Maria de Barros
Morabeza
Sheer Sound
The Cape Verde islands not only evoke images of swaying palm trees, but they are also home to the swaying hips of charismatic songstress, Maria de Barros. Steeped in the Criolu music traditions of Cape Verde, Morabeza is a welcome addition to the plethora of recent global releases of music from this region. In fact, Morabeza means 'hospitality' in Creole. Essentially, it is a reflection of the close-knit communities and spirit of Cape Verde. The music draws upon African, Latin, Caribbean, and European elements. The far-reaching music could be due to Maria's eclectic background being born in Senegal to Cape Verde parents, living in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and various places in the U.S.A.. Thanks to Maria's beautiful and sincere voice, Morabeza is sure to energize any party or occasion. ~ Matthew Forss
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
CD Review: People's Poets - No Life Without Roots
People's Poets
No Life Without Roots
Independent
The People's Poets are three MCs from Edmonton, Canada who rap about a variety of political and social issues. All of them come from refugee roots in either Chile or El Salvador, and their experiences have greatly influenced their writing. No Life Without Roots is the band's first CD release and features a number of songs known to local audiences from their many performances at rallies, festivals, and activist events. In both English and Spanish, the guys present very direct messages against capitalism, war, violence against women, and other thought-provoking themes. Musically, People's Poets style is straight-ahead hip-hop with some Latin American influences. This new release is already helping the band get a much-deserved audience beyond Edmonton.
~ Paula E. Kirman
No Life Without Roots
Independent
The People's Poets are three MCs from Edmonton, Canada who rap about a variety of political and social issues. All of them come from refugee roots in either Chile or El Salvador, and their experiences have greatly influenced their writing. No Life Without Roots is the band's first CD release and features a number of songs known to local audiences from their many performances at rallies, festivals, and activist events. In both English and Spanish, the guys present very direct messages against capitalism, war, violence against women, and other thought-provoking themes. Musically, People's Poets style is straight-ahead hip-hop with some Latin American influences. This new release is already helping the band get a much-deserved audience beyond Edmonton.
~ Paula E. Kirman
CD Review: Vieux Farka Touré
Vieux Farka Touré
Vieux Farka Touré
World Village
Vieux Farka Touré hails from Mali and is the son of the late Ali Farka Touré, one of that country's most accomplished and famous musicians. His debut album, Touré's music is very guitar-driven and full of the rhythm and intonation characteristic of music from Mali. Originally released to worldwide distribution in 2007, the album is still doing well critically and gaining Touré fans. His guitar playing in particular is fast and captivating. Vieux Farka Touré is carrying on a musical legacy.
~ Paula E. Kirman
Vieux Farka Touré
World Village
Vieux Farka Touré hails from Mali and is the son of the late Ali Farka Touré, one of that country's most accomplished and famous musicians. His debut album, Touré's music is very guitar-driven and full of the rhythm and intonation characteristic of music from Mali. Originally released to worldwide distribution in 2007, the album is still doing well critically and gaining Touré fans. His guitar playing in particular is fast and captivating. Vieux Farka Touré is carrying on a musical legacy.
~ Paula E. Kirman
CD Review: Tinariwen - Aman Iman (Water is Life)
Tinariwen
Aman Iman (Water is Life)
World Village
Tinariwen ("empty places" in the Tamashek language) is an African guitar band that has gained a worldwide audience thanks to its participation in the Festival in the Desert concerts in Mali. Formed in 1982 of Tuareg people, it is believed Tinariwen is the first band from this part of the world to use electric guitars. And use them indeed - combined with basic percussion and vocal arrangements of lyrics that mostly deal with freedom and independence from the Mali government, the music is rhythmic and highly addictive. Singing mostly in Tamashek and French, there is very much a rock element here on Aman Iman that makes Tinariwen's music accessible even to Western listeners.
~ Paula E. Kirman
Aman Iman (Water is Life)
World Village
Tinariwen ("empty places" in the Tamashek language) is an African guitar band that has gained a worldwide audience thanks to its participation in the Festival in the Desert concerts in Mali. Formed in 1982 of Tuareg people, it is believed Tinariwen is the first band from this part of the world to use electric guitars. And use them indeed - combined with basic percussion and vocal arrangements of lyrics that mostly deal with freedom and independence from the Mali government, the music is rhythmic and highly addictive. Singing mostly in Tamashek and French, there is very much a rock element here on Aman Iman that makes Tinariwen's music accessible even to Western listeners.
~ Paula E. Kirman
CD Review: Young Dubliners - Saints and Sinners
Young Dubliners
Saints and Sinners
Savoy Jazz
This latest offering from American Irish-punk-folk band Young Dubliners will not disappoint. The music is energetic and full of both contemporary and traditional Irish influences. Manyof the songs are mid-tempo and a bit more restrained than on the band's previous album With All Due Respect. Still, Young Dubliners manage to maintain the momentum throughout these songs about love, loss, workers, and life in general. Fans of Waterboys, The Pogues, and early U2 should give Young Dubliners a listen.
~ Paula E. Kirman
Saints and Sinners
Savoy Jazz
This latest offering from American Irish-punk-folk band Young Dubliners will not disappoint. The music is energetic and full of both contemporary and traditional Irish influences. Manyof the songs are mid-tempo and a bit more restrained than on the band's previous album With All Due Respect. Still, Young Dubliners manage to maintain the momentum throughout these songs about love, loss, workers, and life in general. Fans of Waterboys, The Pogues, and early U2 should give Young Dubliners a listen.
~ Paula E. Kirman
CD Review: Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack
Various Artists
Slumdog Millionaire (Music from the Motion Picture)
Interscope
The film Slumdog Millionaire has taken the world by storm, and now legions of people are dancing to the groove of "Jai Ho," that final piece where the entire cast bust a move, Bollywood-style. Composer A. R. Rahman brings together traditional and contemporary Indian music to bring atmosphere to a movie featuring different times and circumstances, flashing between the past and present. Another highlight is the beautiful "Dreams on Fire," which is essentially "Latika's Theme" with lyrics. If you liked the movie, you'll love to revisit your memories by listening to the soundtrack.
~ Paula E. Kirman
Slumdog Millionaire (Music from the Motion Picture)
Interscope
The film Slumdog Millionaire has taken the world by storm, and now legions of people are dancing to the groove of "Jai Ho," that final piece where the entire cast bust a move, Bollywood-style. Composer A. R. Rahman brings together traditional and contemporary Indian music to bring atmosphere to a movie featuring different times and circumstances, flashing between the past and present. Another highlight is the beautiful "Dreams on Fire," which is essentially "Latika's Theme" with lyrics. If you liked the movie, you'll love to revisit your memories by listening to the soundtrack.
~ Paula E. Kirman
CD Review: Boiled in Lead - Silver
Boiled in Lead
Silver
Omnium
Minnesota-based "rock and reel" band Boiled in Lead is back with a much-anticipated album. Silver features the rocking folk that has created a huge cult following for the band for over a quarter of a century. The album also marks the return of original lead singer Todd Menton. The fresh collection of songs is exactly what can be expected from Boiled in Lead: rocking guitar solos with acoustic accents, energetic instrumentals, highly Celtic influences, and lots of other different musical twists and turns. Silver is a must for any serious BiL fan.
~ Paula E. Kirman
Silver
Omnium
Minnesota-based "rock and reel" band Boiled in Lead is back with a much-anticipated album. Silver features the rocking folk that has created a huge cult following for the band for over a quarter of a century. The album also marks the return of original lead singer Todd Menton. The fresh collection of songs is exactly what can be expected from Boiled in Lead: rocking guitar solos with acoustic accents, energetic instrumentals, highly Celtic influences, and lots of other different musical twists and turns. Silver is a must for any serious BiL fan.
~ Paula E. Kirman
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