28 February 2010
By Lyov
In Folk
Armenian Fantasies
Few instrumentalists dominate and define their instrument like duduk player Djivan Gasparyan. In Gasparyan’s hands, the Armenian oboe (carved from apricot branches) takes on a warm, spiritual tone that sounds at times ethereal, at others spirited. Until now, we’ve heard Gasparyan either solo or with minimal accompaniment (namely, his collaboration with Canadian guitarist Michael Brook on Black Rock). But on Armenian Fantasies, Gasparyan performs with his largest ensemble yet, a group of 10 traditional Armenian instrumentalists. The results are mesmerizing. On the “Armenian Suite,” we get a catchy medley of folksy love songs; “Kamantcha Blues” is a shorter, more introspective work of improvisation; and “Armenian Romances” focuses on the country’s more melancholic songs of longing. With each track, we hear the meditative, shadowy sounds of the duduk, along with indigenous instruments such as the tar (lute), kamantcha (fiddle), and kanon (zither) played at their peak. Highly recommended....
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armenian, Armenian Fantasies, Djivan Gasparyan, Ensemble, Folk, traditional, world, world music
27 February 2010
By Lyov
In Pop
Fotografie
Fotografie is an album that was born from the artistic Giusy Ferreri confronting songwriters of high thickness. The songs chosen directly by Giusy are part of his musical knowledge: I Was Made To Love Magic by Nick Drake, with a rose by Vinicio Capossela, Paolo Benvegnù Portrait The Sea, by Jerome Kern Yesterdays (song played in the past by Billie Holiday) , Hello Love Hello Luigi Tenco and Estate of Bruno Martino....
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female vocalist, Fotografie, Giusy Ferreri, Italian, Pop, Soul, x factor
26 February 2010
By Lyov
In Soul
Miriam Wynn
Miriam (mih-ree-yahm) is a gifted singer/songwriter from the Northern California Bay Area. Her self-titled first album is a mix – just like her. This multi-faceted, multi-talented performer enjoys exploring a wide range of music, from the latest hot club songs, smooth and soulful R&B, to playful pop, smoky Jazz, and sensual Latin rhythms. This is an album dedicated to giving you a good time. Sounds like … old school Janet Jackson and Toni Braxton, Black Eyed Peas, Nikka Costa, Beyonce, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo, Rachael Yamagata, Jewel … just a jumble of fun, good grooves, and a love of music....
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female artist, female vocalist, jazzy smooth soul, Miriam Wynn, neo-soul
25 February 2010
By Lyov
In Pop
Dishu Tishinoy
The singer Nikolai Noskov has been working on the professional stage for over 30 years: he did hundreds of solo gigs in this country and abroad and has always been successful. Lyricism and romanticism, ethnic tunes and contemporary rhythms – those are the striking traits of Nikolai Noskov’s work. Each concert is done with live sound only and shows the highest performing level of both the singer and musicians. Amazing combination of classical and folklore musical instruments, contemporary arrangements and inimitable voice of Nikolai Noskov always help the listener to experience the unique atmosphere of music, romance and philosophy. ...
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Dishu Tishinoy, Gorky Park, male vocalists, Nikolay Noskov, Pop, Rock, russian, russian rock
25 February 2010
By Lyov
In Folk
Oyo
Once again, the Beninese diva rakes off to keep her title as queen of world music and offers a very beautiful album.
The Beninese singer has been taking her muse on holiday recently, with albums inspired by Brazil and the Caribbean. But her eighth album is reminiscent of her fourth, Oremi, on which she investigated African-American grooves. So here we get Africanised versions of Move on Up, Cold Sweat, I’ve Got Dreams to Remember and Baby, I Love You — all good, but you never forget the inspirations. More interesting is a vocal version of Santana’s Samba Pa Ti, while the African covers are better yet.
World-music purists may well turn up their noses, but the Beninese singer’s celebration of her musical roots turns out to be a magnificently upbeat marriage of African tradition and western pop. Kidjo’s inspired version of James Brown’s Cold Sweat is one of the most exhilarating performances she has ever put on record. The spirit of Miriam Makeba hovers over the lullaby Lakutshona Llanga, and the American jazz-soul diva Dianne Reeves joins in the Aretha-esque testifying on Baby, I Love You. Kidjo even honours Sidney Bechet with the tender lyrics of Petite Fleur. The world is awash with bloodless X Factor wannabes; Kidjo reminds you what a real voice sounds like....
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africa, african, Angelique Kidjo, female vocalists, Oyo, world, world music
24 February 2010
By Lyov
In Country, Folk
Hillbilly Goddess
Hillbilly Goddess pairs the Louisiana-bred bluegrass singer Alecia Nugent with an all-star cast of modern bluegrass, including members of Ricky Skaggs’ Kentucky Thunder, Blue Highway, the Dan Tyminski Band and the Infamous Stringdusters. Nugent more than holds her own in such illustrious company, with her powerful vocals and personal lyrics staying front and center even on bluegrass raveups like “The Nugent Family Band.”Dirty Linen – “She has her own distinct style and voice, of course, but if you like Rhonda Vincent and Claire Lynch, then you’ll find much to enjoy on Nugent’s latest album.”...
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Alecia Nugent, bluegrass, Country, cowhat bg, cowhat superhero, female bluegrass vocalist, Hillbilly Goddess
23 February 2010
By Lyov
In Jazz
Over and Over
The St. Louis-based jazz vocalist Erin Bode’s second album builds on the American Songbook interpretations of her first release with a collection of self-penned originals, as well as covers of Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years,” and the standard “Alone Together.” Her accompanying trio provides a supple, subtle accompaniment on this down-tempo set of ballads....
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Erin Bode, female vocalists, Jazz, Over and Over, smooth jazz, Vocal, vocal jazz
22 February 2010
By Lyov
In Folk
Gipsy Kings
On this, arguably the finest of the group’s efforts, the caliber of the musicianship is striking. Rhythmically athletic acoustic guitars, passionate singing, and stirring, syncopated handclaps coalesce to create a fresh, romantic, and eminently danceable sound. Modulations of mood abound, from joyous, percussive romps (“Bem, Bem, Maria”) through more sedate tunes evocative of intimate Spanish cafes (“Quiero Saber”), to plaintive melodies embellished with gorgeous flamenco motifs, such as “Tu Quieres Volver.” Also included are two of the band’s biggest hits, “Djobi Djoba” and the endlessly infectious “Bamboleo.” GIPSY KINGS is an excellent place to start exploring this inventive, wonderfully accessible music....
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flamenco, Gipsy Kings, guitar, latin, spanish, world
