CD Review: Various Artists - 'Audio Refuge Compilation'

Various Artists

Audio Refuge Compilation

Stronghold Sound

San Francisco-based, Stronghold Sound, releases their latest production of funky, African, and Arabic folk, reggae, dub, hip-hop and cumbia music. The compilation features sixteen tracks and several different musicians from Guinea, Morocco, and Trinidad. The contemporary musical arrangements and killer vocals represent a good variety of styles, sounds, and talents on every track. Some of the musicians include Bongo, Yassir Chadly, Beat Fola, Bondi Blaster, Snakkr, Iggy Mon, Tami, among others. Numerous styles, including gnawa, soul, dub, trance, psychedelica, dance, and folk music round out the list of the most prevalent influences. The diverse rhythms and languages provide a truly global experience on many of the tracks. If you are seeking contemporary Afro-beat music with some pop and folk leanings, then the Audio Refuge Compilation is a must-have. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: CSC Funk Band's 'Things Are Getting Too Casual'

CSC Funk Band

Things Are Getting Too Casual

Fatbeats

The Brooklyn-based CSC Funk Band is a large group consisting of 10+ members that produce edgy, funk and dance music with borrowings from rock, punk, jazz, and psychedelica. The eclectic mix of instrumentation adds to the funk and world beats. For instance, the sax, moog, trombones, guitars, trumpets, bass, oboe, and drums, at times, sound like progressive rock and funk. At any rate, the songs are more progressive, fast-paced, and rock-driven than comparable Afro-funk bands, such as Antibalas, The Funk Ark, and others. The steamy, infectious, and rhythmic songs steeped in Afro-funk traditions and American dance grooves make the CSC Funk Band an important player in the global funk music scene. Things Are Getting Too Casual is sure to shake things up. In fact, anyone's feet would be moving within earshot of Brooklyn's-own, CSC Funk Band. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Funk Ark - From The Rooftops

The Funk Ark

From The Rooftops

ESL Music

The Washington, D.C.-based funk group creates groove-ladened, tracks inspired by the Latin and African dance scenes of the 1960's and 70's. The mostly instrumental treats are funkier than ever. The brainchild behind The Funk Ark is songwriter and keyboardist, Will Rast. Vocalist Asheru and Sitali lend their vocals to 'Funky DC'. The majority of the tracks are rooted in Afrobeat and Latinbeat music with little rest from the danceable rhythms and melodies. In fact, the music is brimming with life and energy. Interestingly, Noah's Ark wouldn't be large enough to contain the immense amount of funky happenings. From The Rooftops is a top-notch recording of beat music with funky swagger and soul that is as unforgettable as it is unique. Fans of funk, Afrobeat, dance, and classic Latin and Afro sounds of the 1960's and 70's will find The Funk Ark an especially rewarding surprise. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amira Kheir's 'View From Somewhere'

Amira Kheir

View From Somewhere

Contro Cultura Music

The cross-cultural leanings of Sudanese-Italian born Amira Kheir, stem from her home base in the U.K. and inspirational melodies, rhythms, and styles that shaped the final product of View From Somewhere. With a multitude of styles, Amira primarily borrows her Sudanese ancestry with Arabic jazz and folk music. The instrumental repertoire of oud, kora, piano, djembe, shekere, accordion, darbuka, bongos, cajon, riqq, sax, guitar, and bass reflect a solid concoction of musical tools. The music reflects a spiritual component of the Sufi tradition, along with Sudanese jazz and soul in a similar style, though not as polished as fellow countrywoman, Seba. The liner notes contain English lyrics, even though most of Amira's vocals are in another language. Overall, Amira Kheir sings from the heart and soul with a backing of just the right amount of instrumentation. Fans of Seba, Yungchen Lhamo, and Sudanese music will find comfort and joy in the sounds of Amira Kheir. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yogeswaran Manickam's 'Peace For Paradise'

Yogeswaran Manickam

Peace For Paradise

Fuego

The Sri Lankan-born, U.K.-based musician incorporates peaceful melodies and Indian classicism with historical, poetic works and a modern instrument repertoire. A mix of Tamil and English lyric songs include the sitar, darabuka, oud, accordion, guitar, violin, flute, and various percussion and keyboard arrangements. The contemporary feel of the music is a result of the catchy harmonies and melodies melding perfectly with the historical roots and Tamil musicianship. As a film composer, Yoga M. has gained exposure creating pop, dance, new age, and global rhythms that sound majestic and infectious. The ten songs represent a solid mix of talented musicians, instruments, and contemporary arrangements without the typical raga or snake charmer stereotype designations. In particular, the music is fresh, emotive, and a blessing to listen to. Anyone with an interest in Indian/South Asian global musicians should definitely check it out. The most comparable group could be a fictional meeting of Tulku and Trilok Gurtu. Astounding! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Creole Choir of Cuba's 'Tande-La'

Creole Choir of Cuba

Tande-La

Real World

The six women and four men that comprise the Creole Choir of Cuba bring us songs of Haiti's past. Haitian ancestors were brought to Cuba to work on the sugar and coffee plantations. The Caribbean music is very classical, operatic, and a vocal work of art with some fiery percussion and additional instruments that add a joyous and/or contemplative mood. The twelve songs are sung in Spanish, French, and Creole. The melding of vocals and instrumentation provide the listener with a mesmerizing combination of sounds emanating from an Afro-Cuban mix. The vocal delivery is quite similar to the choir groups of South Africa. However, the music is inherently Cuban and Haitian, with a theatrical element that rivals any Broadway production. Tande-La, which means "listen," is what all listeners will do once they hear the Creole Choir of Cuba. Hear it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ghalia Benali's 'Romeo & Leila'

Ghalia Benali

Romeo & Leila

Music & Words

A Belgian/Tunisian singer, Ghalia Benali, tells the story of two different people, Romeo & Leila, throughout the nine tracks. The story of Romeo & Leila is as powerful as the stories of Romeo & Juliet or Layla & Majnun. However, Ghalia sings in literary Arabic to capture the magical feeling of the language and movement of the story. The music is very akin to Azerbaijani folk, Turkish folk, or North Africa traditional music. Ghalia's vocals are very moving and equally in stride with the oud, cello, double bass, and assorted percussion. Overall, the music is rather traditional in scope. The instrumental segments are a perfect accompaniment between Ghalia's vocal sections. Though, it is a joy to hear both her voice and the instruments in tandem, too. Fans of North African music, folk and classical music of Central Asia, and female vocal music will find happiness and love with Romeo & Leila. Liner notes are in English and French. ~ Matthew Forss