Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Acoustic
Brass Kings - Washboard Rope Guitar

Brass Kings - Washboard Rope Guitar

Brass Kings
Washboard 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 Website

Stealin Strings - Waves

Stealin Strings - Waves

Stealin Strings
Waves
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 Website

Putumayo Presents - Acoustic Arabia

Putumayo Presents - Acoustic Arabia

Putumayo Presents
Acoustic 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 Website

Cyberchump - Our Wizards Of Earth

Cyberchump - Our Wizards Of Earth

Cyberchump
Our 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 WebsiteCyberchump Wiki

Taj Mahal - Maestro

Taj Mahal - Maestro

Taj Mahal
Maestro
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 WebsiteTaj Mahal Wiki

Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide

Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide

Apocalyptica
Worlds 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 WebsiteApocalyptica Wiki

Asylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?

Asylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?

Asylum Street Spankers
What? 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 WebsiteThe Asylum Street Spankers Wiki

Cribshitter - Cry A Little Rainbow

Cribshitter - Cry A Little Rainbow

Cribshitter
Cry 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 Banda - Cuatro Tunes

La Otra Banda
Cuatro 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 Website

Various Artists - Made In Iceland

Various Artists - Made In Iceland

Various Artists
Made 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 Website

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Live! (DVD)

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Live! (DVD)

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Live! (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 WebsiteLadysmith Black Mambazo Wiki

Al Conti - Scheherazade

Al Conti - Scheherazade

Al Conti
Scheherazade
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 WebsiteAl Conti Wiki

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