Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: Jazz
Omar Akram - Secret Journey

Omar Akram - Secret Journey

Omar Akram
Secret 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 WebsiteOmar Akram Wiki

Putumayo Presents - Tango Around The World

Putumayo Presents - Tango Around The World

Putumayo Presents
Tango 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 WebsitePutumayo Presents Wiki

Sequoia Groove Presents - Angels Voices

Sequoia Groove Presents - Angels Voices

Sequoia Groove Presents
Angels 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 Website

Uz Jsme Doma - Cod Liver Oil

Uz Jsme Doma - Cod Liver Oil

Uz Jsme Doma
Cod 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 WebsiteUz Jsme Doma Wiki

Farmer's Market - Surfin’ USSR

Farmer's Market - Surfin’ USSR

Farmer's Market
Surfin’ 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 WebsiteFarmer's Market Wiki

Lost Dream - The Lost Dream

Lost Dream - The Lost Dream

Lost Dream
The 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 Presents - African Party

Putumayo Presents
African 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 WebsitePutumayo Presents Wiki

Musicians For Minneapolis - 57 Songs For the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort

Musicians For Minneapolis - 57 Songs For the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort

Musicians For Minneapolis
57 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 Website

Eivind Opsvik - Overseas III

Eivind Opsvik - Overseas III

Eivind Opsvik
Overseas 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 Website

Feelin Band - The Sacred Play Of Life

Feelin Band - The Sacred Play Of Life

Feelin Band
The 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 Website

Rosa Passos - Romance

Rosa Passos - Romance

Rosa Passos
Romance
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 WebsiteRosa Passos Wiki

Scifi - Scifi

Scifi - Scifi

Scifi
Scifi
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 Website

View More

Viewing Page 1 - of 5

 1 2 3 >  Last ›