Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Omar Akram - Secret Journey
Omar AkramSecret Journey
Label: Real Music
This son of a UN diplomat brings us an infusion of world flecked jazz instrumentals set in melodic new age atmospheres. Piano is the dominant but not overpowering motivator here, complimented by violin, guitar, drums and keyboard.
• Omar Akram Website • Omar Akram WikiPutumayo Presents - Tango Around The World
Putumayo PresentsTango Around The World
Label: Putumayo World Music
Musically touring the tantalizing Tango hotbeds around the world including Finland, Senegal, Portugal and most notably Argentina. Here we are shown the fancy footwork (and musicianship) of 11 internationally renowned artists.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiSequoia Groove Presents - Angels Voices
Sequoia Groove PresentsAngels Voices
Label: Sequoia Records
Compiled by Yogafit founder Beth Shaw and mixed by the Gordon Brothers, this compilation focuses on female voices and consists of remixes of about 5 different bands. Blissful but limited.
• Sequoia Groove Presents WebsiteUz Jsme Doma - Cod Liver Oil
Uz Jsme DomaCod Liver Oil
Label: Skoda Records
Quirky, wild and zany jazz rock with a punk attitude. Comparisons to Zappa, Zorn and The Residents are actually appropriate here. This uneasy listening band from Prague sings in Czech and is not for the wimpy at heart.
• Uz Jsme Doma Website • Uz Jsme Doma WikiFarmer's Market - Surfin’ USSR
Farmer's MarketSurfin’ USSR
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Improbable permutations of traditional Bulgarian melodies along with jazz, folk, and rock that have been percolated to oblique perfection. The songs often lead with uptempo folk rhythms that are broken with soundtrack-ish ambiance and other delightful distractions.
• Farmer's Market Website • Farmer's Market WikiLost Dream - The Lost Dream
Lost DreamThe Lost Dream
Label: Craig Sound Productions
This ambitious self-taught multi-instrumentalist composed, arranged, recorded, mixed and produced this release. She also played the entire range of instruments. Attempting to reconcile rock’n’roll with ambient atmospheres around a concept of lost hope sounds good in theory, but unfortunately comes off a bit flaccid and overly subdued.
Putumayo Presents - African Party
Putumayo PresentsAfrican Party
Label: Putumayo World Music
Celebrating Putumayo’s 15th Anniversary with a great compilation that pays tribute to the spirit of the music that inspired the label’s inception. With 20 million CDs sold, Putumayo’s world music party has been a global hit and “African Party” is another to add their list of success.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiMusicians For Minneapolis - 57 Songs For the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort
Musicians For Minneapolis57 Songs For the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort
Label: Electrovoice
Produced by audio equipment giant, Electro-Voice, the only thing longer than the title of this 3-CD release is the list of amazing musicians contributing to this self-explanatory fund raising project. Dick Dale, George Clinton, DJ Spooky, Calexico, Les Claypool and MANY, many more.
• Musicians For Minneapolis WebsiteEivind Opsvik - Overseas III
Eivind OpsvikOverseas III
Label: Loyal Label
Classic straight jazz turned into an ambient field and then nudged with noise, progressive elements and a few electronica glitches. This Norwegian born and NYC based composer records and plays live with a 4-piece ensemble called Overseas.
• Eivind Opsvik WebsiteFeelin Band - The Sacred Play Of Life
Feelin BandThe Sacred Play Of Life
Label: Wake The World
Soulful crooning compliments the flowing piano and contemplative writing style with a folk, jazz and jam-infused bluesy backbone. This talented Twin Cities group rounds it out with some occasional Spanish influences.
• The Feelin Band WebsiteRosa Passos - Romance
Rosa PassosRomance
Label: Telarc
Sultry and intimate female vocals sparkle and shine, complimented by mellow smooth jazz and bossa nova ripples. This Brazilian native takes time to explore matters of the heart as she expands upon her three decade career. A little mellow for me, but she’s a great singer!
• Rosa Passos Website • Rosa Passos WikiScifi - Scifi
ScifiScifi
Label: Coma Gun Music
Spaced out, mostly non-vocal jam rock that finds footholds in the jazz, funk, soul and techno world. At times the floaty jazzy grooves have whisked me off to a distant planet of fuzz, love and murmur. Delightful!
• Scifi WebsiteView More
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