Welcome to our blog! Below are some of our favourite albums this month.

UP's Favourite Releases June 2008


Perunika Trio / Introducing Perunika Trio / World Music Network

Formed in 2005, Perunika Trio are one of the newest Bulgarian female ensembles to emerge. Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares (formerly known as the Bulgarian State Female Choir) were perhaps the most famous, with members subsequently forming groups of their own, such as Trio Bulgarka and Eva Quartet. Perunika Trio, however, do not stem from Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares, but instead their members met in the London Bulgarian Choir. They are led by Eugenia Georgieva, a classically trained musician who formerly fronted a rock band, Lady Jane. There is, however, no rock influence in this debut album (thankfully!). Their singing style originates from southern Bulgaria and the album comprises a mix of traditional songs from Russia, Macedonia and Bulgaria. Most tracks are sung a cappella with stately ascending and descending harmony and the traditional clash of dissonant seconds; two are with kaval (a type of flute) introductions; and a couple with tarabuka (an hourglass-shaped finger drum), which gives the odd rhythm and off beats. Perunika Trio's sound is fresh and beautiful and the album thoroughly engaging.

Check out Perunika Trio's MySpace Site.



17 Hippies / Heimlich / Hipster Records

Part cabaret act, part gypsy and part American folk, these are the three dominant sounds of Berlin based band 17 Hippies. They're kitch, wacky and groovy, and they sing in German, French and English. 17 Hippies are true entertainers with a breadth of musical scope and instrumentation: "Schattenmann" is a humorous mix of gypsy and Dixieland; "The Moving Song" is a playful track featuring the bounce of the Jew's harp and vocals reminiscent of the Beatles; "Apache", an instrumental track is a polka with cross rhythms on a beautiful oboe melody; "Madame" comes across as a light-hearted comedy song featuring very effective use of the theremin. Parts of the album sound a tad filmy, which brings to mind that 17 Hippies have written the score for German movie "Grill Point". 17 Hippies are proof that if done well, kitch can go far – these guys have been around for the last 14 years!

See 17 Hippies' website.



Rupa & The April Fishes / eXtraOrdinary rendition / Cumbancha

Rupa's imaginative album eXtraOrdinary rendition reflects the global influences that surrounded her upbringing. It's a catchy blend of gypsy swing, French chanson and cabaret, Tango, and American folk, with witty lyrics in French, English, Hindi and Spanish. Born in San Francisco to Punjabi parents, Rupa's daytime job is being a doctor, which she says inspires her to write her music. She sings with much sensitivity with her voice flowing and tapering over the music. "C'est pas d'l'amour" features her expressive style with each syllable sung with its own distinct character. She is creative: the extract "Not So Easy" gives the imagery of a camera capturing scenes from a café before quickly zooming in on a room and recording a snippet of activity that takes place within it. Rupa is definitely one to watch out for – she is eclectic and exotic – in fact she might just be the next Norah Jones.

Click here to view Rupa & The April Fishes' MySpace site.

MYO
---

Welcome to our blog! Below are some of our favourite albums this month.

UP's Favourite Releases May 2008



Fleurs Noires / Orchestre de Tango / Milan Records

Contrary to the masculine-oriented Tango tradition, Fleurs Noires are an all-female ensemble from France and Argentina. A sensual album with an air of edginess, Orchestre de Tango is a debut album with distinction. Featuring original works composed specially for the orchestra, by composers such as Edgardo Acuña, Victor Parma and Gerardo Jerez Le Cam, Fleurs Noires who are all classically trained deliver a performance with precision and emotion, though perhaps a little too clean and polished in some areas. Nevertheless, the syncopated jazz rhythms and Debora Russ' playful delivery of her vocal part in Acuña's "Obsesivo" and the sensitive, robust and ruthless performance of "Maquinandos" (by Victor Parma) show off their skill with great finesse. Do find out more from their website.




Balkan Beat Box / Nu-Made (Remixes & Videos) / Crammed Discs

Nu-Made comprises mainly remixes from Balkan Beat Box's 2007 album Nu-Med. It still maintains the same fun, energy and versatility as the previous album, just with more hard-hitting beats that will definitely get you on your feet. DJs include a cast from Brooklyn (New York) and Italy. Probably the most outstanding would be a remix of "Digital Monkey" by newcomer Cheffy Chef. Balkan Beat Box are intelligent entertainers – captivating to watch live, they play intuitively combining and contrasting an array of styles to become one original set.
To find out more, visit their MySpace site.



Huong Thanh & Nguyen Le / Fragile Beauty / ACT

Fragile Beauty is the fourth album by Huong Thanh and Nguyen Le on the Act label. Saigon born Huong Thanh's sweet ethereal voice rings with lyrical Eastern melodies which glide through Nguyen Le's jazzy Western harmonies on his guitar. The song titles in the album embrace much of the romanticism that is common within Eastern poetry and Mieko Miyazaki's beautiful koto playing, adds to much of this delicate romanticism. Fragile Beauty comprises work songs, songs on nature, love and beauty. The instrumentation in this album is profound – Huong Thanh's duet with Renaud Garcia-Fonson an arco 5-string acoustic bass in "Go Cong Blues" is intense; the use of talking drums and congas by Alex Tran in "Weaving and Awaiting" with Nguyen Le's guitar solos are highly effective; as is the sax playing by Stephane Guillaume in "Plantation Song".

Fragile Beauty was number 2 in the World Music Charts Europe in March and April 2008.


MYO
--

We'd also like to recommend Ukrainian band Haydamaky's Kobzar; Iraqi-led group Ahoar's album Between Rivers (which you can read about in UP editor John L. Walters' review in the Guardian); Attention by Israeli funk band The Apples; and Finnish harmonica quartet Svang's new album Jarruta (see John's review in the Guardian).

Welcome to our blog! Below are some of our favourite albums this month.

UP's Favourite Releases Feb 2008


Sainkho Namchylak / In Trance / Leo Records

Inspired by the great paintings of the Dunhuang caves in China, Tuvan-born singer Sainkho Namchylak in collaboration with percussionist Jarrod Cagwin have released a spiritually evoking album In Trance. In Trance was recorded live at Jeunesse Festival in Vienna and tells the story of a young man who witnesses figures within the Buddhist paintings in the caves come to life. Namchylak's unforgettable extraordinary vocal abilities – which include an extensive vocal range of seven octaves and a vast collection of super sounds is eerily effective in bringing these trapped spirits to life. Cagwin's percussion enhances these diverse vocal effects by adding atmospheric sounds and shamanistic-like dance elements to the otherwise stark vocal.
To explore more of Sainkho's music, visit her MySpace page.


The Blind Boys of Alabama / Down in New Orleans / Proper Records

Known as The Happyland Singers till 1948, The Blind Boys of Alabama have succeeded in wooing an audience from a wide spectrum. The old days brought in the gospel fans, but now The Blind Boys of Alabama are reaching an international audience with diverse musical tastes, both young and old. They have now won four Grammys. "Down in New Orleans" is an excellent bluesy addition to their legendary backdrop. It is their first ever recording in New Orleans and they are accompanied by an exceptional team of local musicians: Allen Toussaint, The Preservation Hall Jazz band and The Hot 8 Brass Band, and a top-flight backing trio. The album features fun and upbeat "You Got To Move" with its jolly brass and banjo accompaniment, Dixieland-styled gospel favourites like "I'll Fly Away" and the distinct and moving harmonies of "I Got A Home". The Blind Boys of Alabama will be performing in London's Jazz Café on 3rd May 2008 as well as touring the UK and Ireland.


David Buchbinder / Odessa/Havana / Tzadik

Odessa/Havana is a curious jazz Jewish-Cuban fusion, aptly released on John Zorn's Tzadik label as part of the label's Radical Jewish Culture series. Trumpeter and composer David Buchbinder and pianist and composer Hilario Duran explore the commonalities between the two musical styles. The album features a jazz and Afro-Cuban ensemble, including the rapidly up-and-coming Cuban drummer Dafnis Prieto, who also played in Michel Camilo's second trio album, Spirit of the Moment. Prieto does an impressive drum solo in "Rumba". In Odessa/Havana, many tracks twist and turn between styles, some with stronger flavours than others: "Lailadance" has a latin emphasis, "Impresiónes" latin jazz, "Freylekhs Tumbao" veers Jewish (and is reminiscent of a Jewish hora dance) with a blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and a sense of Iberian bravado and an element of jest. Most impressive however is "Cadiz" which begins with Arabic, Spanish sounds before giving an air of excitement into what seems to be a crazy explosion of Klezmer, Latin and Jazz with beautiful oud solos by John Gzowski in between. Odessa/Havana is a daring, flamboyant album made with top musicianship in an intelligent way.

MYO
--
We'd also like to recommend the following new releases: Fernando Otero's Pagina de Buenos Aires, a new album by Pat Metheny (with Christian McBridge & Antonio Sanchez) entitled Day Trip – both albums on Nonesuch label, and Palae by Achim Kaufmann, Frank Gratkowski and Wilbert de Joode on Leo Records.

UP's Favourite Releases November 2007


Egschiglen / Gereg / Heaven and Earth

Mongolian sextet Egschiglen have succeeded in reviving their traditional nomadic heritage through music with a twist. Their new album Gereg features a kaleidoscope of lyrics and melodies that hark back to ancient courts, old wars, rituals and legends. The album is both emotional and historical, and extremely accessible to the Western ear. Their approach is modern: they make use of traditional Mongolian instruments – such as the moorin khuur (a horse-head fiddle), yoochin (a dulcimer-like instrument) and an ih khuur (similar to our double bass) and overtone singing (khoomii) – and blend with modern rhythms, arrangements and orchestrations. All styles are varied and some include Celtic sounds, scotch snap rhythms and theatrical (possibly West-End like) orchestrations. There is a beautifully played Adagio excerpt from an important Soviet-styled ballet entitled "Uran Has" by Jamyangiin Chuluun (one of the leading pioneers for classical music and ballet in Mongolia). The bonus track is a humorous one: a Mongolianised Bavarian folksong with overtone singing, drones and all! The album contains an informative 32-page booklet with a short background to each track. A thoroughly enjoyable album, fun to listen to and a magical experience!


Various / Doublemoon Remixed / Doublemoon

Doublemoon Remixed is a compilation that demonstrates modern trendy Istanbul. Young Turkish DJs were invited to make Doublemoon classics into their own. The result is an eclectic masterpiece. Its moderate tempo and electronic style reminisces that of the great chill out lounges and clubs. The compilation features music by many of the usual Doublemoon suspects, such as Mercan Dede, Husnu Senlendirici, Burhan Ocal, Selim Sesler, Orient Expressions, Forty Thieves Orkestar, Smadj, and many more.


Susanna / Sonata Mix Dwarf Cosmos / Rune Grammofon

Sonata Mix Dwarf Cosmo is a personal album filled with precious thoughts and inner conflicts. Each lyric has been carefully thought through and Susanna sings pensively as if whispering treasured lyrics. Susanna is the sister of Christian Wallumrød (ECM-signed Norwegian pianist who also plays on the album), and is mostly known for her successful concerts with the Magical Orchestra.The air of mystery and a touch of fantasy in the title of her album and its first track "Intruder" bring to mind Bjork, but Susanna's voice is warmer, more folk-like and mellow, and she holds her words closely to herself, making the songs a lot more intimate. The track "Hangout" is a seamless masterpiece with an effective harp accompaniment.


MYO
--
Have you heard any of these albums or seen any of these artists live? Do you know something great that's due for release in the next couple of weeks? We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a comment!

Unknown Public's CDs not to be missed 6th Sept. 2007


Simphiwe Dana / The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street / Gallo

Simphiwe Dana is a South African gem. Not only is she visually very attractive, but her voice seems to ooze with wholesome goodness from her soul. Its warmth and good cheer draws listeners to its well meaning. Unlike other singers who sing about love and romance, Simphiwe reaches a broader spectrum. She centres her lyrics on the love for Africa and her philosophies on life and its struggles. Despite being only 26, her lyrics display the sensitivity and radiate with the maturity of one who has crossed many of life's obstacles. As with her first album, Zandisile, the strength of The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street lies in her vocal arrangements. Simphiwe writes by recording layers of her voice into Pro Tools, which are later sung and played by her band. At the South African Music Awards this year, Simphiwe Dana won four awards: Best Female Artist, Album of the Year, Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Vocal Jazz Album. Simphiwe is spectacular to watch live – her graceful vivacious manner compels audiences to be enchanted.
Look out for her performance in the London Jazz Festival at Pigalle Club on 19th November.
We regret to say that this performance has been cancelled.



Herbie Hancock / River: The Joni Letters / Verve

River: The Joni Letters is a finely crafted album produced and arranged by Herbie Hancock and Larry Klein. It is a tribute to the renowned singer/songwriter/poetress Joni Mitchell and consists mainly of a collection of songs composed by Mitchell. Hancock and Klein have a legendary musical past with Mitchell: Hancock first worked with her on her Mingus record in 1979 and Klein was her long-time producer (and ex-husband). Hancock says, "At this point in my career, I want to do something that reaches into the lives and hearts of people" and this he has succeeded in doing so, with the help of a distinguished round of musicians such as Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Vinnie Colaiuta, Lionel Loueke, Leonard Cohen, Tina Turner, Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, Luciana Souza. The album is sensitive to Joni's originals and each lead vocalist meets this challenge, only to add a touch of personal colour to each track: Corinne Bailey Rae's voice brings a certain crisp brightness and youthful hope to "River", Norah Jones resurrects Court and Spark with a slow bluesy narrative. River also includes a rendition of "The Tea Leaf Prophecy" by Joni Mitchell herself and two tracks important to Mitchell's musical development: Wayne Shorter's "Nefertiti" and Duke Ellington's "Solitude". The album concludes with the grizzly recitation of Leonard Cohen in "Jungle Line".



Omar Faruk Tekbilek / Tree of Patience / Alfa Music

Born in Turkey, but now residing in the USA, multi-instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek is one of the most prominent musicians in Turkish and Middle Eastern music. He was a child protegé and is a virtuoso on the ney (bamboo flute), zurna (an oboe-like instrument) and Baglama (long-necked lute). Tree of Patience is produced by Brian Keane – a figure pivotal to the development of Tekbilek's career – Keane also plays flamenco guitar in the track "Ole Aman" with Flamenco vocal legend Enrique Morente. Tree of Patience is a union between East and West, as Tekbilek celebrates the common strain between all cultural beings, hence the symbol of a tree (Tree of Patience) with its roots reaching deep down and giving life to its branches. Tekbilek enjoys fusing sound and spirit, perhaps inspired by his meeting with the Mevlevi Dervishes – he was never involved, but had much respect for its chief ney player. The album contains flavours of traditional Anatolia, Spain and even a hint of the Celts – all blended in with modern sounds of the West: Steve Roach is brought in for a couple of tracks to add sonic atmospheres with his synths; John Villa plays the didgeridoo; David Darling (reputed for his work with the Wulu Bunun tribe of Taiwan) contributes with his cello in the title piece.

Tree of Patience is an album with a philosophy – Omar Faruk Tekbilek's personal one, "I have a picture I carry in my mind," Omar Faruk Tekbilek reveals. "I call it The Tree of Patience." To sample tracks, visit his MySpace site.

To catch Omar Faruk Tekbilek live on 13th October in the UK, visit the Barbican website to book your seat. Omar Faruk Tekbilek will be performing as part of the Ramadan Nights Festival.

MYO
--

Have you heard any of these albums or seen any of these artists live? Do you know something great that's due for release in the next couple of weeks? We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a comment!

UP's favourite releases this week!


Tango Siempre feat. Gilad Atzmon & Steve Argüelles / Tangents / Galileo Music

Tangents, Tango Siempre's newest album follows in their fluid, sparkly playing style, only this time (unlike their previous two albums), Tango Siempre perform their own compositions and incorporate special guests: BBC Jazz Award winner saxophonist Gilad Atzmon, and on drums and electronics, Loose Tubes' Steve Argüelles. Atzmon's sax adds to the music in a subtle, non-intrusive way giving the album a jazzier edge. A couple of tracks engage light electronic drumbeats but this does not encroach on the dance-club orientation of tango electronica originators: Bajofondo Tango Club and Gotan Project. "Nazareth" a piece composed by Atzmon displays his versatility on the saxophone – it flows with jazzy Middle Eastern / Turkish melodies, occasionally making his saxophone sound like a zurna. Solos by Tango Siempre are rare in the album – Ros Stephen's striking solo in "Los Pasos Gigantes" is a gem. Other highlights include "No Te Olvido" by Pete Rosser who plays the accordion in the group, "Sweet Dreams" by pianist Jonathan Taylor and "Cumparsita" a G. Matos Rodriguez piece arranged by Taylor.

To visit Tango Siempre's MySpace site, click here.
To view John L. Walter's review on Tangents, click here.


Fennesz and Sakamoto / cendre / Touch Music

Like two figures meeting in the shadows, cendre seems to exemplify that natural encounter: Christian Fennesz with his electronic computer and guitar driven atmospheric sounds and Ryuichi Sakamoto's dreamy Debussy-Satie, Zen-like piano textures. And what better than releasing it on Touch Music, the label home to the digital sound and visual network. The album bears warmth and light in tracks like "haru" and "oto", but it does descend to deeper and darker tones finishing with the track "abyss. Nevertheless it maintains an intense calm and simplicity. As I sit and write, an aeroplane flies overhead – its low drone seems to blend in too well with the swirls and hypnotic chords of "haru" which plays in the background.



Setsubun Bean Unit / Setsubun Bean Unit / Accidental Music

Setsubun Bean Unit comprises a mesh of Japanese folk song, jazz, reggae, funk, Balkan and trip hop, just to name 'a few'! The group was born out of a trip to Tokyo by members of the Farmyard Animals. It also incorporates a couple of Bon dancers and other unsuspecting guests. The name of the band and its release gives tribute to the Setsubun Spring Festival in Japan where soy beans are throw in the air to cast out evil spirits and bring good luck. Most of the melodies are simple and catchy like "Rettsu Kissu". Gideon Juckes' electric tuba gives it a circus act feel. With Setsubun Bean Unit – you'll either find the album very strange, eclectic and silly, or you'll come to love and adore its enchanting melodies ("Tora San"), good humour and unconventionality.

To find out more about Setsubun Bean Unit or to listen to some of their tracks, visit their MySpace page.

– MYO
--
Have you heard any of these albums or seen any of these artists live? Do you know something great that's due for release in the next couple of weeks? We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a comment!