CD Review: Daniel Cros From Barcelona

Daniel Cros

Las vueltas que da la vida

Rosazul

From the shores of Spain to Cuba, Daniel Cros' Catalan-language songs cover a variety of styles, including ballad, bolero, cha cha cha, ranchera, son, salsa, tango, and more. Hailing from Spain, Daniel infuses a Latin American-jazz sensibility with signature percussion, piano, horns, strings, and vocals. Daniel is quite the master of musical ingenuity being a singer, guitarist, and pianist. The piano surfaces more or less on many of the tracks, which provides a classic sound to the quiter rhythms and slower melodies. One thing that is certain is the passion and neverending desire for performing and creating lively musical masterpieces that stir the soul and twist the hips. Though primarily a recording for Latin music fans, Las vueltas que da la vida also evokes a Spain-ish musical component. However, the album is not very long in running-time (approx. 42 minutes), but it won't hurt to play the album over and over. A danceable collection of songs! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Seu Jorge and Almaz

Seu Jorge and Almaz

Seu Jorge and Almaz

Now-Again

The upbeat, psychedelic, and Brazilian-samba-inspired album by Seu Jorge and his band Almaz, hit the charts with sizzling beats that will heat up any party. Probably best known for his work in the films, The Life Aquatic and City of God, Seu continues to draw upon inspiration from Brazil's wealth of musical resources and rich, cultural history. The instrumentation is rather limited to drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. However, the sound is very full and fresh. Anyone with a passing knowledge of melodic electronic and trip-hop will note some influences throughout. At times, the self-titled release echoes the soundtrack of a spy or thriller film. This could be due to Seu's experience with the film medium, but it doesn't detract from the real, entertainment purpose of the music. Seu Jorge joins a long line of Brazilian musical giants that should not be ignored at any cost. Join Seu Jorge and Almaz today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sierre Leone's Refugee All Stars

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

Rise & Shine

Cumbancha

Formed out of war and civil unrest, Sierre Leone's Refugee All Stars bring light and life to Africa and the rest of the world. The drum-beats, reggae-inspired grooves, and blaring brass convey the message of hope, while shadowing despair and depravity. The Afro-beat rhythms might be an ode to Fela Kuti and other West African bands from the 1960's to the present. At any rate, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars poignantly coined the album title Rise & Shine to accurately summarize the musical and social development of the group over the past few years. The music is richly textured with loads of instrumentation and cool riffs. A great collective of musicians born out of exile refuse to succumb to the power of societal defeatism, and instead, rise to the occasion by playing personally satisfying music. Find yourself a hammock under a palm tree, sip some palm wine, and play Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars this summer! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ashton Nyte's "The Valley"

Ashton Nyte

The Valley

Intervention Arts

South African-born singer and guitarist, Ashton Nyte, transcends musical heights from beyond this Earth. Based in the USA, Ashton's voice is probably too low (baritone) for most, but it sounds similar to Jace Everett or the Crash Test Dummies. Whether The Valley is indicative of Ashton's low voice or a career plateau, the songs are clearly something worth taking in. Ashton's languid vocals and alternative guitar tunings make The Valley an introspective journey borrowing elements from David Bowie, Tom Waits, The Wallflowers, The Devlins, Soul Asylum, and other groups. The folk-rock crowd looking for great songs should look no further. Ashton's spiritual insights also find a home from time to time throughout the album. Follow Ashton into The Valley and prepare to spend some time playing these tracks over and over...and over. English lyrics are included in the liner notes. English vocals throughout. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Irka Mateo's Taino Roots

Irka Mateo

Anacaona

Independent Release

Named after a 15th century Taino chief in Haiti, Anacaono is an exploration of neo-Taino music after nearly a decade of diving into the musical culture of the Dominican Republic. A reconnection of sorts with Irka's native land of Hispaniola creates a musical project brimming with happy melodies, swaying rhythms, and sultry vocals. The musical influences of other islands and countries is evident by the percussion, guitar playing, and song structures. The Caribbean region is a region rich in musical instruments, rhythms, and cultures. In the same manner, the Caribbean is a gateway for South American and African music styles. Anacaona is largely comprised of Latin American styles with little in the way of direct, African connections. Still, Irka's vocals inspired by hundreds of years of history and culture represent a shining addition to Anacaono. Anyone with an interest in modern-indigenous music inspired by pre-Columbian times should add Irka Mateo to their collection. Spanish and English lyrics are provided in the liner notes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Janaka Selekta

Janaka Selekta

Pushing Air

Chaiwalla's Boombox

Sri Lankan-native, Janaka Selekta, has become an important fixture in the world of Asian electronica in the San Francisco area and beyond. Janaka's world travels have shaped his electro-musicality by serving delicious breakbeats with nice additions of Bansuri flute, tabla, and sarangi. Furthermore, haunting male and female vocals add another layer of rich, sound textures. The Asian trip-hop musical concept has been explored by other artists with little in the way of an organic, engaging sound worth remembering. Janaka fills that void for world dub and electronica fans. Whether you call this Asian dub, electronic, world beat, downtempo, or trance, Janaka's music soars effortlessly into the outer reaches of our universe and back again, while pushing the limits on Pushing Air. Definitions aside, Pushing Air is perfect for the club, dorm, office, or party, but it will basically leave you breathless yearning for more 'air'. Don't worry, it's all in good fun. A remix by Karsh Kale is included. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Slovenia's Magnifico

Magnifico

Magnification

Piranha

The somewhat comedic musical and lyrical sensibilities of Slovenia's Magnifico (a.k.a. Robert Peut) brings a lighter side to the Balkan brass world. Keep in mind the music is still lyrically edgy with the characteristic Balkan brass elements, but the rhythms seem complex enough to create a pan-fusion masterpiece with Latino and European influences. Magnifico tackles tough societal situations and crafts them into gritty, punchy beats with a Country-Western, Roma-funk twist. The sensual overtones exist on a lyrical and melodic scale, where Magnifico puts the 'horny' in Balkan horns. A favorite of European youth, Magnification may require a closer inspection from traditionalists. Thankfully, the power of Magnification is found in it's unique delivery and it's word will reach everyone with even a passing interest in groovy, Balkan-pop from a stylish, innovator of unforgettable music. Don't 'balk' at this Balkan release! ~ Matthew Forss