Issue 31 1/2006
FolkWorld CD Reviews
Klezmatics with Joshua Nelson & Kathryn Farmer
"Brother Moses smote the water"
Label: Piranha;
1896 2004
One of the most legendary Klezmer bands is the, almost 20 years old, US band
the Klezmatics. They had big success all over the globe with their professional
approach of the Klezmer music. On this new cd Brother moses smote the water
which was recorded live in Berlin, the group goes beyond the borders of the
Klezmer music. The cd is a co-operation with gospel singer and pianist Joshua
Nelson, a legendary name in music, who worked with big names such as Aretha
Franklin, Billy Preston and Dizzy Gillespie. Besides Nelson Kathryn Farmer joins
the group. A jazz singer, pianist who's star is rising at the moment. On this
cd the musicians try to make a connection between Klezmer and gospel. Also to
the jazz music, but that is a connection the Klezmatics have done before. The
spirit on this cd rises high when Nelson takes the lead vocals. Songs like Elijah
rock, walk in jerusalem are musical outbursts of energy that is so typical
for the gospel music. How different the music is when Farmer takes the lead
vocals. Her heavy voice can only be enjoyed on one song, Go down moses also
a gospel kind of song, but when she sings the gospel sounds more introvert and
personal. On this song she starts with accompany herself on the Hammond organ
and slowly the band integrates in the music, a strong part on the cd. In between
the Klezmatics also do what they are used to do, playing strong klezmer music.
A nice live cd with a vivid mixture of styles.
Homepage of the artist: www.klezmatics.com
Eelco Schilder
Merlons lichter "Lust"
Label: Westpark;
87110 2005
The German group Merlons lichter surprised me in 2001 with their dark metal
folk cd Die wahre Mutter Gottes. The mixture of medieval instruments
with metal in a dark and atmosphere somehow really got me. Now the new cd Lust
is for sale in the shops and although the sleeve still looks dark, the music
moved towards a bigger audience. It took me until the end of the fourth song
Wie du und ich before the music caught me. The first three songs somehow
sound more like pop with some light metal and folk influences than the other
way around and does not have the power I remember from their earlier work. Thank
god the further the cd plays, the better they get. Welten lauf has a
great intro and end and in Heisser als die Sünde the band sounds powerful
and wild. Important is the big role the hurdy gurdy plays in their music. It
is used as the central instrument and gives the music an own character. Together
with the electric guitars, programming and drums the hurdy gurdy sounds like
a modern instrument. Merlons lichter made a more open cd than their previous
work. They go for a bigger audience and they had to hand in some of their previous
unique sound to get there. Still a group that is interesting enough to listen
and get their cd but personally I prefer Die wahre Mutter Gottes.
Homepage of the artist: www.merlons.de
Eelco Schilder
Kerberbrothers Alpenfusion "live in L.A."
Label: Private
The Kerberbrothers is formed around three brothers (what a surprise) who play
music from the Alps. They work together with two other musician and their music
mixes traditional sounds with jazz. Nice ethno music with some subtle Yoddeling
integrated in the music. It's clear that five strong musicians are playing on
this cd. Everything sound perfect and the musical arrangements are very interesting.
They manage to bring this underestimated tradition to a bigger audience by mixing
it with more common musical styles. It's easy to listen to and besides Alpenhorn,
Citer and hackbrett also some more common instruments as saxophone, flutes,
accordion and clarinet. It sometimes sounds like a small big band, but much
softer and gentle. Interesting combination and a more than average cd with good
ethno-jazz.
Homepage of the artist: www.kerberbrothers.de
Eelco Schilder
Kieran McGee "Anonymous"
Label: Stanton
records; 003 2004
Although only in his early twenties, this is the third cd by US singer-songwriter
Kieran McGee. Influenced by singers such as Robert Johnson, Woody Guthrie and
Skip James, he can be seen as a rising star in the USA folkscene. Anonymous
contains 13 self penned songs with a bit poetic and symbolic lyrics against
straight songs where he describes the "struggles of life". The musicians he
works with are not just the ordinary anonymous musicians. One of them is the
legendary Levon Helm and the album is produced by Steve Rosenthal (Lou Reed,
Alan Lomax) All thirteen songs are of hight quality, nice vocals by McGee who
also plays the guitar. Both in sober songs like Quiet as well as in the more
rock orientated songs he convinces me of his status as a talented singer-songwriter.
A very nice cd which, I'm sure, will be liked by many.
Homepage of the artist: www.kieranmcgee.com
Eelco Schilder
Asa Broomhall "Outside"
Label: Private 2003
Outside is the debut cd of Asa Broomhall, an Australian singer-songwriter. The
cd contains his songs written between 1995 and 2002 and give an excellent view
in his first years as a musician. Besides a great vocalist Broomhall turns out
to be a good guitar player. He reminds me on occasion of Richard Thompson on
his lp's he recorded in the early eighties. Strong, catchy songs with emotion.
Not just ordinary love songs like thirteen in a dozen. Well arranged, mostly
nice lyrics although sometimes a bit obvious. A very talented musician with
a more than promising debut cd. If Broomhall keeps this quality and grows more
and more his own style and sound he can be one of the best kept secrets of the
Australian Singer-songwriter world.
Homepage of the artist: www.asabroomhall.com
Eelco Schilder
Duivelspack "Die spielleut zu theotmalli"
Label: Private 2003
Three German musicians bringing Medieval images alive. On ancient instruments
such as hurdy gurdy, flutes, gemshorn eo, Duivelspack doesn't play music but
tries to create a vivid atmosphere with a medieval touch. Free man who look
at beautiful women, their wife in the kitchen with two children at her skirt,
trying to smash her husbands brains out. Probably because he enjoys life to
much and she always has to be there for the children and taking care of him.
That's what the pictures in the booklet reflects; the temptations of life. The
devil talks to us in person at the start of the cd and what follows are nice
tunes and songs, played with fun. This is a group that goes for the visual effects
at concerts and I think it works at it's best live on stage when the whole concept
is shown in front of our eyes. To only have their cd to listen to is a bit to
less. The music is quite standard, not really renewing in any way. Fun for people
who saw them live as a memory but in the may cd's in this style, it is of nice
quality but not a remarkable one.
Homepage of the artist: www.duivelspack.de
Eelco Schilder
Roger Matura "Time traveller"
Label: Ozella;
008 2005
The German composer/musician Roger Matura issued his first recording on the
famous Folkways label. Originally he plays folk and blues or is known as a poet.
On Time traveller he goes beyond the frontiers of these styles and create a
new sound collage, as description in the cd booklet tells me. What you really
get is a 100% instrumental cd (except for the two bonustracks) with moody tunes.
Good that there is a small break after each song, otherwise it would be heard
to tell the difference between one song and the other. A bit jazz, a bit folk,
a bit worldmusic and a bit new-age sounds. A bit rock to give some spirit to
a few parts, a bit of everything. I'm absolutely not a fan of this kind of "created"
music. It moves to the background when I listen to it and doesn't touch me even
a bit. Much and much better is the bonustrack Will you still love me tomorrow
where Matura sings and is playing the harmonium the same time. What a classic
song this is, emotional, sad and a bit dark. His rasping voice works for me
much better than his "sound collages".
Eelco Schilder
The pickpocket ensemble "Finger-painting in
red wine"
Label: Odd shaped case records; 1008-2 2004
The pickpocket ensemble from San Fransisco was formed in 1998 and they are inspired
by European folk and cafe music. Six musician with violin and accordion as lead
instruments backed by guitar, bass and percussion. Besides the US they have
also toured the Netherlands and even visited my home town Nijmegen. The tunes
played on this cd' are composed by the accordionist Rick Corrigan who also composes
for experimental film projects. All tunes are original but many traditional
European influences can be heard in the music. Sometimes a nice French bal Musette
but mostly I hear influences from the Balkan countries. Some Jewish influences,
Arabic like percussion's, they picked the best from every corner of Europe.
Besides the more or less traditional influences some jazz and swing sounds can
be heard. Both Corrigan on accordion and Ostrovski on violin are highly skilled
musicians. They play the music with emotion and really catch the right tone
to bring the music alive. Although more on the background I have to mention
the other musicians as well because the form the fundament for the soloists
to create a great sound. A very strong and well thought fundament. Finger-painting
in red wine is a fresh, open minded cd with well played music. A real pleasure
to hear.
Homepage of the artist: www.pickpocketensemble.com
Eelco Schilder
Mazzeltov "Mishpoge"
Label: Frea;
4048 2004
It isn't very hard to guess what style of music the Dutch band Mazzeltov brings.
Founded in 1994, already more than ten years the group sings and plays klezmer
and Yiddish music. The group has singer Rolinha Kross as central figure and
what a great singer she is. Her vocals bring joy and feelings straight from
the music into the livingroom. Somehow I find her vocals different than I usually
know from klezmer and Yiddish music. Kross sounds more like an old-fashioned
blues singer, and it fits the music perfectly. Besides the earlier mentioned
music the band also brings a Yiddish translation of the Brel song Amsterdam
in a completely own interpretation. As a fan of Brel it's always difficult to
write about Brel interpreters, but I think the band managed to create an own
sound and is not just a copy of the Brel song. I also have to be honest, it's
not my style. The staccato arrangements in this song are not my style and it's
one of the few songs I find the vocals not fitting to the music. Very nice is
the Greek song Yedi kule also recorded by the famous Greek singer Savina Yannatou.
Sober, straight to the heart, very nice interpretation of this song. Another
surprise is Lume lume which I know from Fanfare Ciocarlia. Mazzeltov make it
sound like a sad song, a song without hope telling about the how hard life can
be. Mishpoge is a nice cd with a wide variety of music. Trolinha Kross is a
nice singer who carries this cd for the biggest part. The band it self is OK,
but sounds like most Yiddish/Klezmer groups. They do not have a specific own
sound. Nice cd to celebrate the tenth birthday of the group with.
Homepage of the artist: www.mazzeltov.nl
Eelco Schilder
Raya O coal "Hoam"
Label: Gillard 0403-2 2004
The Austrian singer/accordionist Raya o'Coal recorded with hoam a strange cd.
She brings her self penned songs and tunes with a group of excellent musicians.
The opening track So anzuafall is fantastic. A surprising piece of alternative
folk with stunning vocals and music. This is exactly how modern folk should
sound. A good touch of underground music, dark and overwhelming. The rest of
the cd is so different. The next song Zit zum go is more a sweet, middle of
the road ballad and it takes until the fifth song Spiegl before the music gets
my attention back. But than it stays there for the rest of the cd. A great accordionist
mixing jazz, music from the Alps with folk, a small slight of tango and so many
other styles. In the final song Home she shows that she can also convince in
the English language in a song that reminds me of a warm night-club somewhere
in London during the roaring twenties. A great piece of music this hoam although
a few songs are a bit weaker than the rest, this cd has so much music quality
to offer that it's very easy to forget about that.
Homepage of the artist: www.rayaocoal.com
Eelco Schilder
Tres chicas "Sweetwater"
Label: Yeproc;
2056 2004
Tres chicas is a trio of three lady singers from the US, founded in 1999. So
nothing Latino here as the name might suggest. The groups excists out of three
musicians who all had been in other groups before. Besides singing they also
play guitar and violin, but it are the vocals that count on this cd. Singing
original material and songs by artists such as Lucinda Williams and Loretta
Lynn, this is Americana pur sang. They switch from harmony singing to lead singing
by one of them, and all sound fine. The music is mostly of an acoustic nature
although drums and electric guitars give subtle support to several songs. The
songs have a good touch of traditional music without being old fashioned. Ten
nice songs, smooth music what more do I want? A very pleasant cd indeed!
Eelco Schilder
Helmut Eisel & Jem "Midnight dreamer"
Label: Westpark;
87108; 2005
The clarinettist Helmut Eisel has recorded many cd's both as a solo musician
and with Jem. Jem stands for two other musicians, Michael Marx on guitar and
Stefan Engelmann on contrabass. On Midnight dreamer they play klezmer music
and try to bring the klezmer into a modern world. Classical theme's from Haydn
and mozart are mixed with Klezmer classics and own compositions. Eisel is a
virtuosi on his instrument and know to capture my full attention. The way they
interpret the music is different than the most bands play Klezmer. Usually a
style that is played with fire, ready to dance on but Eisle & Jem turn the music
into introvert intimate music. Nice, but I have to get used to this interpretation.
The good thing is that because of the peace and acoustic setting, the melodies
get a whole new life. Because of the rest the musicians bring in the music it's
easier to follow the melodies. Midnight dreamer is a nice and pleasant cd with
harmonious music.
Homepage of the artist: www.helmut-eisel.de
Eelco Schilder
The Soweto gospel choir "Voices from heaven"
Label: Shanachie;
66036; 2005
South-African gospel music has not only a religious meaning but also a good
connection with the traditional music. Sixteen choir songs with strong rhythms,
harmony vocals and spiritual songs. Not for the taste of all man, but even for
a layman like me it's clear that this is pure and honest music with a deep soul
and meaning.
Homepage of the artist: www.sowetogospelchoir.com
Eelco Schilder
Willy Schwarz "Jewish music around the world"
Label: Private cd 2003
Schwarz was born out of Italian and German Jewish refugees and lives in Michigan
USA. During the past he has worked with Theodore Bikel, Ravi Shankar and Tom
Waits and now solo with a journey past the music of the Jews around the globe.
Except for the contrabass Schwarz plays all the instruments, including accordion,
saz, balalaika and many others, himself. He shows with this cd that the Jewish
people have tradition in countries from Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Bosnia to the
USA, Germany and Italy. The different songs not only have a Jewish sound, the
fun is that also other traditional elements of the several countries can be
found back in the fourteen songs. Although the vocals are nice, it's not my
favourite vocal style. It can be heard that he is not a full-time professional
vocalist. It's always nice but never totally convincing. The same a bit with
the instrumental parts, I would prefer a musician who can surprise me with his
skills on his own instrument. Schwarz plays 27 instruments on this cd and always
nice but never really virtuoso. A nice collection of songs, not often such a
wide variety of the Jewish culture has been recorded on one cd, but I prefer
a more quality above quantity.
Homepage of the artist: www.willyschwarz.com
Eelco Schilder
Schwerkraft "Nachts"
Label: Vokoder
records; 22902 2004
Nachts (In the night) is the debut cd of composer and musician Harald von Schwerkraft.
The title already says it all, it's music that is written to listen to in the
late evening and the dark nights. It has a dark, dreamy and a bit threatening
atmosphere. The low vocals of Schwerkraft does remind me on occasion of these
from the lead singer of Rammstein, the famous German metalgroup. The difference
is the music, which is much more peaceful. A mixture of electronic sounds and
guitars create a wall of dark clouds on which Schwerkraft sings his heavy, dark
vocals. Is this all a dream? Is it a nightmare? I don't know, interpret it as
you like. The music does catch my attention and forces me to listen but I'm
still not sure if it is because of the own identity of the music or because
I really like it. What I know for sure is that this cd is quit remarkable and
done very well. But I need some more weeks to make up my mind if this is my
kind of music or not. Somehow that's a good sign if music is hard to capture
the first moment, it means something happens and it's not thirteen in a dozen
music, which Nachts is not, that's for sure.
Homepage of the artist: www.schwerkraft.com
Eelco Schilder
Roland Heinrich "Common verse"
Label: Private 2004
A German Singer-songwriter who sings and writes in Americana style. The opening
song Goodbye my love did scare me for a moment. The song isn't a very
strong composition and the vocals were a bit whining. Thank god the following
up is much better. Pierrot is nice but the third song 18.52 is
a real beauty. A fragile, sad song on which Roland Heinrich shows that his voice
is made for this fragile, sensitive kind of music. Flower song proves
that again, a more up tempo country song and immediately I find his voice annoying
again. So this cd does bother me a bit, it contains some intense and beautiful
music but to my opinion it are the country like songs that makes it hard to
sit through the whole record because it doesn't sound natural to his voice.
Homepage of the artist: www.rolandheinrich.com
Eelco Schilder
Ian Moore "Luminaria"
Label: Yep roc records 2083 2004
Ian Moore is a singer-songwriter from Texas and Luminaria is his fifth cd but
the first for this label. He plays together with musicians who have worked with
him during the past seven years and it contains nice singer-songwriter music
with a big touch of rock and small slights of folk and blues. Great is New day
which has a happy and great rock sound and as climax nice trumpets announcing
the new day to arrive. The song that follows April, has a more Americana style,
probably also because of the sound of the pedal steel. I name these two songs
first because I have the feeling that the cd starts at his best from here. Somehow
the first two songs are OK, but it took me until the third song to get really
interested. From that moment nine strong and energetic songs roll out of the
cd player. Strong vocals, guitars mixed with Wurlitzer, accordion, cello and
many other instruments. The cd ends beautifully with Susan a smooth, bit melancholic
song with intriguing symbolic lyrics. Luminaria is more than the average singer-songwriter
cd although it took me two songs to capture it's quality and charm. Now I can
only recommend this strong cd which grows to me every time I hear it.
Homepage of the artist: www.ianmoore.com
Eelco Schilder
Call and response "Winds take no shape"
Label: Badman
records; 957 2004
From California comes Call and response, a band founded in 1998 when Simone
Rubi (keyboards and vocals) and the guitarist Daniel Judd start a musical project.
They both love obscure popmusic and soundtracks and started to write together.
Together with a few guest musicians they issued this debut cd Winds take no
shape. It's clear that the band tries to make alternative underground popmusic
but somehow it's a bit to much on the surface. Nice vocals, nice sounds, nice
music but it never gets really obscure or rare. It's like they waned to make
a middle of the road, obscure music....does such a thing excists? Don't get
me wrong, it's all done really well, I like the vocals and it reminds me sometimes
a bit of the walkabouts, a great band who really managed to create an obscure
sound of folk and modern music. This Call and response is more like a pre walkabouts
band , still experimenting and searching for the right way to go. Promising,
but not quit there yet.
Eelco Schilder
James Talley "Touchstones", "Journey"
Label: Cimarron;
1011 in 2002, 1012 in 2004
Almost thirty years are gone since his first lp Got no bread, no milk, no money,
but we sure got a lot of love was published. Now two cd's are for sale at the
cimarron label, one from 2002 Touchstones and his most recent cd journey. The
cd's contain own songs from his rich musical past. Touchstones is focussed on
his work from the mid seventies and contains pure country and blues brought
in the traditional way. Journey also has a few songs from the earlier mentioned
period but focuses more on the years that follow. This cd is a live recording
from 2002 in Italy and the cd's does have some same songs on them. The live
cd is a bit more powerful but both cd's are comparable in style. A pure artist
who brings the blues and country in a hard to find natural way.
Homepage of the artist: www.jamestalley.com
Eelco Schilder
Shad Weathersby "Chomp chomp"
Label: Singing rock records, 2004
A friendly cd , this Chomp chomp. Together with a group of musicians and some
children Shad Weathersby recorded 12 selfpenned children songs. The themes handle
about the calendar, friendship, sausages and many other themes. A happy, friendly
atmosphere and some nice songs. Unfortunately my son is only 4 months old and
Dutch so I cant try if he likes the music and songs, but I like the attempt
to write modern children songs. Although I'm wondering if a bit more modern
musical arrangements wouldn't capture more children's attention. Nice!
Homepage of the artist: www.shadweathersby.com
Eelco Schilder
Le Clou "Vérité"
Label: Moustache records mr 2882 2005
The German group Le clou excists almost 30 years and has published several lp's
and cd's containing Cajun inspired music. I personally liked their first lp's
but lost the group a bit on later work which sounded a bit without inspiration
and boring. So for me a new acquaintance with the group and I'm not disappointed.
Le Clou still has this good Cajun feeling but integrates blues and folk more
than in the early days in their music. It's easy to hear that the group has
many years of experience and know what their are doing. Somehow I find the vocals
much stronger than they used to be. It got a bit heavier and age did his job,
maybe that is what gives the music a more blues feeling, the vocals sound more
from an experienced person, not from a starting singer. Vérité is a nice Cajun
rock lp with straight on easy to listen to music. Played by experienced musicians
in a pleasant way.
Homepage of the artist: www.leclou.com
Eelco Schilder
Sarakina "Junctions"
Label: Private 2004
Sarakina is trio that operates from Poland and consist of three educated musicians
of several music academies. The musicians play Accordion, Clarinet, bass, kaval,
tambura and bagpipe. They have been written music to several films in the past
and won prizes on some folkfestivals. They play a few traditionals but mostly
original tunes which can be described as acoustic jazz music with a big role
for clarinet and accordion. The music is well thought over and I personally
prefer a song like on the road on which the bagpipe and male vocals play a central
role. This song has just a bit more power than the more introvert jazz like
tunes. A pleasant cd to listen to in a quiet hour but not music that sticks
to my mind for longer than the endurance of the cd. Well done, nothing more
and nothing less.
Homepage of the artist: www.sarakina.art.pl
Eelco Schilder
Dennis Schütze
Label: Private 2004
The German singer-songwriter Dennis Schütze has published his debut cd in own
production. He sings and play the guitar and organ himself and got support by
Cristoph Reiss on drums, bass and guitar and Ali Lionnet on steel guitar and
vocals. Schütze has studied in the USA and his music reflects a lot of that
period. It has clear country influences with just some drips of blues. Schültze
has a fine voice and his guitar work is OK although he uses his guitar mostly
to support his vocals, not as a solo instrument. His song writing is standard,
no surprising themes or original lines, just the straight often heard stuff.
This is such a cd that is hard to find any comments on. Everything is done very
well, but Schültze played on safe and didn't take any risk at all. That makes
his cd middle of the road singer-songwriter and not of the kind that I will
remember in 2010.
Homepage of the artist: www.dennisschuetze.de
Eelco Schilder
John Train "The sugar ditch"
Label: Record
cellar; rcp 074 2004
The Sugar ditch is John's third cd and a concept album that is inspired by a
trip to Memphis. The story is centred around a girl who turned up dead in a
small town in the Mississippi delta. I love the start of the cd, simply called
Theme. It gives a mystic atmosphere compared to the opening tune of the twin
peaks tv serie. I have to get used to his vocals, which at the beginning get
to me as a bit boring and without expression. But the more I hear, the more
I appreciate his dry way of singing. No deep emotions, it's like a story teller
who tells about an event he saw himself but still cant believe it really happened.
Absolutely great are the musical arrangements. Great band, and a strong mixture
of country, rock and folk. Sometimes laid-back like in The sugar ditch. But
sometimes rough and reckless like in Shame on you and Randy come home. This
Sugar ditch is a cd I had to learn to appreciate. I gave it some time and wasn't
disappointed, a very intense and nice cd. Personally I prefer the more rough
approach of the music, some of the ballads are a bit to sweet for me, but this
is only a remark of personal taste on a strong piece of music.
Eelco Schilder
Zulya "The waltz of emptiness (and other songs
on Russian themes)"
Label: westpark;
87114 2005
The from origin Russian singer Zulya has been settled in Australia since 1991.
She has been sharing her own traditional Tartar music with the Australian people
ever since. This has resulted in winning many awards and a recent release of
her forth cd. Zulya brings a nice combination of Russian tradition and jazz
in self composed songs. Together with her band Children of the underground she
recorded for this new cd fourteen songs. Besides the clear Russian sound and
the jazz feeling, the music also reminds me of old chansons from France, like
the song When love. The album gives an overall good feeling although I found
it a bit on the soft side. She and her band uses nice rhythms, strong melodic
lines but somehow the fire never gets through. It's a bit brave, something I
also felt on her former cd Aloukie. The cd is clearly made to please a big audience
and the quality of sound, vocals and music probably will please many. I personally
like this cd, but prefer a more adventurous approach.
Homepage of the artist: www.zulya.com
Eelco Schilder
Klezmer for brass 'n' wood "Best of"
Label: Phono;
pcd 13002 2004
Klezmer music played by a big orchestra, I heard it before and forgotten all
about it until this cd came for review. Ten traditional tunes are arranged to
fit a big orchestra. What is left are ten pieces of music that sound a like
and does not touch me in any way. It's musical wallpaper, nothing happens. Now,
maybe I'm to young to appreciate orchestra music, who knows. I did let my grandparents
hear it and they loved it! So, into merry tunes from a big orchestra with a
Klezmer touch? This is your cd. If you like passionate, fast emotional Klezmer,
avoid this cd at any time.
Homepage of the artist: www.jackmusic.ch
Eelco Schilder
Pedro Luis Ferrer "Rustico"
Label: Escondido;
6501-2 2005
Pedro Luis Ferrer is a singer from Cuba who recorded with Rustico his first
cd in five years. He is one of the most played artists on the Cuban radio and
his music is, like the title suggested, of a peaceful and sunny nature. Mixing
the various styles of Cuban music, this cd contains thirteen beautiful songs
in the so famous typical Cuban sound. Besides himself also Lena Ferrer takes
some of the leadvocals and she gives a nice contrast to Ferrer 's voice. There
is really not a bad thing to say about this cd. It's all done very professional,
good recording quality, strong songs and ditto musicians. Great cd to listen
when I'm sitting in my rainy Dutch garden and dream about sun, love and all
other things that make life worth living for.
Eelco Schilder
Freebidou "Baby foot party"
Label: Le chant du monde; 2741181-HM 83. 2005
Freebidou is a French group centred around accordionist Patrick Fournier. Together
with Alain Buisson on guitar and banjo and Stephen Harrison on contrabass, he
recorded a collection of, mostly, tunes for the famous French chant du monde
label. Helped by several guestmusicians Baby foot party turned out to be such
a cd that brings the listener in a good mood. Small tunes brought in a very
straight way without pretending to be more than it is. Music with a positive
vibration, a mixture of old banjo folk, Gypsy swing, and even jazz-blues like
in the beautiful song Éclaircie 1. The cd listens like the soundtrack of an
old, romantic film. Absolutely not a French film noir, but such a feel good
movie from the fifties when life seemed to be easy and peaceful.
Homepage of the artist: www.freebidou.com
Eelco Schilder
Carol Grimes "Mother"
Label: Irregular
records; CG59 2003
Carol Grimes, from origin blues singer, has recently issued her latest cd Mother.
The cd contains twelve songs from composers like Sandy Denny, Nick Cave, Tom
Waits and many others. Together with a fine group musicians Grimes turned Mother
into an essential cd with elements of folk, Jazz and blues. It amazes me how
she uses her great, bit raw voice to express all the corners of emotion into
her music. In Two grey rooms and Scars she sounds fragile while in songs like
USA from Shane MacGowen she sounds rough and untouchable. She gives a beautiful,
pure blues interpretation of the Tom Waits song New coat of paint and her two
self written songs Moira and blues for louis can easily measure with the songs
written by the more legendary names mentioned before. A fantastic cd, pure,
honest and beautiful.
Eelco Schilder
Ruth Yaakov ensemble "Sephardic women's songs
of the Balkans"
Label: oriente
musik; riencd52 2004
Ruth Yaakov was born in Israel and still lives in Jerusalem. She collects songs
from the Sephardim, the Jewish people who were thrown out of Spain and Portugal
at the end of the middle-ages. Many of them arrived in the Balkan countries
and on this cd she performs the songs from the women of this culture. Her music
is a melting-pot of cultural influences. Influences from Arabic nations, South-Europe
come together with Bulgarian vocal style. The music has a light overall sadness.
Ruth Yaakov is a very good vocalist with a strong, pure voice. With a small
ensemble only, she keeps the music small and authentic. This is a beautiful,
honest piece of historical music brought by professional musicians with heart
for the music they make.
Eelco Schilder
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