Monthly Archives: July 2016
John Zorn–The Mockingbird
Inspired by the character Scout in “To Kill A Mockingbird”, this is yet another exquisite & gorgeous release from Zorn, featuring the Gnostic Trio (harp, guitar, vibraphone). PLAY! PLAY! PLAY!
Breathe Deep the Dusk Fall- Louie Gonnie
Sung in traditional style with rattle and drum we are gifted with the feelings of gratitude for this beauty and feelings of humble existence s Louie says in the notes for Track 7, Transcendence and the Drum, ” a new dawn reflecting our yesterday. Hearts on fire with spirit s blaze in tranquility. There is […]
Roman Orona- Circling Spirits; Contemporary Apache Songs
Most of the songs are sung in Apache and vocables with Roman Orona in the lead vocals and playing drum, bells and sometimes his voice is also the backing vocals with each track giving the experience of feeling part of the round dance happening with this music in the circle of life with the indigenous […]
The Fifth World- 7th Generation Rise
Goodshield Aguilar,(Writer of the songs,Producer and Injuneer) shares this “Indigenous Soul” music with messages and guests that include John Trudell (Track 7), Mignon Geli (flute player) and Linda Faye Carson. (track 3) Spoken Word and stories and current news clips pepper the songs Seven,The Fifth World, Sierra War Cry. Its FCC clean so play all!!
Palo! – Yo Quiero Guarachar (Rolling Pin)
Our favorite Afro-Cuban funk Band & 2015 Grammy Nominee from Miami! Led by the talented pianista & Cubaphile Steve Roitstein, featuring powerfully beautiful lead vocals by Leslie Cartaya, plus Ed Calle’s great sax, driving bass, & smokin’ percussion. Get ready to dance! Apt CD Title means ‘I Wanna Have A Blast.’
Aditya Prakash Ensemble – Mara (self-released)
Gorgeous Indian fusion from a brother & sister who are South Indian classical musicians, & many of their talented friends. The music is also the soundtrack to a dance performance portraying the story of the demon Mara, who tried to tempt Buddha off his path to enlightenment. Really fine compositions, as one might expect from […]
Anthology: Cabo Verde – Space Echo (Analog Africa)
From 1970’s-80’s Cabo Verde, an island 350 miles off the coast of Africa, cosmic examples of local styles such as Mornas, Coladeras, & Funanà played with electronic instruments said to have been found on a shipwreck there in 1968 and distributed to the only places with electricity –mostly schools! The students did well…some really great […]
Ana Alcaide – Leyenda (ARC)
A true musical artist; drawing from her interest in the nyckelharpa, a Swedish instrument since the Middle Ages, her heritage as a native of Toledo Spain, her interest in medieval melodies from Spain, and here, her fascination with legendary women (e.g., Mother Earth, the Chinese Goddess Luolaien, selkies, witches). Often sounds Galician or Celtic. Quite […]
Bareto – Impredecible (World Village)
From Peru where the band is highly successful, crafted in Lima by top producers (e.g., for Sidestepper, Bomba Estereo), here is an entertaining collection of traditional Peruvian cumbia, folk, & indigenous rhythms mixed with fresh-sounding psychedelic & electronic embellishments. Features Susana Baca on track #9.
Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate – Monastic Theory (Cumbancha)
Second CD in this collaboration between western rocker-guitarist Driscoll & virtuosic kora master Kouyate from Guinea, plus drummer Jimbo Breen & bassist John Railton, & additional percussion by Tim Short.
Renato Braz – Saudade (Earth Music)
Veteran producer & musician Paul Winter (Paul Winter Consort) considers talented vocalist/guitarist Renato Braz to be the newest of Brazil’s foremost musical Ambassadors. Together with other talented musicians, here they recreate 15 jewels of Brazilian music while also celebrating the captivating power of gentle, quietly beautiful arrangements. Soothing music for late nights & Sunday mornings.
Money Chicha – Echo En Mexico (Vampisoul)
From Austin TX, a new project by members of Brownout & Grupo Fantasma featuring a sort of psychedelic, fuzzy, surf-guitar take on the Andes mountains cumbia infused “chicha” music of 1960’s-70’s Peru & Colombia. Fine arrangements & musicianship.
Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band – 55 (Big Crown)
Steel pan music from Germany! A funky project by members of the Mighty Mocambos, & led by Björn Wagner, who plays a steel pan custom-made for him Trinidad & Tobago. Also features great percussion & a nice horn section. Includes covers & original tunes.
Songs From The Black Cedar Hills- Louie Gonnie
Named after the place where singer, composer and ceremony leader, Louie Gonnie lives Black Cedar Hills, this is the latest CD from Canyon Records. Sung in traditional language Louie is joined by brother Dewey and cousin, Logan Yazzie to bring you these songs of ceremony and prayers sung in traditional Native American Church ceremonies. With […]
Rhythm Of Love- Tiinesha Begaye
Although produced 10 years ago the traditional singing of Tiinesha Begaye will certainly make your heart smile. From growing up with tradition and music her talents are steeped in family and community love and relationship to land, language and each other. Today a mother of 4, Tiinesha continues to sing. Her songs are accompanied with […]
Horses Are Our Journey- Jay Begaye
Beautiful traditional songs sung by father and daughter of the Dine Nation about horses. Each song in the Dine language gives a story of the relationship between human and horse. Track 4 you hear rattle and drum and Tiinesha (Jay’s daughter) singing harmony. Tiinesha contributes songs to this album as well in tracks 8,9 and […]
Running at the Top of the World–New Music for Trumpet and Piano
Very new works by Plog, Reskin and Rokeach, the works of the latter two particularly nice. Play!
Shie Rozow–Musical Fantasy
Known for TV, film and theater work, these pieces have depth and interest, not “popular” as some commercial work can be. Play!
Legende–Works for Trumpet and Piano
Alison Balsom’s latest release includes transcriptions and originals from the classical and popular repertoires (Francaix, Hindemith, Ravel, Gershwin, Bernstein amongs others). One piece by Balsom and pianist Tom Poster. Play!
Tonu Korvitz– Mirror
A mix of instrumentals with interesting mix of instruments (strings, kannel, violoncello) and choir (both mixed and male) with accompaniment. Voice pieces tend to be subdued, some eeriness. Play!
Wild Cities
Contemporary, abstract works for violin and piano, ranging from quiet pieces, ambient to more strident ones. Moya’s works nice!
Jeffrey Stadelman–Three String Quartets
Somewhat intense, eerie pieces, some atonality with lots rhythmic shifting. The composer says… [my music] having to fight its way out to, to invent, a new lyricism before your ears.” Play most!
Tomas Svoboda–String Quartets Vol. 1 Nos. 1-4
Contemporary string quartets composed over a lifetime, beginning at age 19. Gracious. Play most!
Ayreheart–Barleymoon
Renaissance “folk” tunes, instrumental and with voice–lute, komutz, colascione and percussion. “John Barleycorn” popularized by Traffic included. Play! Suitable for folk programming.
Chrissey and Hawley-Chrissey and Hawley
Chrissey and Hawley’s self-titled debut is a mix of Synth Dance, House, Disco Dance and Bubblegum Pop. The tracks are smooth, upbeat and are a fun listen. RIYD: The Juan MacLean, Xeno & Oaklander Tracks: 2,5,6 FCC: 1,4
WRUV Reviews 