditional context. The talented expertise of Hossein and his accompaniment on disc two, solidifies the incredible breadth of intensive study in Iranian classical music. Consequently, listeners of classical music, Middle East/Central Asian music, and North African specialists will relish the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the ney. ~ Matthew Forss
The Song of the Ney [2 CD]
Nimbus
This 2-CD set of Iranian flute music also features vocals, daf, doumbak, and tar. The repertoire explores the dastgah and avaz modal systems. Though, the ney is the wind instrument most commonly heard throughout the Middle East and it is also one of the oldest instruments in the world. Hossein's mastery of the ney showcases the various levels of skill required to perform classical music in a traditional context. The talented expertise of Hossein and his accompaniment on disc two, solidifies the incredible breadth of intensive study in Iranian classical music. Consequently, listeners of classical music, Middle East/Central Asian music, and North African specialists will relish the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the ney. ~ Matthew Forss
Thursday, December 18, 2008
CD Review: Zia Mohiuddin Dagar [2 CD]
Zia Mohiuddin Dagar
Zia Mohiuddin Dagar [2 CD]
Nimbus
The late-Zia Mohiuddin Dagar was one of the very few specialists in the rudra vina (Indian chordophone). Anyone who is familiar with Indian ragas will be enthralled by Zia's amazing playing skills. On disc one, Zia plays an alap from the Yaman raga. Disc two features the raga Shuddha Todi. Thankfully, the music is well-documented in the liner notes. This set is highly recommended for the ethnomusicology student of classical Hindustani music, as well as the casual listener of South Asian classical music. ~ Matthew Forss
Zia Mohiuddin Dagar [2 CD]
Nimbus
The late-Zia Mohiuddin Dagar was one of the very few specialists in the rudra vina (Indian chordophone). Anyone who is familiar with Indian ragas will be enthralled by Zia's amazing playing skills. On disc one, Zia plays an alap from the Yaman raga. Disc two features the raga Shuddha Todi. Thankfully, the music is well-documented in the liner notes. This set is highly recommended for the ethnomusicology student of classical Hindustani music, as well as the casual listener of South Asian classical music. ~ Matthew Forss
CD Review: Flamenco Pena
Paco Pena
The Art of Paco Pena
Nimbus
The flamenco guitar serves as the driving force for creative and enlightening pieces of music. The classical leanings between the flamenco style of Spain, South America, and the classical underpinnings from Europe, allows for an engaging 65 minutes of music. Paco's style is indicative of flamenco greats of the past, including Nino Ricardo (1904-1972) and Ramon Montoya (1880-1949). A few vocal tracks convey a deeper sense of religious fervor amid the frenzied, but precise guitar-playing. Paco is accompanied by a few flamenco guitarists, a conductor, singers, and percussionists. Though, the sound of the recording never sounds busy or overly-produced. This is a perfect one for the flamenco or even Gypsy music fan. ~ Matthew Forss
The Art of Paco Pena
Nimbus
The flamenco guitar serves as the driving force for creative and enlightening pieces of music. The classical leanings between the flamenco style of Spain, South America, and the classical underpinnings from Europe, allows for an engaging 65 minutes of music. Paco's style is indicative of flamenco greats of the past, including Nino Ricardo (1904-1972) and Ramon Montoya (1880-1949). A few vocal tracks convey a deeper sense of religious fervor amid the frenzied, but precise guitar-playing. Paco is accompanied by a few flamenco guitarists, a conductor, singers, and percussionists. Though, the sound of the recording never sounds busy or overly-produced. This is a perfect one for the flamenco or even Gypsy music fan. ~ Matthew Forss
CD Review: Orquesta Cuba [2 CD]
Orquesta Cuba
Orquesta Cuba [2 CD]
Nimbus
The Rotterdam Conservatory Orquesta Tipica and Charanga Orchestra are featured on disc one and two, respectively. This is classical, Cuban music without the incorporation of typical Latin instrumentation and rhythms so commonplace in today's popular music. Disc one focuses on the contradanzas (country dance) rhythms, while disc two focuses on charanga music. Charanga music is closely related to country dances, but related to offshoots of mambo and chachacha. Of course, Nimbus prides itself in providing and sharing great pieces of musical history with the rest of the world by succinct and informative liner booklets. This recording is no different. Nearly 2 hours of music is featured on both CD's combined. This is an ideal collection for fans of classic orchestral music from Cuba or New York. Vocals are nonexistent on these two albums. So, chachacha on down to your local music store and pick up this incredible package of music history. ~ Matthew Forss
Orquesta Cuba [2 CD]
Nimbus
The Rotterdam Conservatory Orquesta Tipica and Charanga Orchestra are featured on disc one and two, respectively. This is classical, Cuban music without the incorporation of typical Latin instrumentation and rhythms so commonplace in today's popular music. Disc one focuses on the contradanzas (country dance) rhythms, while disc two focuses on charanga music. Charanga music is closely related to country dances, but related to offshoots of mambo and chachacha. Of course, Nimbus prides itself in providing and sharing great pieces of musical history with the rest of the world by succinct and informative liner booklets. This recording is no different. Nearly 2 hours of music is featured on both CD's combined. This is an ideal collection for fans of classic orchestral music from Cuba or New York. Vocals are nonexistent on these two albums. So, chachacha on down to your local music store and pick up this incredible package of music history. ~ Matthew Forss
CD Review: China's Wu Man [2 CD]
Wu Man
Wu Man [2 CD]
Nimbus
Wu Man is a popular pipa player from China. This exciting 2-CD set of traditional pipa music is a must-have for lute lovers and folk music collectors. The first CD features Wu Man's skilled pipa mastery on 7 tracks running a total length of 71 minutes. There are no vocals on both CD's. The second CD runs over 63 minutes in length and includes 9 tracks. While Wu's pipa is mostly unaccompanied on the first CD, she is joined by an ensemble on the second CD. The ensemble consists of erhu, gaohu, zheng, dizi, xiao, and suona. This adds some color to the musical repertoire, as well as textural tones that brighten the compositions. A 16-page booklet details the music of the pipa, as well as notes on the songs and performers. A pleasant listening experience for sure. ~ Matthew Forss
Wu Man [2 CD]
Nimbus
Wu Man is a popular pipa player from China. This exciting 2-CD set of traditional pipa music is a must-have for lute lovers and folk music collectors. The first CD features Wu Man's skilled pipa mastery on 7 tracks running a total length of 71 minutes. There are no vocals on both CD's. The second CD runs over 63 minutes in length and includes 9 tracks. While Wu's pipa is mostly unaccompanied on the first CD, she is joined by an ensemble on the second CD. The ensemble consists of erhu, gaohu, zheng, dizi, xiao, and suona. This adds some color to the musical repertoire, as well as textural tones that brighten the compositions. A 16-page booklet details the music of the pipa, as well as notes on the songs and performers. A pleasant listening experience for sure. ~ Matthew Forss
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
CD Review: Poland Dance Tunes
Trebunia Family Band
Music of the Tatra Mountains
Nimbus
An album named for the tallest mountains in Poland (Tatra Mountains), is a fitting backdrop to the majestic music of the Trebunia Family. They perform a special hybrid music indigenous to the Carpathian Range in Poland and bordering countries. The music is called Gorale, which is a folk dance music of two-to-four fiddles, three-string bass, and flute. Vocal accompaniment from men, women, and children, and may be performed a cappella, solo, or polyphonic. Notably, the short varied tunes and melodies resemble the often wide-ranging vocal interjections that frequently occur out of tune with the rest of the specific tune. The overall feel of Gorale music is one of waltz, polka, or Nordic fiddling traditions. This is a rare album of traditional folk music from Poland that should be cherished for years to come. An extensive 16-page booklet details the origins of the music, notes on the dances, and bios of the family. If you are interested in Celtic, fiddle, Nordic, Gypsy, folk, or bluegrass music, this should be a part of your 'repertoire'. ~ Matthew Forss
Music of the Tatra Mountains
Nimbus
An album named for the tallest mountains in Poland (Tatra Mountains), is a fitting backdrop to the majestic music of the Trebunia Family. They perform a special hybrid music indigenous to the Carpathian Range in Poland and bordering countries. The music is called Gorale, which is a folk dance music of two-to-four fiddles, three-string bass, and flute. Vocal accompaniment from men, women, and children, and may be performed a cappella, solo, or polyphonic. Notably, the short varied tunes and melodies resemble the often wide-ranging vocal interjections that frequently occur out of tune with the rest of the specific tune. The overall feel of Gorale music is one of waltz, polka, or Nordic fiddling traditions. This is a rare album of traditional folk music from Poland that should be cherished for years to come. An extensive 16-page booklet details the origins of the music, notes on the dances, and bios of the family. If you are interested in Celtic, fiddle, Nordic, Gypsy, folk, or bluegrass music, this should be a part of your 'repertoire'. ~ Matthew Forss
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