Brief Reviews: D-F

Dave Evans : The Words In Between

Weekend Beatnik

Superior singer/songwriter, who just happens to be an excellent guitarist, too. The songs might seem a bit of their time - which was early '70s, but that was an era when Britain produced some of the classic solo performers. Evans might not quite reach the top division, but he's still pretty damn good. A keeper.

Digital Bled: Caravana

Tinder

Highly touted album of world electronica-tinged music that turns out generally be insipid, compared to much of what's coming out of their native France. A major disappointment.

DJ Cheb i Sabbah: As Far As

Six Degrees

A DJ mix album that works well, as is far-ranging in its take on world music, making for a strong flow. You have to admire the depth of knowledge, and his ability to string songs together. Probably better in a club than listening at home, however.

Doc Watson at Gerdes: Folk City

Sugar Hill

Recorded in '62 and '63, when he was still a pretty unknown property up North, he must have been a revelatioon for those who saw him, with brilliant guitar work, effortless singing, the real thing so many people had been seeking. He remains one of the towering figures of American roots music, with the sort of fingerwork to make your jaw drop. A classic.

Dub Station & SonBeam: Get It Together

Self-Released

Competent, if not inspired, reggae from a Boston band with a JA singer. From dancehall to R&B, and even a touch of Nyabinghi New Age to close it out, they cover all the bases, and while there's reasonable invention to the music, it just doesn't seem destined for the big time, although "See Us Rise" might go places.

E2K: Shirt

Topic

They've come a long way from being Edward II, and it shows. Assured, often imaginative, when the horns kick in, there's some real power behind the sound. Overall, however, the production has a slightly lightweight sound, which doesn't do them justice. Excellent selection of songs, some imaginative arranging ; they've got this world/ English thing down to a fine art.

Elena Ladda: Sonos

Dunya

Reissue of a classic 1988 album that explored the musical possibilities within Sardinian songs, both in straightforward and obscure manners. While a couple of the tracks drift slightly New Age-ily, most are focused, raw, and extremely powerful. Imaginative arrangements, with Ladda's voice able to turn from velvet to metal on a knife edge.

Ensemble Kereoni: Traditional Songs from Georgia

ARC Music

Interesting Georgian male polyphonic singing, whose harmonies tie it oddly to the Mediterranean with a touch of Tuva. Backed by traditional instruments it's good, if not inspired, recording.

Esperanza: Esperanza II

Higher Octave

If you like the sounds of MOR Flamenco-ish guitar playing over watered-down hip-hop and techno beats, then you'll love this. Neither one thing nor another, this aims for the biggest possible audinece by going for the lowest possible denominator.

Ex-Centric Sound System: West Nile Funk

Indieland

It's been four years since their debut, and the U.S. based band finally return for a second outing, delving deep into dub and beyond, but giving it a highly international flavor whose roots are as much in the Middle East and West Africa as in the Caribbean. Enigmatic and unusual, and with plenty of spice, but it feels as if they haven't quite tapped the source yet.

Faraualla: Faraualla

Amiata

Female vocal music from Southern Italy, largely a capella, other than some percussion. Marvelously arranged and layered, inventive as can be. So what's the problem? Well, a little goes a long way....

Finbar Furey: Chasing Moonlight

Hybrid

He's been around for decades, with a wonderfully creaking voice. The traditional material fares best, and at times this album steers close to Celtoid rather than Isish, but he always saves it from going too far overboard. Enjoyable, if not a major record.

Frankie Lee: Here I Go Again

Blues Express

Great voice, but ultimately this is just your bog standard modern blues album, that tries to hit all the bases, from roaring Chicago to acoustic Delta, to string-drenched B.B. King evocation. But in Bobby Murray he has a guitarist who does far too much - just all over the place. I'd love to hear him in a more focused style with better players.

Fred McDowell: The Best of Fred McDowell

Arhoolie

Culled from four Arhoolie CDs, plus a live cut, and recorded between 64-69, this is definitely the best of the later McDowell, although the '59 Alan Lomax recordings remain special. Think of his as the last great Delta blues player, and buy it all.