PAST MUSIC REVIEWS
Cool Vibes, World Beats & Haunting Vocalists
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| | The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel
By Meshel Ndegeocello
U.S.
Bassist, vocalist and composer Meshell Ndegeocello acts as ringmaster for an astounding collection of artists who have come together to produce this eloquent musical poem. With a strong jazz influence lending this album its decidedly exploratory compositions, Ndegeocello garnishes her tracks with trans-global and pop-cultural influences, mixing them like exotic cocktails. The results are delish! In "Aquarium" we are treated to the haunting voice of The Brazilian Girl's vocalist Sabina over Afro-inspired drum and base beats. "Dance of the Infidel" features Oran Coltrane and Kenny Garret in horns with Michael Cain on piano, giving us a smooth, almost cinematic experience. The Spirit Music Jamia will move you and make your body budge. It is smart music meant to challenge you, yet it maintains an easy-listening quality that will make it perfect for a Sunday brunch. Click on the image to buy now! | | |
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I Capuleti e i Montecchi By Bellini Italy Bellini's I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Capulets and Montagues) an opera that is overshadowed by the more famous Charles Gounod French opera Romeo et Juliette. This Italian bel canto work is rarely staged and even more rarely recorded. It's a pity really because this is a terrific opera, even if highly edited and even if Bellini tinkered with the play. It's a gem of bel canto opera, full of beautiful melodies, dramatic passions and arias and ensembles that are linked together like a chain of gold. It is a glorious opera when it's performed by the right singers such as the three great operatic talents - Sills, Baker and Gedda. The chance to hear these three divas is reason enough to get this opera, for each singer provides dramatic integrity and passion and beautiful vocal color. Click on the image to buy now! | | |
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Tango: Zero Hour by Astor Piazzolla Argentina Astor Piazzolla lived and died as tango's bad boy, having almost single handedly invented the music's vanguard, the form known as tango nuevo. It took Piazzolla decades to reach his unequivocal apex, which is captured flawlessly on Tango: ZeroHour. The music is intricately composed - but at the same time, it is felt in the depths of the soul. The musicians themselves are of the highest caliber - some are classically trained, some have their roots in jazz, but they are all under the spell of Piazzolla's vision. The quiet passages purr and stroke the senses; the more strident ones will pick you up and toss you around. The music will make you want to close your eyes and drift away one moment, then leave you sweating the next. Click on the image to buy now! | | |
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Dance Hits by Tina Leiu Polynesia
Polynesian princess turned dance diva Tina Leiu brings her sultry yet upbeat vocal style to producer-programmer Paul Inder's wicked arrangements and sly smart beats. The music is alive with energy and power and makes for a great CD to put on while getting ready to go out on a Friday or Saturday night. One of the tracks was released under the name "Spankox" in Europe and has become one of the biggest dance hits of the year. So crank up the volume and get ready to boogie. Click on the image to buy now! | | |
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Baro by Habib Koite & Bamada Africa Since the release of his last recording Ma Ya in 1998, Habib Koite has grown from being one of Africa's best-kept secrets to becoming one of the leading figures in contemporary world music. His new release, Baro, is a deeply moving album that takes the music of Mali in new and exciting directions. Baro continues where Ma Ya left off, with a set of haunting melodies and virtuoso guitar playing. With the support of the rest of the talented members of Bamada, Koite swings from the Cuban-influenced grooves of "Batoumambe" to the ethereal and entrancing "Sinama Dehw." The acoustic, unadorned arrangements reflect centuries of Malian tradition, while incorporating subtle Western influences to create songs that appeal to people from all walks of life. Click on the image to buy now! | | |
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Radio Kaboul by Ustad Mahwash & Ensemble Kaboul Afghanistan Radio Kaboul began in the 1940s, giving musicians social recognition for the first time and bringing music to ordinary people instead of just the affluent. This is a tribute album to some great composers of Afghanistan who died in the '70s, '80s and '90s, featuring eight fine musicians including harmonium player Hossein Arman and legendary singer Ustad Mahwash. The music takes the listener back to a vibrant time before the rule of the Taliban, helped by a beautiful booklet that includes old photos smuggled out of Afghanistan. With a wonderfully rich and detailed recording, this is a fine production that provides a high level of fascination. Click on the image to buy now! | | |
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Lagrimas Negras by Diego Cigala & Bebo Valdez Cuba-Spain This album pairs one of the greatest flamenco singers of today, Diego El Cigala, with one of Cuba's finest Afro-Cuban pianists, Bebo Valdes. All the songs are classics out of the Latin music tradition, using just a handful of players in support. Valdes' fingers are delicate and prone to dramatic flourishes; Cigala's voice is pure flamenco in its hoarse intonation, cadence and emotional outpourings. The two masters make the union work by focusing on the drama of the love songs which in turn form some of the most exquisitely passionate music to appear in ages. The result is a journey that discovers the essence of the Latino "love" song with connections to Cuba, Central and South America, and Spain. Click on the image to buy now! | | |
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