FolkWorld #59 03/2016

CD & DVD Reviews

Riserva Moac "Babilonia"
Bayla; 2015

www.riservamoac.com

This Italian outfit has a fine take on gypsy punk, crossing it with dub, ska, electronica, hip hop and some other twists and turns. It is a thick sound with vibrant bursts of color and energy. There are plenty of acoustic moments as well with female and male vocals alternating in various patterns. They keep the diversity under control, which does not always happen when a band tries so much. The pace and energy is there throughout and this is better than the average band in this arena with its imagination being a cut above.
© David Hintz


Gurdan Thomas "The Dark Side of Gurdan Thomas"
Beste Unterhaltung, 2015

www.gurdanthomas.com

If this is his dark side, I would hate to see him too happy and pleasant. This is a fun bouncy pop-folk outing with some eclectic popsike moments. I love the songs here with the clean and occasionally dramatic vocals and even more dramatic music. There are bursts of brass along with the multitudes of strings and percussion. It has a quirky old time feeling infused with a great attitude. This was a special record for me and if you have a certain sense of whimsy in your life (in addition to a love of quality music), you should find it a perfect fit.
© David Hintz


Gary Lucas & Jann Klose "Stereopticon"
Cosmic Trigger; 2016

www.jannklose.com

This is quite an exciting collaboration that makes a lot of sense. Lucas is more the veteran creative songsmith and Klose the younger, though well beyond rookie status, singer songwriter. They both understand the trippier original aspects to song structures with Lucas’ resume bordering on unbelievable as he has worked with Beefheart, Pete Hammill, and Bryan Ferry, to name but three out of the dozens of amazingly original talents. He and Klose keep to the core in these songs with just voices and acoustic guitars, aside from a saxophone once. It has the feel of some of those excellent finger style guitarists of old collaborating at the common starting point of the blues and then venturing out into their own trips and excursions into other musical territory. I would follow each of these artists separately, so together, well… try ‘Overture’ and see if it reminds of Tim Buckley and Roy Harper.
© David Hintz


John Feeley "The Immigrant’s Song"
Overture; 2013

www.facebook.com/...

No, he comes not from the land of ice and snow, but from Ireland. John Feeley is a classical guitarist who has extensive history in Ireland and America playing symphonies and other musical combos. But here it is just his acoustic guitar and his lovely style. Actually there is one song where it is not his guitar, but the guitar owned by James Joyce, which makes its first appearance on a recording. That is worth hearing for the history, but guitar buffs will want to hear Feeley’s interpretations of classic Irish jigs, reels, and folk songs. There are also some original songs that deftly slide in with the classics. This is classical guitar with an Irish feel and there is little can go wrong with that, especially with the touch and skill on display here.
© David Hintz


Kinky Friedman "The Loneliest Man I Ever Met"
Avenue Records; 2015

www.kinkyfriedman.com

It is hard to believe this album contains the first new Kinky Friedman material in 39 years. It does not seem that he has been that far away with live performances, books, and other appearances, he seems to be close at hand. Well, he has gone all out here with just three new songs, but some great covers of classic songwriters not far from his style such as Tom Waits, Warren Zevon, Bob Dylan, and Merle Haggard. He even worked with Wille Nelson and Nelson’s sister Bobbie on Nelson’s ‘Bloody Mary Morning’, which opens the album. Friedman says that these are interpretations in between his style and the writer’s approach. Not only is that a sensible approach, but it is a highly successful one as quite frankly, Friedman is a more straight forward better performer than some of these names, who I like and respect more as writers. No matter what your opinion of these original songs, the Friedman versions offer a great look at them in a slightly new way, which I enjoyed very much.
© David Hintz


Paul Armfield "Found"
PSA Records; 2015

www.paularmfield.com

Instantly, I appreciated Paul Armfield’s edgy acoustic guitar playing that is perfectly balanced by his soothing vocals. It is quite a contrast that allows him to push and pull the drama of his songs. Arrangements quickly move into fuller territory with orchestration, jazz elements, and other classical singer songwriter approaches evident. This musical and lyrical variety was inspired by 15 flea market photographs that Armfield used to write out a song/story for. It works very well for the most part, although much credit is due to Armfield’s skill as an arranger, which is smart and classy. This is a vibrant album full of lively songs that evoke a full range of emotions that should appeal to music lovers of many different genres.
© David Hintz


Joanna Newsom "Divers"
Drag City, 2015

I had wondered if Joanna Newsom may have enough down deep within to retain both her charm and creativity given her extensive popularity by now. Clearly it is all there as this album sounds familiar to the fans, but adventurous and exciting enough to keep everyone involved. Her voice can be a bit twee at times, but it is easy to get used to and follow her stories amid complex arrangements. She gets help from a variety of musicians and there are different combinations in each songs. I prefer the focus on Newsom’s harp and the piano playing. The overly electric moments are a bit too Steely Dan for me (that is an insult coming from me). Ultimately this succeeds with me and I see no problem with it being a welcome addition to the Joanna Newsom catalog for her many many fans.
© David Hintz


Okkervil River "Black Sheep Boy"
Jagjaguar, 2005/2015

www.okkervilriver.com

This 2005 release is getting a tenth anniversary re-release on Jagjaguar, which should interest Okkervil River fans plenty. Of course the original eleven songs are here[31] along with eight more songs from the band’s follow-up EP. There are also eleven cover songs recorded in the same general time period which gives a full 30 songs in which to discover and rediscover what Okkervil River was doing a decade back. I liked it then and still do, hearing the full array of songs and styles all here in one place. The varied style from hard rock to indie rock to Americana to dream indie-rock (not quite dream pop) really keeps a listener on their toes from song to song. The EP has stronger and even more varied material and is for people who really want to hear more than the expected. The covers interest me less as they are mostly stark arrangements of country or folk cuts, although the rousing ‘Good Liquor Carry Me Down’ was fun. So this release will definitely have enough for the fans and has plenty of music for the ‘neutrals’, much of which may convert you.
© David Hintz


Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames "Slip Into a Dream"
Delmark; 2015

www.daveweld.com

This is a full out rocking blues album. Blues rock actually, full band, and although a studio release it has a strong live feel. There are some female vocals to mix it up with Weld’s singing. The boogie-woogie piano is expected and there is not much new on offer, song-wise. What stands out is the thick sludgey, grungey guitar style with some searing fuzzy leads. That makes it a worthwhile endeavor for me, and if you think you’ve heard too much blues rock already, you mY just want to give this Chicago based musician’s latest disc a spin.
© David Hintz


Kerry Kean "This Song is for You"
Own label; 2015

www.kerrykean.com

This is a breezy brand of folk offered up by a singer guitarist mostly from the community of Kent, Ohio. It is playful, foot tapping fun mostly, as opposed to strained humor. He pulls back into a deeper song now and then and has some classics like ‘Shady Grove’ and ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ in his set. This is a solid outing and has just enough balance and contrast, while holding a style down well. The guitar chops are all there as well—that never hurts.
© David Hintz


Matt Woods "Sawdust and Gasoline"
Own label; 2015

www.mattwoodsmusic.com

This is simplified blues, voice and either straight resonator guitar or electric guitar. I actually prefer his voice to the guitar work, although that is decent enough. It is pretty basic blues played with a reasonable spirit. But as I often say, I would rather see the live set with most of those taking place in Iowa from the look of his website.
© David Hintz


Geoff Berner "We are Coming to Bremen to be Musicians"
Oriente Musik, 2015

Artist Video

www.geoffberner.com

Occupying a space between gypsy punk and klezmer music, comes the latest from Geoff Berner. That is not that large a space as these songs have the attitude and lyrical style of the former with the swing and slightly more acoustic style of the latter music. I enjoyed this album as it was smart with just enough push. Lyrically, it was more of that youthful complaining that I find a little tiresome, such as ‘When Chanukah Comes to Town’. But there are touching moments as well, and those are when Geoff Berner really shines across the genres and musical experiences of listeners. And there are enough of these moments to recommend this album.
© David Hintz


Wolverton "Things Left on Earth"
Woodpile; 2015

www.wolvertonmusic.com

I really enjoy this San Antonio collective who have the basic style of the Cowboy Junkies, but dig deeper in the psyche-folk world (while not losing their American roots). The electric guitar is mysterious and tasty, while the piano works off of it really well. Add a busy bass, female vocal harmonies and you are starting to work toward Mellow Candle. They are not that audacious—few are, but they work some of the same exciting sonic terrain. I have just one complaint. There are only four songs on this EP. But there is not one ounce of body fat on this mesmerizing music, so whether an EP or an LP, I will leave it to them to decide how much of their excellent music they wish to unveil at one time.
© David Hintz


Scott Albert Johnson "Going Somewhere"
Monkaroo Music; 2015

www.scottalbertjohnson.com

No question mark here on the album title. Scott Albert Johnson is confident he is going somewhere and that is evident in his songs. He mostly plays a blues rock style, but adds funk, indie rock, classic rock, and Americana moves in here as well. I am not sure he should have this much luggage on his journey, but you can’t fault his energy and aspirations. This is assertive and bold music and is fun to listen to.
© David Hintz


David Massey "Until the Day is Done"
Own label; 2015

www.davemasseymusic.com

This is a steady and solid album that hovers between folk rock and singer songwriter rock style. There is also a bar band quality when it gets rocking, although it never gets overly heavy. As the album moves along a folkier style comes forth with the occasional acoustic guitar and violin or mandolin backed song. It is quite pleasant, although not as defined by a unique territory or perspective as I would like. It is hard to fault it for being a good follow up to so many albums that have come before, but it is here and now and worth a listen if you like balanced folk rock music.
© David Hintz


Gentleman’s Dub Club "The Big Smoke"
Easy Star Records; 2015

www.gentlemansdubclub.com

This well named band produces dub dance music for gentlemen and gentle ladies and doesn’t dwell among the lower classes of musicians. But it is still fun, if not overly original. I like the sharper reggae feeling at the core of this music, as other dub bands explode into too many variants for me. I am sure this UK act would be a pleasure live, so if you live on the right side of the Atlantic, give this band a look and listen some time.
© David Hintz


Wily Bo Walker & Ed Brayshaw "Stone Cold Beautiful"
Mescal Canyon Records; 2015

www.wilybo.com

These six long songs feature the gruff yet sensitive vocal work of Mr. Walker, while Mr. Brayshaw lays down loads of tasty blues rock guitar. They remind me a bit of a heavier Red Sammy, a Baltimore favorite of mine. But Walker hails from London, so maybe a Joe Cocker comparison is more appropriate here—especially with the soulful female vocals wailing away in the background. This is a powerful album that manages to retain its sensitivity, all while offering up catchy melodic songs. It will take you back to songs of your youth or carry you forward on a heavy ride today. It’s your choice, but give it a listen and see.
© David Hintz


The Pinder Brothers "Melancholy Sea"
Own label; 2015

www.pinderbros.com

I wish I could like this more, or at all really. There are some fine folky acoustic guitars, although mostly there is rock guitar that has a good power pop crunch at times. That is all well and good, but the naivety of the vocals, lyrics, and overall pop structure manages to harden my Grinch like heart. There is a place for this music, but it is certainly not with me, nor is it a good fit with the diverse readership of Folkworld.
© David Hintz


Tom Freund "Two Moons"
Surf Road Records; 2014

www.tomfreund.com

While the strong Americana singer songwriter style is here, this is not one of the many records ‘that you have heard too many times before’. Tom Freund writes some excellent songs here full of comfortable melodies that have subtle shifts and points of emphasis that make this a fully engaged listening experience. The band is on the mark with tasty electric guitar runs snaking around the acoustic guitar chords. Piano fills are subtle and the rhythm section keeps it rocking just enough. Freund’s vocals are compelling with only a slight Dylanesque rasp. And although he is not too otherworldly, I detect some Bowie moves in the creative arrangement and writing in ‘Grooves Out of my Heart’ (even with the lyrical nod to Paul Simon). This is a fine record, not for a folk purist, but for anyone who just wants to hear fine original songs, well played.
© David Hintz


Jonathan Kasper "In the Know"
Own label; 2013

www.jonathankasper.com

I was initially worried as this began in mid-1970s rock style. You know that sound, the sound that begged punk rock to come into existence. There was some good things happening then and thankfully Kasper captures enough of them to keep my attention up. This still is not something I would go looking for, but it is pleasant enough and his Robin Zander like looks are matched with Robin Zander like vocals. Guitars rock well enough, but FolkWorld readers should be advised to experiment with rock bands other than this first. But this band (GW2L) and the Kasper songs are good enough that you may be pleased to end up here.
© David Hintz


Sanna Kurki-Suonio "Kuolematon Erikoissysteemi"
Rockadillo, 2016

I believe the title translates to ‘The Unparalleled System”, which makes sense to me as there are not too many parallels in this music. Of course there are influences; in this case, world folk music, experimental rock, and even a trace of jazz or R&B. There is a great urbanic mystery inherent, which keeps me nearer the edge of my seat rather than the usual reclining in comfort. Yet the music is clear, accessible, and sensible. The vocals are from Ms. Kurki-Suonio, known as the lead vocalist of Hedningarna. They are crystalline and I don’t mind a foreign tongue, as I believe if you sing well, you can be ‘singing the phone book’ for all I care. But as a bonus, there is a paragraph describing each song in English and shows that the lyrics are as intriguing as the music. They are Karelian (Finnish) and are based on old folk songs. The interpretations here are brilliant and this is one exciting album.
© David Hintz


Chris Laterzo "West Coast Sound"
Yampa Records; 2015

www.chrislaterzo.com

Truth in advertising works again as this album title gives you an accurate starting point for the music of Chris Laterzo. He follows the long, long lines of western Americana with a touch of country, a bit of rock, an easygoing folk style, and a bit of blues or psychedelia to give it that special character. Laterzo does it well with a flexible voice like a more in control Curt Kirkwood. Musically, the band can let it rip with some nice rockers or pull back into acoustic guitar and restrained drums and bass. There is piano, steel guitar, and more as the arrangements make for a nice buffet. The songs are above average at least and are quite likable. Nothing wrong at all here, just a smart grouping of quality songs.
© David Hintz


Rich Osborn "Freehand"
Own label; 2015

www.richardosbornguitar.com

Allow me to take the easy way out of a review and quote from Rich Osborn’s press page: “Entering Stanford in 1965, Osborn soon heard John Fahey at the old Jabberwock in Berkeley and was thunderstruck by his new approach to the acoustic steel string. ‘However I never found any freedom of expression in Fahey’s Style. When I first heard Robbie Basho in person, I knew I had found a true musical Direction’….” Not only do I agree with the analysis, Rich Osborn has succeeded in continuing the style in Robbie Basho in his own manner after studying with Basho as well. This is mostly acoustic guitar magic, but like Basho, occasionally moves into mystical vocal and guitar ragas that resonate long after you turn off the stereo. This album is one of the better finger style guitar albums I have heard in a while, and that is due more to the excellent style beyond a great technique. It should be a hit with folk guitar fans anywhere.
© David Hintz


Dylan Fowler, Ian Melrose, Soïg Sibéril "Celtic Guitar Journeys"
Acoustic Music Records, 2015

www.ianmelrose.com
www.soigsiberil.com

Here is another fine acoustic guitar album. It features instrumentals from three guitarists from Wales, Scotland, and Brittany respectively. The playing is exquisite and they have several traditional threads in their songs along with some traditional cuts. My slight problem with this is the overall comfortable vibe going on. Even the title makes this sound like ‘The Three Tenors’. That is not a bad thing of itself and if you gravitate to that format and style, by all means grab onto this. The playing is excellent. And for me, there was the occasional flute and percussion addition such as on ‘Beth yw’r haf I mi’.
© David Hintz


Smokey Bastard "Back to the Drawing Room"
Broken Silence, 2015

www.smokeybastard.com

Oh what the Pogues hath wrought! The Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Mollies were next. Then came Gogol Bordello and the gypsy punks. Now, the form is on every continent if not every country. All the bands have the energy, some have good musicians, but few have the songs. Enter Smokey Bastard. They sound great, but they won me over with their first song, as there are classic melodic shifts and thoughtful songwriting that remind me a bit of merger between Stiff Little Fingers and early Bad Religion. Not only do they maintain the energy throughout the album, which most bands do, but the songs still sound fresh and interesting. I am hooked, and I don’t hook easy.
© David Hintz


Elin Kaven "Eamiritni Rimeborn"
Broken Silence, 2015

www.elinkaaven.com

I do love my Scandinavian music and this is my first exposure to Norway’s Elin Kaven. She won me over pretty quickly with her controlled vocals that have a deep emotion within and are far from icy. The arrangements were slightly gothic folk, but also employed electronic rock moves as well. Ultimately, there was an edgy beauty within these songs. Mystery and intrigue was ever-present with guitar lines occasionally offering a post punk meets Goblin sense of fear. There are also viola or cello passages along with other fascinating sounds that offer a sense of fog as you walk through the wilderness of this music. I am not surprised to read that she is a belly dancer as her music mirrors those serpentine moves, yet in a cooler climate. This was quite the experience, a lot of familiar and great sounds woven into a unique pattern.
© David Hintz


Olaf Sickmann "Slow"
Time Zone, 2015

www.olafsickmann.de

Fans of John Renbourn may want to try this Olaf Sickmann album. The style is similar, especially the way ancient music patterns are updated into modern fingerstyle arrangements. This is all instrumental acoustic guitar and the original songs sound like ancient songs on one hand, but fully contemporary at other times. It is a good mix with steady, fluid playing, technically precise lacking some of Renbourn’s speed may be all. Good showcase, here.
© David Hintz


Blackbird and Spenser "Home in the Sky"
Own label; 2014

www.blackbirdandspenser.de

This Germanic duo is about as Americana as they come. There is that wanting tone in their vocals that creates a subtle darkness in the songs, not quite down to murder ballads, but more wistful longing. The instrumentation is full and varied with quiet passages as well. I would be surprised if they were not influenced by the Walkabouts, although there are many bands doing that sort of thing all over the world. But I will be happy listening to this band more than most as the songs resonate with me more than the average Americana band.
© David Hintz


Giovanni Venosta & Sonata Islands "Nippon Eldorado Kabarett"
Felmay, 2015

www.giovannivenosta.it

This live recording sounds quite vibrant and the mix is slick and rich with each instrument adding to the crazy style of this intriguing band. Avant rock songs from Japan/Italy? That is what it says and that works for me. There is a crazy lounge jazz meets Psychadelia by way of Tropicalia on a Broadway stage. I enjoy the female vocals with their precise clarity that still brings out a bit of emotion. I will be filing this in my rock section, so folk fans should read on. But if you like avant garde arranging of progressive songs, then this may be worth a listen. It will get many listens in this household.
© David Hintz


Pevarlamm "Deltu"
Paker, 2015

Artist Video

Newcomers to the Breton ‘scene’, Pevarlamm has evolved from a tight instrumental band to a full force with lovely female vocals a top the quick melodic music. The strings are excellent as they work around the rhythm section, but I like the variety of pipes and whistles from Konogan an Habask. These offer striking bursts of melody and excitement. Even if this branch of ethnic folk music is not your first choice this is a fine entry point, especially if you enjoy a folk-rock approach, as this band moves.
© David Hintz



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