FolkWorld #55 11/2014

CD & DVD Reviews

Amelia White "Old Postcard"
White-Wolf; 2014

www.ameliawhite.com

Artist Video

Amelia White is working the alt country sound here. She has a good grasp of pulling the emotions into her songwriting and creating a core that the band can work with. There is some tasty twang in the guitar and a sense of space that you get on a slow journey in the west. The singing is strong and will keep your attention as this landscape passes by. There are some intriguing harmonies at times and all in all there are fine arrangements for these songs. A few songs cut closer to folk styles as well. But as she says, ‘Get Your Cowboy On’ if you want to join in on this journey.
© David Hintz


Dana Lyons "The Great Salish Sea"
Reigning Records; 2014

www.cowswithguns.com

If you like songs of the sea, you take this fine folk record out for a voyage. Although, his themes vary, the songs about the fish, the boats, and the sea are the ones that really stand out here. But Dana Lyons employs a variety of folk and folk rock styles to bring out the finer points of his songs. Lyons is a veteran songwriter with many albums to his name and this experience shows. He has a command of phrasing and a deft touch with the song variety, such as shown in ‘The Fingers of Jesus’ with its Mexican vibe.
© David Hintz


Elliott Brood "Work and Love"
Paper Bag Records; 2014

www.elliottbrood.com

Artist Video

Elliott Brood is a band and not a person if you are unfamiliar with them. And you should rectify that immediately if you enjoy well done roots folk rock. This Toronto band has long been a favorite of mine on stage and some of their records are quite lovely as well. All their signature moves are here, raspy vocals soaring above strong electric guitars and rhythm section or pulled back to folk levels for acoustic moments. Even though their last album was well received, I thought they played it a bit too safe. Fortunately here, they have more of an audacious streak in their songwriting and arrangements (with a producer for the first time). Check out ‘Mission Bell’ and if that works for you, I would suggest you join me in owning all their releases.
© David Hintz


Ani Difranco "Allergic to Water"
Righteous Babe, 2014

www.righteousbabe.com

Ani is one of those ‘important artists’ that most people have already decided on how and where to fit her into their listening world. And her fans should be interested in this album and find much to enjoy. What was interesting is that she recorded the tracks about a year apart while being well into a pregnancy and then nursing a six-month old child. She did the production and the final mix herself, so this was a rather an intense and profound album for her, no doubt. I loved the title cut with its interesting lyrics and great folk feeling. Some of the other cuts have a folk-lounge jazz feel, while other cuts go even further their own way showing off Difranco’s versatility.
© David Hintz


Danjal "Time"
Cargo, 2014

www.danjal.net

Artist Video

This is twice that the Faroe Islands have come up this month. First, they upset Greece in a Euro qualifier in football and now I learn that Danjal hails from this remote and interesting place. He is working with many musicians from Denmark and beyond here and there is an international flair and exotic feel that makes this an album more timeless than most. Basically, this is artful progressive rock music that has some post rock moves. This is definitely more for the progressive rock fan, than the folk fan, but if you like quality music that takes a few chances and still plays well and comfortably in your head, then give this a listen. I enjoyed it and I am sure I will uncover further moods and thoughts on further listening.
© David Hintz


Vinnie’s TV "Grapes & Ghosts"
Own label; 2014

www.vinniestv.com

Artist Video

Although roots music is at the heart of this record, with dobro, mandolin, fiddle, and accordion regularly in the mix, there is much more. Wade Lynch’s songs start here but move into folk rock territories that are more universal than that of most roots bands. He is Irish with an understanding of his roots as well as those in America and he manages this integration well. And more simply, he is capable of coming up with a memorable song like ‘Grapes on the Vine’. It is about half and half for me, which is a pretty good ratio.
© David Hintz


Lucinda Williams "Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone"
Highway Records; 2014

www.lucindawilliams.com

Artist Video

There are twenty songs here on this two CD set, so Lucinda Williams has quite a lot to say. And she says it in her great vocal style that is tough at times, but chillingly quiet and emotive on the folkier cuts. She bends her notes and has a quivering effect on songs that are folk, blues, or country oriented. There is drama there, although the band lightens the tension with some delicate playing and some occasional strong rock moves. It may be a little long for non-fans, but there is enough strength in the material, there was no sense to cut any of it. Fans will be happy to dig in and eagerly await the next release as well.
© David Hintz


Marceese "A Ramblin’ and a-Howlin’"
Timezone, 2014

www.marceese.de

This is raw and naked folk music. Marceese does not have the best voice, nor is he a master technician on stringed instruments. What he lacks in those areas, he makes up for in heart and songwriting. His style makes you fully believe his ‘roaming minstrel’ lyrics as he earnestly lays his heart and soul out in his music and there is that fluid feeling that he will be moving on shortly thereafter. There are mostly stripped down arrangements here, but there is some bluesier electric moments in addition to the Guthriesque folk moments. If you like your meal raw, dig in.
© David Hintz


Sister Speak "Rise Up for Love"
Resonation; 2014

www.sisterspeakmusic.com

This begins as a nice integration of indie rock and folk rock. Alas it goes a little bit too country rock for my tastes as the album continues, but there are some fine songs and solid playing throughout. I think if they keep up the eclectic moments in their rootsy music, they could be on to something quite good. The lead vocals are strong and chillingly emotional. I would recommend giving them a spin and am curious about a live show. Hope I can report on that someday, if this San Diego band makes it to my coast.
© David Hintz


Jeff Larson "Close Circle"
NCompass; 2014

www.jefflarson-music.com

I grew up with a lot of early 1970s singer songwriter light rock music playing on the radio. Jeff Larson’s songs could fit comfortably in any DJ’s set list from that era. There is passion and precision, but the latter wins out, which does not always make for the most exciting music for me. This is well done, but is not something I want to revisit.
© David Hintz


Brian Lee "Declare" [EP]
Own label; 2014

www.brianleemusic.com

This is a nice little five song ep that gives one a clear indication of what Brian Lee is about. He has an indie rock meets folk style with rich vocal work and full band rock. The harmonies are quite full and accomplished, the guitars have nice tone and the pace is just right. He may just lull you into his world as he did with me. His lyrics are a little young (I’m trying to avoid naïve since I like this), but the charm is there.
© David Hintz


Paul J. Phillips "Magic" [EP]
Own label; 2014

www.pauljphillips.com

Not a whole lot of magic here, just some good in your face rock music with a rootsy feel and a few folk-blues moves at times. This is a five-song EP and has a bit of variety, which is nice but is hard to figure what a full Paul Phillips album would sound like. I think heavy bluesy rock is closest with a touch of Petty/Springsteen song style in here as well. Not bad at all.
© David Hintz


The Grand Undoing "White Space Flavors and Parties on TV"
Secret Candy Rock Records; 2014

www.thegrandundoing.com

There is something fascinating in the thick sound this band cooks up while delivering fairly straight ahead rock’n’roll. There is an Elvis Costello meets Ian Dury with both the Attractions and the Blockheads contributing to this music (albeit in a blues roots manner). The songs are good, the singing is spirited, but I just cannot help but be impressed by the sounds they come up with. Seth Goodman does the songs and Dave Westner the engineering and they make a formidable pair here.
© David Hintz


Brother Dege "Scorched Earth Policy"
Psyouthern, 2014

brotherdege.blogspot.de

Artist Video

Brother Dege has that sort of Denver sound which I am quite fond of--rustic rural dark and twisted Americana, with hefty rock moves within. These are mostly originals but there are two wild covers of Black Sabbath and Husker Du's 'Powerline', which are quite recognizable despite the strong instrumental changes. It is a grab bag of an album, with nine songs and ten additional demos and field recordings. Actually, the demos interested me more with better songs and singing and a fine psyche-folk vibe. The finished cuts have strong instrumental work, but the singing is a bit more erratic. But you will get all kinds of interesting music here to form your own opinion. Brother Dege has some rather intense visions and they occasionally work their magic in musical form.

Songs to try first:
© David Hintz

Jesse Marchant "Jesse Marchant"
Own label, 2014

www.jbm-music.com

Artist Video

The singer songwriter genre is a tricky one. The defining traits seem to have more to do with the artist presenting his songs with more personal involvement than that of a band. The key for success is pretty much the same as any band, but the stakes seem higher. Not that Jesse Marchant has to worry about any of this. it does not take long into this album, before most listeners will realize they are listening to a major talent. He has the warmth of Josh Ritter[44] with both the vocals and the songwriting, but he adds even more excitement with Tim Buckley style shifts such as on Buckley's classic 'Goodbye and Hell'o' (He's not up to 'Starsailor' yet, but give him time). Fans of Bill Callahan[46] should also take to this, although the sound is different, the powerful atmosphere is quite similar. Suffice it to say, that Jesse Marchant is a strong voice in songwriting as well as a talent in the presentation of his songs.

Songs to try first:
© David Hintz

Itasca "Unmoored by the Wind"
Own label, 2014

itasca-music.blogspot.com

Pretty much only hardcore folkies who know their history will know how much of a compliment I am paying Itasca when I compare them to Joan Mills & Mike Raven. Yes, the female voice and acoustic guitar combo has been done often, but Itasca captures that deep woods psyche vibe that Mills & Raven cooked up so well in the early 1970s. There are moments where it gets as mystical as Book of AM and others that are a bit closer to straight folk. But nothing is terribly light here, there are layers of dreams slowing opening up in these eleven songs. This is one of the finer folk albums of the year.

Songs to try first:
© David Hintz

Aranis "Made in Belgium II"
Home Records, 2014

www.aranis.be

Artist Video

Made in Belgium indeed. Is everything coming out of Belgium so vibrant and exciting these days? It certainly is on the football pitch and always has been in the chocolate shoppes, but now the music scene seems to be exploding as well. Everything that comes to me is at least interesting and more often genuinely exciting. Aranis is easily on the exciting side of the scale, but not in ways that so many of the other bands are. Here, we have a progressive form of classical, folk, and rock music that invokes Magma and other original progressive bands. There is a lot here and something for just about any music lover who really likes music in all its forms.

Songs to try first:
© David Hintz

Gochag Askarov "Sacred World of Azerbaijani Mugham"
Felmay, 2013

Various Artists "Rhythms of Azerbijani Dances"
Felmay, 2013

Dem Ensemble "Erguvan"
Felmay, 2013

Melech Mechaya "Strange People"
Felmay, 2014

www.melechmechaya.com

The Italian Felmay label did it again, a new collection of fine world music albums have been previously released. Starting with two albums from Azerbaijan and the first one is by rising star Gochag Askarov. In the past years the editors of this magazine surprise me by sending some review albums with Azerbaijani Mugham music. One of the ancient music styles I love because of its emotional power and the craftsmanship the musicians often show. Three years ago I got acquainted with the music of Gochag Askarov and liked it.[46] Now a new album is released containing five live recorded songs. In a combination of old and relatively new Mugham compositions and folk songs Askarov choose a more accessible approach than on his previous output. Backed by a group of fine musician he makes the old tradition and the beautiful poems accessible for a bigger audience.
The second album from Azerbaijan is called Rhythms of Azerbaijani Dances and contains recordings by nine musicians in diverse settings. The album shows the sounds of traditional instrumental dance music. Starting with a percussion solo by Elshad Abdulrahminov on the naghara, followed by nice rhythmic and melodic tunes on ancient instruments such as the tar, balaban, kamancha, zurna and so on. A fine collection for those who like to get acquainted with this type of music.
The third album comes from Turkey and is recorded by the Dem Ensemble. Normally a trio, but performing as a quintet on their second album, the Dem ensemble shows the beauty of traditional music from the Istanbul region. Blending styles and sounds from many regional cultures, they show the richness of the Turkish musical in heritage. Shows the similarities and differences between the many traditions and times. They play improvised pieces, makam tunes and old folk tunes. The quintet contains a few masters on instruments such as the kanun, ney, baglama and so on. Occasionally some great string work and complex rhythms. A pure album without being too complex. The quintet presents the music in an open minded and easy going way. Interesting for those who like to be introduced to the musical richness of the Istanbul region.
Melech Mechaya has gained a lot of goodwill during the past years with their energetic, well played Klezmer-pop. This new album called Strange People is as good as their previous work, happy Klezmer inspired music that brings out the best in the audience. But to be honest, it’s also a bit more of the same. Not as surprising any more as their previous output but still a band to watch and enjoy.
© Eelco Schilder


Lunch Noazh "Breudeur ha c’hoarezed"
Terpsikora, 2013

Ernie Watts Quartet "A Simple Truth"
Laika Records, 2014

User "Kurmuschels Verwandlung"
Plattenbau, 2013

Hadouk Quartet "Hadoukly Yours"
Naïve Records, 2013

Mattias Perez "East"
Acoustic World, 2013

Samúel Jón Samúelsson Big Band "4 Hliðar"
SJS Music, 2012

www.lunch.noazh.com
www.erniewatts.com
www.user-band.de
www.hadouktrio.com
www.mattiasperez.com
facebook.com/samueljonsamuelssonbigband

A collection of jazz influenced albums again, starting with the French Lunch Noazh septet and their album Breudeur ha c’hoarezed. Mixing drums, trumpets, saxophone with Celtic harp, this band bases their original composition on jazz with a folky touch. A relaxing album with easy going tunes. The nice female vocals are backed by strong musicians that know how to create a relaxing and happy mood through their play.
Ernie Watts Quartet is all about the play of tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts. For decades now Watts has recorded records and has many known and lesser known names as his fans. Now he is playing backed by piano, bass and drums only and recorded eight fine jazz tracks, soft-jazz pop by a master at work. Not as funky as his earlier work, but a top musician showing his quality in a relaxed setting.
User takes a more experimental road to jazz. Not many folky influence, but a mixture of acoustic music, jazz and electronic sounds. Intriguing what these four musicians do. They explore their possibilities and find new sounds on their journey. Nice one by this young German band.

Artist Video
The Hadouk Quartet is normally a trio, but a presents itself as a quartet on this new album. With experienced musicians, flutist from the legendary band GONG and other musicians who played for decades with big names in world and pop music. On this new album the four musicians take an easy road to folk-jazz with light-footed compositions with a nice acoustic sound. It is world, Celtic, French folk influences on a jazz fundament. Well played, but a bit artificial and I personally think a little bit coloring outside the lines would spice up the music a bit.
Strangely enough the album I listen after the Hadouk Quartet, which is by Mattias Perez comes from a different background, but somehow fits perfectly together. It might be the sound of the flute or the lightness of the music, I don’t know. Together with the Latvian harpist Laima Jansone and the Indian flute player Rishab Prasanna, Perez plays eleven nice original compositions with a strong jazz and folk sound. Acoustic, easy going music with slightly Indian influence (of course), some Nordic (Jazz) sounds in a contemporary setting. Friendly album, well played and easy to dream away on this music.
Two CD set by The Samuel Jon Samuelsson Big Band called 4 Hliđar. This Icelandic big band was formed in 2000 and successfully toured internationally. This new 2-cd release shows why, a sparkling musical adventure in which the musicians combine breaking brass sounds with jazz, funk and influences from all over the world. It has African moods and Latin warmth but also brings together the past decades with steamy seventies funk and modern musical arrangements. For jazz, brass and world music lovers worth the investment. You get real music for your money that I think has a timeless sound and will be loved by you next generation as well.
© Eelco Schilder

Aeschbacher x solo "Welewäg"
Narrenschiff, 2014

www.aeschbacher.li

The Swiss master on accordion, Werner Aeschbacher, has been a well-respected musician for over two decades now. He released several albums, both solo and in collaboration with other musicians. He plays several types of accordions and on all of them he shows his pure craftsmanship. On this new album a combination of original material and (more or less) traditional works from several areas. When Aeschbacher plays, you hear his own style. It’s a musician with a unique identity. You can feel his passion for the music in his work, he loves what he is doing and that makes his music, besides the fabulous techniques, so impressive. Prepare for a small hour of solo accordion on the highest level, a must for lovers of the instrument.
© Eelco Schilder


Organ Explosion "Organ Explosion"
Enja, 2014

www.organ-explosion.de

Organ Explosion is a German trio on organ, drum and bass. Together with a few guest musicians they give new live to the legendary organ instruments such as the Hammond and Wurlitzer. The nine original (mainly instrumental) compositions have a nice jazzy-seventies groove. Its funky music, played with passion. Far from a folk record, but interesting for those who love the sound of these old keys-instruments in a easy going retro atmosphere.
© Eelco Schilder



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