CD Review: Maria Volonte's 'Portrait'

Maria Volonte

Portrait

Network

Argentina's Maria Volonte is a talented singer and guitarist with a career spanning fifteen to twenty years. About a half-dozen albums under her belt, Maria brings us a selection of some of those songs on Portrait. Sixteen songs highlight Maria's career as a rootsy, folk-centered musician with an earthy charisma not usually observed in other South American musicians. Nearly one-hour of music includes the lighter sounds of South America without the more technical wizardry of more contemporary musicians. Despite a lack of electronica or dance music, Maria shines bright as a folk singer with rhythms as hot as her voice. Fans of jazz, Latin, Argentinian, and folk music will love it. A 'portrait' is only a snapshot in time, but Maria defies time. Moreover, a detailed liner booklet includes a biography, song information, and other notes in English, German, and French translations. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Malika Zarra's 'Berber Taxi'

Malika Zarra

Berber Taxi

Motema

Malika is a Berber/Amazigh singer from Morocco. Based on local rhythms and influences, Malika incorporates several languages into the mix as well, including English, Arabic, Moroccan Arabic, French, and Berber. The music is not Gnawa, but it does transport one into a place of peace and tranquility. Musically, Malika is a more folked-out musician that is not as rock-oriented as fellow Berber countrywomen, Hindi Zahra or Iness Mezel. In fact, some of the tunes are quite laid-back, including the jazzy 'Houaria' and 'Mossameeha.' If you can picture Berber jazz, then this might be it. Some of the rhythms take on a Caribbean or Afro-Latin feel. This is especially evidenced on 'Amnesia.' It is refreshing to hear other voices from the deserts of North Africa. If you would like to take a brief respite from groovy blues guitar music, then relax and transport your way via Berber Taxi into the heart of Moroccan charm. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Karsh Kale's 'Cinema'

Karsh Kale

Cinema

Six Degrees Records

The Indian-American musical influences collide on Karsh Kale's latest addition to the musical world unfold on Cinema. From the opener 'Island,' it doesn't take long for the Air or Tangerine Dream comparisons to come into view. The electronica, dub-step, trance, and dance-type musical concoctions are trademark compositions for Karsh. A host of guest vocalists lend their talents to the mix, including Denmark's Anne Rani, Vidhi Sharma, Shahid Siddiqui, Vishal Vaid, Papon, and Monica Dogra. The serene beginning to 'Cinema' bleeds into a cascade of rock riffs, electronic effects, and Indian vocals by Vidhi Sharma. The piano opens 'Avalanche' with Zero 7-like male vocals matching a downtempo guitar rhythm and light percussion. 'Turnpike' is more of a dance beat anthem with an electronic undertone and New Age progression. 'Supernova' is a dubbed-out, retro tune with all the dance rhythms one can handle. The pulsating beats and electronic accompaniment with flute and rock influences mark the sign of good song only Karsh would produce. The mix of lush rhythms, soaring vocals, dance beats, and Indian sensibilities signify an excellent achievement with Cinema. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Les Yeux Noirs Releases 'Tiganeasca'

Les Yeux Noirs

Tiganeasca

Zig Zag Territories

The prevalence of Gypsy music throughout Europe and other regions has caught the attention of world music listeners everywhere. Les Yeux Noirs, or "Black Eyes," release their latest album, Tiganeasca, of Romanian, Gypsy, Yiddish, and Klezmer musings. The album title is Romanian for 'Gypsy.' The fast guitars, percussion, strings, and vocals stir up a flurry of activity into a musical melee well-balanced and executed. The sometimes jazzy or folk-riddled instrumental repertoire is not for the faint of heart. In fact, the musical energy of 'Sirba Dili' is so envigorating it seems to jump off the CD and right into your soul. Fans of folk, Russian, European, Gypsy, Klezmer, Yiddish, or instrumental music will find Tiganeasca most appealing. Get your Gypsy on with Les Yeux Noirs! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Guinea's Macire Sylla Releases 'Talitha'

Macire Sylla

Talitha

Djembe Fare

The Afropop beats of Guinean singer, Macire Sylla, are a follow-up to her 2005 release, Massa. The multi-instrumental repertoire includes a host of African instruments, including the kora, balafon, drums, flutes, and more typical piano, bass, guitar, rhodes, trumpet, and congas. The effervescent 'Aidara' shares the life-affirming qualities of anything by Rokia Traore, Oumou Sangare, or Angelique Kidjo. The bubbling percussion, sweet melodies, and iconic voice make Talitha a must-have among Guinean, African, and world music recordings. The cheery 'Tiama,' 'Artiste,' and 'Cetareia' are some of the best songs to come out of Africa. Talitha seems to cram alot of musical intelligence into one place without sacrificing quality. Fans of Macire Sylla will value Talitha in high-regard, while others may be introduced to her with this recording. At any rate, Talitha is a recording with an Afropop beat that is here to stay. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Maria Volonte's '9 Vidas'

Maria Volonte

9 Vidas

Acqua Records

Argentina's Maria Volonte is a fresh face in the musical world of South America. Though, performing music for years, Maria tops herself with 9 Vidas. The title, Spanish-language track is a pleasant tune. It precedes an English-lyric tune, 'SF Tango'. 'Boulevard Of Broken Dreams' is a languid, jazzy, and bluesy tune with all the charisma of Ceu or Bebel Gilberto. Maria's voice on 'Beso Azul' awakens even the heaviest sleepers. The soulful vocals, lively percussion, harmonica, and guitar, provides a catchy set of melodies. The harmonica playing is also indicative of the more common (and local) accordion instrument. A range of jazz, folk, blues, Latin, and classy vocals do not disappoint. The sparkling keyboards on 'Gracias A La Vida' and the folksy beat to 'En El Bar' are a testament to the creative side of the spectrum. However, all of the songs have strengths with minimal disparities from the Argentinian home-base of Maria Volonte. If I had nine lives, I would listen to this one in each life. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amjad Ali Khan/Scottish Chamber Orchestra/David Murphy

Amjad Ali Khan

Samaagam

World Village

Samaagam, which is Sanskrit for "confluence" or "flowing together," is an astute and accurate title to characterize the sarod and orchestral music of Amjad Ali Khan and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The first three tracks are ragas that are each around seven minutes in length. The instrumental accompaniment is limited to the sarod and tabla without any vocalizations. The remainder of the instrumental songs are arranged in three groups with three songs developed by Amjad, seven traditional ragas in short duration of thirty seconds to just under four minutes, and the final set includes the same three ragas in the beginning set with orchestral accompaniment. Samaagam is an instrumental and orchestral fans paradise. In fact, some of the compositions resemble the classical music of the Mongolian steppes or Central Asia. Amjad is sure to strike a 'chord' with every listener within earshot. An informative booklet discusses the music in-depth in English and French. ~ Matthew Forss