CD Review: France's Latcho Drom

Latcho Drom

Deborah 1999

Fremeaux & Associes

Formed in 1993, the French-jazz-gypsy group, Latcho Drom, performs traditional and modern gypsy tunes and rhythms. Do not confuse Latcho Drom with the musical documentary of the same title by Tony Gatlin. In both cases, Latcho Drom translates to 'safe journey'. For Latcho Drom, Deborah 1999 contains instruments such as violin, guitar, contrebass, piano, percussion, and accordion. There is a ballad, 'La vie en rose', by Louiguy and Piaf that is highly indicative of the sultry sounds emanating from a smoky, nightclub somewhere in Paris. There are slower songs and brisk fiddling and guitar playing of tornadic proportions with excellent precision. Though, Latcho Drom excels at any speed, style, and rhythm. Almost entirely instrumental, Deborah 1999 is another fine chapter in Latcho Drom's musical history of life-inspiring tsigane/gypsy music. Liner notes in French. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Milana Misic Resurrects 12 Memorable Songs

Milana

12 Laila Kinnunen Ikimuistoista Laulua (12 Memorable Songs of Laila Kinnunen)

Sony

Finland's classy vocalist, Milana, brings to life 12 songs written by and/or performed by Finland's most popular vocalist of the 1950's and 60's, Laila Kinnunen. Milana's interpretations are classical, Latin-tinged, and lounge-jazz musical masterpieces. Sung in Finnish, Milana's orchestra of bossa nova, samba, and tropically-inspired pop songs of the 1950's and 60's are sure to brighten up any gloomy day. A particularly catchy song, 'Ala kiusaa tee' (Bad To Me), was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney of Beatles' fame. Another popular song included is 'Pikku pikku bikinissa' (Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini). Milana's voice is perfect throughout. The mix of classical, jazz, Latin, and pop sounds are iconic of Laila Kinnunen's signature style. Laila would be proud. Let's celebrate the music of Finland's most popular singer of the 1950's and 60's with Milana today. Liner notes in Finnish. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nadia Ali's 'Embers' Is On Fire

Nadia Ali

Embers

Smile In Bed

Nadia Ali is a Libyan-born, New York resident of Pakistani heritage. The ethnic influences are not so prominent on Embers. In fact, it is primarily a contemporary pop music project with little similarity to other musicians. However, Nadia's voice can only be described as a combination of Sarah McLachlan, Hilary Duff, Stevie Nicks, Shawn Colvin, and Kylie Minogue put together. Every song is sung in English. The music is more mature and developed compared to any other popular artist today. There are basic electronic washes, drums, guitar, and a little Middle Eastern instrumentation and rhythms. Moreover, there is a bit of dance music in her repertoire. Overall, Nadia Ali's Embers is an introspective journey of love and life with pop and dance music as the medium. Embers will be burning up the charts. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The 'Spirit' of Lawson Rollins' Espirito

Lawson Rollins

Espirito

Infinita Records

The fiery sounds of jazzy-flamenco guitar stylings and Latin/Caribbean rhythms make Espirito all the more enjoyable. Guitarist Lawon Rollins is joined by Shahin Shahida and the producer for Ottmar Liebert, Dominic Camardella. The outstanding musical accompaniment of Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Kayhan Kalhor, Charlie Bisharat, and Horacio El Negro Hernandez completes a truly 'world music' journey across styles, countries, and sounds. Vocalist Flora Purim adds a tropical, rumba-esque feel to the album. There is classic flamenco, bossa nova, jazz, tango, gypsy, and lounge elements throughout. The intrinsic musical abilities of all involved shine through on every track. 'Santa Lucia Waltz' is an especially endearing and moving instrumental piece. Though not a negative in my book, the instrumental tracks are somewhat reminiscient of the older music for the local forecasts on The Weather Channel. Still, Lawson and company brings a refreshing outlook to new guitar-centered music. Espirito is an album made with all the right ingredients for a delicious result. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Cottars

The Cottars

Feast

Rounder

Cape Breton's musical legacy is steeped in local fiddling traditions the world over. Now, you have to add The Cottars to that long list of musicians performing fiddle/Celtic/Scottish music. The folk rhythms are reminiscent of Natalie MacMaster, the Rankin Family, and April Verch - all talented musicians from Canada in their own right. There is a mix of traditional songs, such as "Goodnight To You" and "Song For Stephen Foster". Other songs are composed by Fiona and Ciaran MacGillivray and Claire Pettit. Strings are joined by piano, guitar, tin whistle, bodhran, bouzouki, and harp. Folksy vocals, jazzy jigs, and heartfelt strumming represent the cultural spirit of Eastern Canada's musical traditiojns. The vocals are sung in English and incorporate American roots music as well. Some of the songs are ideal for dancing, while others are great for sitting back and listening in. In essence, Feast is definitely not hard to swallow. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Spy From Cairo

The Spy From Cairo

Secretly Famous

Wonderwheel Recordings

Originally from Italy, The Spy From Cairo is trans-global groovemaster extraordinaire Moreno Visini. There are little musical references to Italy on this album, but the dub-grooves and traditional instrumentation reflect a purely North African/Middle Eastern origin. The Spy From Cairo plays several instruments including bass, oud, saz, darbouka, keyboards, and ciftelli (two-stringed lute). A stand-out guest vocalist adds her Tunisian presence on "Ana Arabi", "Jennaty", and "Blood and Honey". Additionally, the mizmar and nay flute adds a good amount of musical fluidity on "Nayphony". Secretly Famous is a dub-fest for a new generation. There is a nice mix of original songs and remixes/tributes to great musicians from Egypt including Farid Al Atrache and Mohamed Abdel Wahab. The end result is an Afro-dub sound with an abundance of creativity, musicianship, and cultural awareness. Secretly Famous won't be secret much longer; once the addictive sounds make their way online, on the radio, and in the clubs. ~ Matthew Forss

Book Review: Re-Counting Knowlege in Song: Change Reflected in Kaulong Music

Re-Counting Knowlege in Song: Change Reflected in Kaulong Music by Birgit Druppel. Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies: Boroko, Papua New Guinea, 2009. 324pp. CD included.

The present ethnomusicological study of Kaulong, Papua New Guinea is a culmination of several years of field research for Birgit Druppel's doctoral dissertation in 1998. The result is an in-depth analysis of traditional song, dance, and customs of the Kaulong area. Birgit provides ample commentary and insightful discussion regarding the many aspects surrounding social customs, instruments, songs, and dances. Particular attention is made to regional music/dance forms, including singing sia, murmur, and tumbuan. An instrument organology section is provided for pan pipes, Jew's harps, conch shells, insects (beetles), and other instruments. Musical notation is provided, along with cultural notes on instrument uses during special occasions (i.e. marriage, youth, hunting, feasts, etc.). The book includes numerous black/white photos, along with several colored plates. Due to the in-depth, and often technical nature of this study, a good grasp of Papua New Guinean ethnomusicology and folklore would be recommended for most readers. Yet, the book is laid out fairly well, with chapters devoted to pre-European cultural influences, vocal and instrumental music, post-independent music, and a short summary. Notably, an appendix conatins the biographies of the musicians. An informative glossary is also helpful for defining technical and cultural terms. An index and refence list is included for additional resources. A CD featuring 45 different songs, dances, celebrations, and instruments is included. The CD tracks are also referenced throughout the text and add another dimension to Birgit's already well-written and referenced monograph. Learn about Kaulong music today! ~ Matthew Forss