CD Review: Opycham's 'S.T.I.H.I.'

Opycham

S.T.I.H.I.

Sketis Music

As the lead drummer for Yat Kha, Opycham, otherwise known as Evgeny Tkachov, tones it down a bit with a rather quiet release of sung poetry. The album only contains three tracks of sung poetry, nature sounds, and light percussion. This is not a release for anyone looking for band music or throat-singing from Tuva. This is old Russian poetry sung without much instrumental accompaniment. There are some instances with little singing and several minutes of fire crackling, water rippling, birds singing, or a shamanic drum beat and cymbals. This is a great folklore release for Russian poetry fans and anyone else looking for something new. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mr. Pauer's 'Soundtrack'

Mr. Pauer

Soundtrack

Fabrika Music

Mr. Pauer, otherwise known as, Toto Gonzalez, is a Venezuelan-born, Miami-based DJ, producer, and remix king. His latest release, Soundtrack, is the result of a lifetime living amidst tropical locales. The tropical elements of Soundtrack come through on the Spanish vocals and the Latin-beat sound. The electronic sounds and noises perfectly fuse with the tropical beats. Soundtrack's seemingly limited seven-track listing is easily compensated for with shots of diverse dub, funk, electric, cumbia, and Spaghetti Western-type music that fill the soul and move the body. Somewhat instrumental and somewhat vocal, Soundtrack is a groovy release unlike any other. It is fresh, modern, creative, and magical. The incredible instrumental zone of "Que Si Que No" and "Escaping" prove his musical abilities. The tropical beats of "Mente De Mente" are also very special in their own right. Let Mr. Pauer be your guide to the tropico-electric club grooves of Florida and Latin America. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Romania's Sanda Weigl

Sanda Weigl

Gypsy In A Tree

Barbes Records

The New York-based, Romanian-native, Sanda Weigl, is an innovative avant-garde jazz and gypsy music singer. Her Romanian roots shine through on every track. The music incorporates gypsy music, songs of elegy, dance songs, and songs about love and drinking. Gypsy In A Tree is so-named for the historical reference to wedding singers having to entertain guests out of sight and in a tree. The opening "Intr-O Zi La Poarta Mea" is a catchy, Romanian tune. The slower and more refined "As Ofta Sa-Mi Iasa Focul" is more aligned with jazz than gypsy. Sanda's vocals are joined by piano, accordion, farfisa organ, bass, guitar, percussion, clarinet, and tuba. The album contains diverse melodies and moods that would satisfy even the most discriminating listener. The gorgeous vocals and engaging lyrics make for an impressive release. Any fans of gypsy, Romanian, Balkan, avant-garde, jazz, or South American folk will look to the trees to find Gypsy In A Tree today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ghana's 'Bolga Zohdoomah'

Bolga Zohdoomah

Bolga Zohdoomah

Art Hurts Records

Lead by vocalist and talking drum player Akayaa Atule, Bolga Zohdoomah explores the sounds of Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat. The California-based band brings out all the musical splendor with B3 organ, piano, bass, rhodes, mandolin, sax, trombone, and trumpet. The infectious rhythms and melodies are particularly evident on "Kiesiemi". Some Latin elements sneak in on "Siekirie", downtempo-funk on "Nerebala Senaala", and the Afro-beat-laden "Jingo" and "B'r B'r B'r". The songs are sung in Fra Fra, Hausa, Ibo, Twi, Ga, and English. Unfortunately, additional song information is not provided in the liner notes. Despite this, the music speaks for itself on multiple levels. The music is as energetic as Chopteeth and as nostalgic as Novalima. The music is fresh, diverse, and an excellent introduction into the music of Ghana. Afro-beat fans unite on this one! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 'Women We Are: Songs For The Awakening Of Women'

Various Artists

Women We Are: Songs For The Awakening Of Women

Shantianjali Music

Anjali's musical collaborations with Carlos Oliveira, Chandrakanthy Courtney, David Courtney, Didi Ananda Ragamaya, Kamala, Jacquelyn Battise, Nataraj, Partha Mukhopadhyay, Peter Sprague, and Wayne Wilkerson explore the music of kirtan. The songs are most aligned with folk music with female vocals on all tracks. The songs are sung in English, Hindi, and Spanish. The overall sound of Women We Are... certainly touch on Buddhist or Hindu principles, but the celebration of women, whether myth or non-fiction, is the forefront message. There are spoken parts in "Mora Mukta Bhumir Me Ye" and "Jacquelyn's Poem". The progressive overtones of "Whole Mother" is Anjali's motherhood ballad. The spiritual and organic songwriting elements are a staple of Women We Are... Anjali's musical arrangements touch on social issues related to homeschooling, organic food, nature, relationships, and societal ills. The global relevance of philosophical thought and social action are not forgotten on Women We Are... It is tough to not smile with gratitude while listening to the songs. This is a perfect album for folk activists, new age music, and kirtan. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yasmin Levy's 'Sentir'

Yasmin Levy

Sentir

Four Quarters Entertainment

The golden voice of Ladino and Sephardic music and culture is Yasmin Levy. Born in Israel, Yasmin sings traditional songs of Ladino culture with a Latin/Spanish flair that awakens the spirit, soul, and most of all, one's feet. The Judeo-Spanish language of Ladino is a relatively rare language at risk of extinction. Fortunately, the language (and music) is preserved on Sentir. Yasmin sings with such a high degree of emotion and sincerity that every song elicits responses of good cheer. One cover song of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is included and it is quite powerful. The Greek-tinged song "Porque" is a pleasant song showcasing Yasmin's far-reaching influences and abilities. The final song, "Yigdal", is a poignant traditional prayer sung in Hebrew. Anyone seeking music from this fascinating genre should begin with Yasmin Levy. Sentir is steeped in tradition and love. Liner notes are included in English, French, and Hebrew.

CD Review: MC Yogi's 'Elephant Power'

MC Yogi

Elephant Power

White Swan Records

MC Yogi is a yogi hip hop star in the world of transcendental music today. Elephant Power is a highly melodic hip hop album with various guest musicians, including Bhagavan Das, Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, Rita Sahai, Sharon Gannon, and Sukhawat Ali Khan. MC Yogi's lyrics touch on Eastern philosophy and Buddhist teachings. This is not your typical hip hop album that praises lewd language, violence, and non-sensical lyrics. Surely, MC Yogi is a guiding light and intelligent lyricist with a wise tongue and spiritual presence. MC Yogi is the vocalist and harmonium player on the album. However, a range of instruments are used by others, including the ektar, conch, bells, dotar, bansuri flute, tabla, dholak, guitar, turntables, bass, and drums. Elephant Power is a weighty album of profound stories and catchy melodies in English and Sanskrit. This is perfect for the younger crowd, but older adults will find comfort in the musical message, too. Let MC Yogi tickle your chakras with the hip hop of Hanuman! Also available: Elephant Powered Remixes and Omstrumentals [2 CD]. ~ Matthew Forss