New Reviews: January 22, 2001
Ritual Carioca
Vitto
Detour Records
Ritual Carioca is the debut album by Brazilian musician Vitto Meirelles.
Vitto's music is directly influenced by his native Brazilian roots.
The underlying musical foundation for Ritual Carioca is Bossa Nova.
A variety of saxophones, shakers, rattles, drums and guitars richly protray the diverse
Brazilian soundscapes. Vitto's vocals are strikingly reminiscent of Brazilian guitarist Caetano Veloso.
Ancient traditions unite with contemporary arrangements and catchy instrumentation to ultimately
make this album a gem to listen to. In addition, Salif Keita lends his vocals
on a track. The liner notes include track translations and a glossary of words used in the songs.
Anyone interested in Bossa Nova, Tropical, Latin Jazz and Brazilian folk music in general will surely
appreciate Ritual Carioca.
Ahma
Maria Kalaniemi & Aldargaz
NorthSide Records
Among the Finnish countryside lies a musical instrument that is seldom heard in contemporary recordings.
That instrument is the accordion. It is the featured instrument on this incredible instrumental recording.
The Aldargaz Ensemble joines Maria Kalaniemi to creat an enjoyable Nordic folk/jazz
product of immense elight, grace and skill, that thoroughly explores all areas of Nordic soundscape. On a few of the tracks, soft and steady
rhythms and timbres quickly merge and speed up to beautifully composed Nordic jigs. In addition, a single female vocal weaves effortlessly in and
out of various melodies. The classical/folk ensemble uses piano, drums, guitar, mandolin, double bass and violin. The amazing compositions and performances
of the various instruments create an exhilarating listening experience that may ultimately
bring warmth and comfort to any cold or snowly landscape. Fans of Nordic folk/jazz, instrumental folk and
classical folk will certainly enjoy and appreciate Ahma.
Good People in Times of Evil
Jonas Hellborg, Shawn Lane, V. Selvaganesh
Bardo Records
Good People In Times Of Evil is an album that defies conventional genre terminology.
Likewise, the musical excursions explored by Lane, Hellborg and Selvaganesh delve
strictly into experimentation, leaving any established musical border behind. Lane's expertise on the guitar is plainly
evident. His intricate and skillful guitar playing flows nicely with the udu drum and kanjeera played by Selvaganesh. Excellent bass work by
Hellborg completes the experimental sound. Interesting improvisation created by the instruments emanate a sense of calm and intrigue.
On one of the tracks, a rather interesting "ragga" is performed by Selvaganesh. A ragga is a form of rap music.
Usted Sultan Khan makes a special guest appearance on the sarangi. The sarangi is an Indian
string instrument. Fans of previous albums by Khan, Lane, Hellborg and Selvaganesh will definitely enjoy this
new recording. If experimental and isntrumental World Music suits your ears, the Good People In Times Of Evil is the album for you.
Reviews by Matthew J. Forss.
