CD Review: Noel Black & XRA's 'Chromatic Warfare'

Noel Black & XRA
Chromatic Warfare
Independent Release

Coming to New York from the Caribbean, Noel Black reinvents the world of hip-hop, dance, and electronica, along with his West Coast songstress, XRA. Two musical worlds collide on Chromatic Warfare with Caribbean-tinged rhythms and urban DJing at its finest. XRA's DJ skills and vocal presence are unmatched. Noel Black's rough voice is direct and melodic. However, the rather short album may be off-putting for some. Nevertheless, the four tracks: "Riot," "We Get Busy," "Judge Before Reading," and "D.O.I. (Declaration of Independence)" are unique and fresh enough to be enjoyed over and over. The music is repetitive at times, very electronic, industrial, and urban. The mix of spacey electronica and urban grooves with rap and hip-hop influences are a combination that works. Anyone interested in progressive poetry and electronic music with an urban flair will find Chromatic Welfare a blast. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Oliver James' 'Chasing The Sun'

Oliver James
Chasing The Sun
Wire & Wood Recordings

New York-based, Oliver James, writes creative songs steeped in Americana with a bit of intellectual and alternative musical leanings. There are some pop inflections with musical influences from Iggy Pop, R.E.M., All American Rejects, U2, and others. The music is very unique and it touches on several interrelated genres of progressive, alternative, jazz, rock, folk, pop, and classic rock. The symphonic string constructions and epic rock solos are interspersed with instances of poetic songwriting and melodic instrumental arrangements. "Lovers Bridge" is a powerhouse jazz/rock song with obvious Springsteen-esque qualities. "Before He Turned The Gun On Himself" opens with a rather somber tone on guitar and strings. The earthy vocals are moving and followed by an angelic and operatic vocal tone near the end of the song. The anthemic song opens up into a magical medley of instruments and vocals that are not negative overall. "Avenue Of The Stars" begins with a graceful guitar tune and airy vocals. There is a country or folk element highlighted by the sliding drone of the lap guitar. Overall, Oliver James knows how to chase the sun and the dream of making music that people want to hear...over and over again. ~ Matthew Forss     

Song Review: Freddie Atlas' "Vain"

Freddie Atlas

“Vain”

New York City-based singer, songwriter, and pianist, Freddie Atlas, brings a hopeful and contemplative mood to the new single, “Vain.”  The meandering piano melodies and wistful, symphonic washes and arrangements provide a sense of classicism with rather steady vocals.  The music revolves around an absence of percussion, which highlights the vocal performances and new age piano.  “Vain” opens with the sounds of rainfall and flowing water interrupted with a loud, but distant, thud.  The rainfall is joined by a symphonic crescendo of new age delight that soars in and out of blissful resonance.  The tone is somewhat dreamy and it reflects a hopeful sense of yearning.  The symphonic piece wanes and a slow, pensive piano arrangement begin.  Freddie’s slow, but achingly beautiful vocals take over, but they are not very pronounced.  Instead, the vocals seem to match the instrumental accompaniment with ease.  There are a few wispy, background vocals that accompany Freddie’s vocals in parts, but they are mainly indiscriminate.  Mid-song, Freddie’s vocals attain a bit of a more up-tempo peak, along with some orchestral arrangements. The free-flowing piano melody is sparkling, meditative, and memorable.  The piano melody continues for the last minute or so of the song, while some water sounds return, as in the beginning. Freddie Atlas seems to hit all the right chords here.  The music starts slow and patient, but opens up a bit with some more up-tempo piano parts and orchestral washes of sound.  Instrumentally, the song succeeds without fault.  Vocally, Freddie has an innate ability to wrap his vocals around smooth and classical melodies with effortlessness.  The pensive and calming, yet emotional vocals, are somewhat reminiscent of Paul Buchanan’s work with the instrumental down-beat and new age-isms of Craig Armstrong.  At any rate, Freddie’s song is an excellent composition that elicits many emotions and feelings without tripping up.

Review by Matthew Forss

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

 

CD Review: Lawson Rollins' 'Full Circle'

Lawson Rollins
Full Circle
Infinita Records

American guitarist extraordinaire, Lawson Rollins, brings together a dozen songs that mix world fusion with flamenco, new age guitar stylings, and Spanish-tinged melodies. Many of the instrumental songs are akin to the guitar stylings and arrangements of Jesse Cook. Lawson plays classical, flamenco, and electric guitars, along with keyboards and drum programming. Lawson is joined by Dominic Camardella on keyboards and piano, Dave Bryant on drums and percussion, Randy Tico on acoustic and electric bass, Richard Hardy on clarinet, soprano sax and flute, Charlie Bisharat on violin, and Cameron Stone on cello. The scintillating melodies are timeless and free-flowing. Anyone with an interest in acoustic guitars and instrumental music will find happiness in Lawson's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Oana Catalina Chitu's 'Divine: Romanian Songs From The Repertoire of Maria Tanase (1913-1963)'

Oana Catalina Chitu
Divine: Romanian Songs From The Repertoire Of Maria Tanase (1913-1963)
Asphalt Tango Records

One of Romania's greatest chanson singers, Maria Tanase, created music in every venue imaginable--from clubs, restaurants, theatres, suburbs, and beyond--showcasing her inner and outer talent with memorable folk songs. The musical repertoire featured cymbalom, guitar, violin, sax, accordion, drums, and double bass that are carried on by today's singer, Oana Catalina Chitu. A native Romanian herself, Oana sings the music of Maria with such memorable and iconic abilities that transcend time and world regions. There are a dozen songs on the new album that convey a true Balkan presence with heady rhythms, folk tunes, dances, waltzes, and vocal earthiness so inherent in Maria's original music. Anyone familiar with female vocal music that is folksy and nostalgic should check out Oana's latest work. Fans of Maria Tanase will love the diverse musical incarnations that do her original music justice. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gaudi's 'In Between Times'

Gaudi
In Between Times
Six Degrees Records

Born in Italy, based in the UK, and currently traveling the world, Gaudi encapsulates the world fusion epitomy with electronic beats, traditional instrumentation, and groovy dance tunes. There are a plethora of guest musicians that reinforce the highly-textural nature of the compositions. For instance, Michael Rose adds some vocals on "Put Your Guns Down," while Jahmai, Danny Ladwa, Lee Scratch Perry, and Deadly Hunta add their talents on "Life," "Why U Wanna Run" and "Unlimited Possibilities," "I Start To Pray," and "Babylon Is Fallin," respectively. The music is a mix of fusion, dance, reggae, rock, electronic, hip-hop, and rap. This is not really a purist type of album, but a fusionist will be right at home. Anyone into world fusion with a contemporary pulse will find Gaudi very appealing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Women Of Brazil'

Various Artists
Women Of Brazil
Putumayo Records

The breezy and laidback samba, bossa nova, and Latin jazz of Brazil's many ethnic communities comes alive on a classic compilation of new artists and contemporary compositions. The music is characteristically Brazilian, which does not include electronic, techno, rock, or dance-type musical styles. Fans of traditional music will love the new Putumayo release. You will hear new music from Nossa Alma Canta, Graca Cunha, Clara Moreno, Flavia Coelho, Maguinha, Aline Morales, Luisa Maita, Juliana Kehl, Mart'nalia, Miriam Aida, and Miriam Maria. Anyone familiar with South American music that incorporates jazz elements and a few delicate electronic embellishments will desire the Women Of Brazil with open ears. ~ Matthew Forss