Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Brass Kings - Washboard Rope Guitar
Brass KingsWashboard Rope Guitar
Label: Dream Horse Music
As the title suggests, this simple yet catchy and heartfelt music is generated mostly using a washboard, a rope (washtub bass) and a (resophonic) guitar by a trio of freethinking musicians. Nostalgic yet somehow contemporary.
• The Brass Kings WebsiteStealin Strings - Waves
Stealin StringsWaves
Label: Hot Dog Records
With a new bassist under their belt, these rising rockin’ bluegrass pompadours are once again making their way through the festival circuit this summer. They were the only band I noticed at Bella Sol that was given the opportunity due to their versatility, depth of sound and song content to play a set on the main stage plus an acoustic set on the tent stage.
• Stealin Strings WebsitePutumayo Presents - Acoustic Arabia
Putumayo PresentsAcoustic Arabia
Label: Putumayo World Music
Sandstorm powered acoustic grooves delight the senses and take us on subtle, laid back journeys through distant lands with a variety of Middle Eastern and North African artists including Les Orientales, Jamal Porto, and Zein Al-Jundi.
• Putumayo Presents WebsiteCyberchump - Our Wizards Of Earth
CyberchumpOur Wizards Of Earth
Label: Internal Combustion
Two extremely equipped psychedelic musicians from Milwaukee utilize their gaggle of instruments to produce a fascinating albeit quirky electronic soundscape repertoire with rooms and areas to float, groove, slide. A vibrant undercurrent of leading and teasing sound strings tie the listener to the musical affirmations driving the concepts.
• Cyberchump Website • Cyberchump WikiTaj Mahal - Maestro
Taj MahalMaestro
Label: Heads Up
Wow! This is smoking hot blues bash shows this two time GRAMMY winner in top form and complimented with a load of stellar guest performers. The release also marks the 40th year in the career of this amazing multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. On his first release in 5 years he demonstrates that his musical fire is still vibrant and his influence is going strong on these delightfully danceable ditties.
• Taj Mahal Website • Taj Mahal WikiApocalyptica - Worlds Collide
ApocalypticaWorlds Collide
Label: 20 20/ Jive Records
Cellos and heavy metal may be an unlikely combination, but these fine Finnish folks have successfully been kicking out variants on their theme over the years. With several guest vocalists and a couple radio ready singles, this release is a smoking’ mix of their symphonic metal and thrashin’ ragers.
• Apocalyptica Website • Apocalyptica WikiAsylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?
Asylum Street SpankersWhat? And Give Up Show Biz?
Label: Yellow Dog Records
The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.
• The Asylum Street Spankers Website • The Asylum Street Spankers WikiCribshitter - Cry A Little Rainbow
CribshitterCry A Little Rainbow
Label: Medicated G Records
Wow! 30 tracks of hilarious musical debauchery and mayhem. Madison brews them eclectic and this is right up there. Careening from poppy punk to country then retro electronica plus various other tangents du jour, all with a squinter of a rainbow in their eyes…
La Otra Banda - Cuatro Tunes
La Otra BandaCuatro Tunes
Label: Sanjonero records
A trio of musicians originally from Venezuela, now slowly transplanting to Madison, bring us a teaser of their world beat amalgamation of South American melodies purposely infected with global influences.
• La Otra Banda WebsiteVarious Artists - Made In Iceland
Various ArtistsMade In Iceland
Label: Iceland Music Exporrt
Perhaps the chill weather of January makes you think of Iceland. If so, this compilation showcases 15 rising Icelandic stars. Quirky indie overtones pervade, but a nice overview of offerings for sure.
• Various Artists WebsiteLadysmith Black Mambazo - Live! (DVD)
Ladysmith Black MambazoLive! (DVD)
Label: Heads Up
The amazing harmony acapella vocals of this group have been heard the world over for over 30 years. Filmed in Akron, Ohio in 2008 this DVD puts recent faces to the voices. 14 songs plus an in-depth interview with the group’s founder, leader and musical director Joseph Shabalala.
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo Website • Ladysmith Black Mambazo WikiAl Conti - Scheherazade
Al ContiScheherazade
Label: Shadowside Music
Utilizing the legendary tales of 1001 Arabian nights is a sure bet for a theme and Conti supports the legends with ambient Middle Eastern musical structures while embellishing his work with exotic instruments and captivating arrangements. Escape to another world.
• Al Conti Website • Al Conti WikiView More
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