Reviews: March 2007

GVI March 07

Enzo Avitabile

Avitabile's new record is even more ambitious than his last one, a disc of sacred music that's non-religious, but a journey from the Holy Land to Southern Italy. Yet he pulls it off beautifully, using a ragged choir, percussion, a kind of oboe and a sort of hurdy-gurdy, as well as his own voice and saxophone to create a loving, searching timeless sound.

Earth Wheel Sky Band - Gipsy Tango

X-Produktion

A strong exploration of Serbian music from a very powerful and persuasive group. However, they don't stick to the tried and true, but bring in some unusual elements (like piano on "Crayngtime"). They're a band with their own sound, but one that looks out beyond their immediate borders, whether it's to tango or the madness of "Free 7/8." A very gratifying listen.

Miroslav Evacic - Blues Reke Drave

Scardona

The second album from the Croatian man who mixes blues and traditional music is as much of a joy as his debut. You've certainly never lived until you've heard a hammered dulcimer play the blues, that's for sure. But the whole blend of musics is a delight, unexpected and lovingly played, creating a sense of surprise and wonder at the world.

Fanfare Ciocarlia - Queens and Kings

Asphalt Tango

A true Balkan mix on this release, with collaborations from a number of figures around the Romany community, from the venerated like Esma Redzepova to the relatively unknown, such as Mitsou. It's all glorious stuff, as diverse as you could want, even if at times it's not as complex as some Gypsy music, if only to accommodate different styles.

Gjallarhorn - Rimfaxe

Westpark

It's been a while since Gjallarhorn's last disc, and from the production on part of this, it's easy to see why. There's a lot of sound on sometracks, possibly too much - it overwhelms the band and the material; they're better when they're more stripped down, and less lost. Wonderful taste and adventure in the material, as usual, and superb playing. But possibly an over-egged pudding at times?

Joseph Israel - Gone Are The Days

Universal

Some good roots reggae from Israel, recorded at Tuff Gong for a solid rootsy feel. Plenty of conscious lyrics and Rasta beliefs. Yet, it has to be said, there's nothing to lift it into the outstanding category, however heartfelt Israel is as a singer.

Ben Bowen King - Sidewalk Saints

Talking Taco Music

Like a trip back in time to the time itinerant guitarists played wailing gospel on the streets of the Southern states. King plays angelically and passionately, with wonderful slide work (and the soft female wailing in the background adds to the atmosphere). A definite labour of love, but with a certain purity, and not a little skill.

Loreena McKennitt - An Ancient Muse

Quinlan Road

Love her or not, McKennitt has created a true cottage industry from her sound. At times it verges on Celtic New Age, but, to give her credit, over the years she's brought a lot more breadth and substance to her music, and this is a real success, venturing nicely into Middle Eastern sounds that build on her previous creations.

Rachid Taha - The Definitive Collection

Wrasse

Definitive can be a subjective thing, but this is pretty close, hitting all the high spots, and evening going back to the 1980s for "Douce France," which caused an outrage on its release. Not a bad cut here, and his version of "Rock The Casbah" outshines the Clash, whilst "Ya Rayah" redefines an Arab standard, taking it into new areas. A reminder of how great an artist Taha is.

Gianmaria Testa - De Questa Parte Del Mare

Le Chant Du Monde

The newest album from Italian singer-songwriter Testa is nothing less than art. Based around the concept of migrants, it often aches, but also inspires hope. The music's subtle, with Testa's weather voice front and centre (nice guest appearances by Bill Frisell). The subject matter isn't easy listening, but the songs flow beautifully to build up a picture. Fablulous.

Various Artists - The Rough Guide to Bollywood Gold

World Music Network

Definite classics, with many of the major playback singer names among the tracks. There are some real classics here, with the usual Bollywood mind-bending mix of music, all with a distinctly Indian tinge. It's addictive stuff, that's for sure, ranging from a loving ghazal (delicately performed) to the frug and swing of '60s guitars.