Category Archives: CD Reviews

CD review: Kristjan Järvi’s Absolute Ensemble performing their version of “Arabian Nights” in NY

Artist: Kristjan Järvi’s Absolute Ensemble
Title: Arabian Nights: Live at Town Hall NYC
Label: Enja Rec (Germany)
Cat.#:  ENJ-9571 2
Genre:  a melding of Middle Eastern musical genres with Western musical genres including jazz, rock, and contemporary classical, as a post-September 11 statement of unity

Reviewed by Leo Volf

Within moments of listening to Arabian Nights, the term world  music instantly springs to mind. The title of the album definitely gives the listener an idea of what part of the world he’s listening  to, but to simply categorize the music as an “east meets west” collaboration would be a great disservice to everyone involved. The list of influences seems quite eclectic and the ensemble executes the  ideas with great ease. At certain points, members of the ensemble can’t help but to put their own personal stamp on the music. Matt Herskowitz’s light piano fills on “Amr I Bismiki” are a perfect  example. Certainly, one would not find a jazz pianist in a traditional  Middle Eastern ensemble, but the in the case of the Absolute Ensemble  the mix is quite natural and almost seems necessary. And all of this  was recorded at one of the most respected acoustic environments in New  York  City, Town Hall.

Continue reading →

CD recommendation: Addis Acoustic Project Revives Classic Ethiopian Grooves on Upcoming Tewesta “Remembrance”

Artist: Addis Acoustic Project
Title: Tewesta (REMEMBRANCE)
Label: World Village
Genre: Ethiopia pop
Release Date: 08/09/2011

Comprised of some of the outstanding acoustic musicians Addis Ababa has to offer, the Addis Acoeustic Project brings forth Ethiopia’s pop tunes from the 1950s and 1960s in a new light. Directed and arranged by guitarist Girum Mezmur, the Addis Acoustic Project unfolds vintage Ethiopian music from that era in a fresh way. With influences of traditional East-African, Jazz, and Latin musical styles, these pieces have time and again won the hearts of many Ethiopian and World Music lovers alike.

The band, made up of veteran musicians such as Ayele Mamo (Mandolin), as well as contemporary musicians such as Girum Mezmur (Guitar/ Accordion/Leader), Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Nathaniel Tessema (Drums), Dawit Ferew (Clarinet), and Mesale Legesse (Kebero/Percussions), produces unique sounds dear to most Ethiopians and has attracted a greater world music audience.

Continue reading →

CD review: Hadar Noiberg’s excursion from the melting pot of New York to the rich tradition of Israel.

Artist: Hadar Noiberg
Title: Journey Back Home
Label: self produced
Genre: Jazz/nu Israel music

Reviewed by Matthew Rentz

For her solo album Journey Back Home the NYC based Israeli artist Hadar Noiberg draws from an eclectic array of influences.  Her masterful flute work weaves a path that beckons the listener for a glimpse of her native land.  Backed by the remarkably solid rhythm section of Omer Avital (double bass) and Ziv Ravitz (drums/ percussion), Noiberg is free to explore her diverse roots. Journey Back Home is a wonderful jazz album that offers the listener an excursion from the melting pot of New York to the rich tradition of Israel.

Continue reading →

CD reviews: Willie Martinez & Rusconi – two bands from different worlds

CD reviews by  William Harvey

Artist: Willie Martinez/La Famillia Sextet
Title: After Winter, Spring
Label: Cuch Be Witcha Productions
Genre: Latin Jazz

After Winter, Spring is drummer/percussionist Willie Martinez’s second album as a leader. This album features many of Martinez’s own originals and arrangements. His band La Familia Sextet is tight and hard grooving as they venture through various latin jazz styles. On this recording Martinez lets his band shine as he plays mostly a supporting role in the rhythm section; a sign of a mature veteran who as a leader choses to place emphasis on melody and groove.

In addition to his strong instrumental chops Martinez is featured as a vocalist singing in both English and Spanish. Musical influences heard range from Ray Baretto, Max Roach, Ray Romero, Cachao, to Hilton Ruìz as mentioned in the liner notes of After Winter, Spring. Additionally, pianist Misha Tsiganov wrote “Anthony” as a dedication to the late Tony Williams , which ends with a nice drum solo. After Winter, Spring has and will continue to captivate Latin jazz and Afro-Carribean music fans alike.

Continue reading →