Music Reviews of World, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Blues, Country
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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Skinny Puppy - Mythmaker
Converge - No Heroes
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WinterKids - Memoirs
03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of World Music, Adult Contemporary, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Classical
Sharham and Hafez Nazeri — The Passion of Rumi Buy it at Amazon
Now that Americans proved themselves to not be all about freedom of speech with that ridiculous introduction of the Iranian president by Columbia University president Lee Bollinger with utterly shameful lampooning, will they be man enough to at least admit that Iranian based music is pretty damn amazing? Hopefully the timeless Sufi messages celebrating the 800th anniversary of 13th century poet Rumi’s birth contained within “The Passion of Rumi” will convince a few to pay attention. A bastion of Persian music delight, Sharham and Hafez Nazeri are one of the greatest exports out of Tehran these days. Intriguing enough they applaud a poet whose lyrics and words took the place of music when strict Islamic law was put into place by giving a firm nod in Rumi’s direction. Nice.
- J-Sin
17 Hippies — Heimlich Buy it at Amazon
Berlin’s 17 Hippies, are neither seventeen in number nor are they really hippies. Formed after the Berlin Wall came down, the group got it’s name because the word hippie at the time was slang for folks who tried to do something good but don’t quite do it completely right—not to say they’re doing things half-assed though. Back in Germany, the group comprises of members who each play a certain instrument well but gave it to explore an instrument that they never really played, with some members switching from piano to accordion, drums to guitar, flute to clarinet, etc. Other instruments that are played include a Persian hammered dulcimer, ukulele, kalimbas, and other odds and ends. The resulting energetic sound produced is acoustic folk music that’s fun, flavorful, and downright catchy.
- J-Sin
Various Artists — Pop Jazz Vol. 1 Buy it at Amazon
Pop-jazz is a morphing genre that seems to integrate various pop offshoots into its umbrella. “Pop-Jazz Vol. 1” is a testament to that melting pot theory with its fusion of hip-hop, funk, rock, and soul. Nancy Wilson and Donald Byrd are featured as well as more “nu” artists like Soulive and Janek Gwizdala. Jazz will no doubt always be somewhat relegated as “your parents music” but with more hip sounds emanating from its outer reaches such as what is found on “Pop-Jazz Vol. 1” by New York City’s Spring LLC, it may just find some kids and young adults grooving soon enough.
- J-Sin
Robert Gordon and Chris Spedding — It's Now or Never Buy it at Amazon
Memorializing the 30th anniversary of King Elvis’s death, “It’s Now or Never” hits the mark with 15 of Presley’s swaggering hits as well as some deep catalog finds such as “Young and Beautiful”. Robert Gordon is one of rockabilly’s finest crooners and shines on this album alongside British roots rock guitarist Chris Spedding. The duo haven’t worked together for some thirteen years but sound as if they never had that long of a break. The guitar tone is unimaginably bright and shines a bright clarity throughout the tribute album.
- J-Sin
Charlie Hunter Trio — Mistico Buy it at Amazon
Bay Area jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter uplifts what we thought we knew about jazz, both contemporary and modern, on his latest disc “Mistico”. His past recent efforts found Hunter working with off-the-beaten-path artists like Mos Def, Kurt Elling, and the mega pop-star herself Norah Jones. This go, he returns somewhat to what he’s been known for—slammingly creative and edgy jazz. Stirring guitar solos blaze up and down “Mistico” with spirited abandon with crafty rhythms emanating from drummer Simon Lott and keyboardist Eric Deutsch.
- J-Sin
Hugh Masekela — Live at the Market Theatre Buy it at Amazon
Young trumpet player Hugh Masekela emerged from South Africa because of the help of some huge jazz icons like Louis Armstrong, who sent him a trumpet, Harry Belafonte, who pulled strings to get him to be able to travel to New York City, with Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis taking him under their collective wings. Not many jazz players can say that, least of all anyone from Africa. Hugh Masekela is known for his Nelson Mandela anthem “Mandela” and his timeless Afro-beat of "Grazing in the Grass" as well as his tremendously gifted status as one of the premier trumpet players in history. Pick it up!
- J-Sin
John Vance — Dreamsville Buy it at Amazon
Jazz singer John Vance does his thing and I’m just not feeling it. All I’m really feeling is a distinct sense of nausea and boredom. The aptly titled “Dreamsville”, takes you there and in a hurry.
- J-Sin
Shimon Ben-Shir Group — Ways Buy it at Amazon
Poop jazz that really makes you not only openly question your manhood but indeed the state of your ears and how you could possibly associate this with anything remotely incredible let alone listenable. “Ways” makes barf sound tempting. Actually that’s not fair, this is exotic poop, it’s like all Middle Eastern and shit. Wow did I just make a pun, my mom would be so proud.
- J-Sin
Hillstomp — After Two But Before Five Buy it at Amazon
Portland’s entry into the Mississippi Delta blues scene is none other than Hillstomp. Rangy vocals conquer the mix that could have easily been mistaken for some Southern outfit fifty years ago at times. Smart songwriting comes from this duo of guitarist/singer and drummer. “After Two but Before Five” is a barn burner of vintage blues rock recorded live in Eugene and Portland, Oregon, with punkabilly hinting around the corner.
- J-Sin
Monte Negro — Cicatrix Buy it at Amazon
Creating a melting pot of English and Spanish rock hits, Monte Negro will no doubt have crossover appeal. Other than the bilingual lyrics, what separates “Cicatrix” from so many other acts out there is their knack for putting all of their passion into each note played. Produced by Tone (Green Day, Carlos Santana), the album is a beautifully melodic alternative pop album with elements of pop-punk, alternative rock (think Sugarcult meets Incubus), and Latin rock ala Ozomatli. Very special indeed, and no wall will prevent anyone from infiltrating this juggernaut of catchiness.
- J-Sin
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