“Simply Melodies” by JR’S Socalypsoreggaeroc (World Artist from New Jersey(NJ))

"Simply Melodies" by JR'S Socalypsoreggaeroc! is a very creative assembly of Caribbean instrumentals. With the native and elegant steel pan as the driving instrument, these songs are extremely melodic. What's more, the structure of these tunes are, as the title suggests, kept very simple. The steel pan is at the forefront of this CD with minimal backing by bass, drums, and some synthesizer fills, allowing the intricate sounds of the steel pan to shine through. "Jamaica Farewell, Yellow Bird, Letter From Jamaica" opens with a very non-traditional drum arrangement that catches the listener's attention. Moreover, "Ah Come Back Home" displays a very memorable steel pan melody. Minimal production adds to the simplicity of these tracks. If you enjoy world Caribbean music then you should check out the nice steel pan work on these tracks.

-Xavier P. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team

Check out JR's Socalypsoreggaeroc / jrsoca's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Maghreb Jazz Guitar” by Jan Wouter Oostenrijk (World Artist from the Netherlands)

"Maghreb Jazz Guitar" by Jan Wouter Oostenrijk is a very interesting and diverse collection of world/jazz tunes, fusing jazz-flavors and tribal percussion with lyrics presented in the Arabic language. Careful production provides an effective balance between percussion and guitar work. The slow-pace instrumental track "Nardis" opens with a very nice native flute melody, giving this song a very middle-eastern vibe. The beat-driven "My Favourite Things" grabs listeners' attention with its intriguing percussion intro, mixing together rare percussive sounds. Moreover, the very groovy "Barud" flaunts a nice electric guitar lead and a memorable Indian-influenced melody. Fans of culturally diverse songs and rich percussion will enjoy this CD.

-Xavier P. and the RadioIndy Review Team

 

Check out JWO's Maghreb's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Pashtes" by Lenka Lichtenberg & Brian Katz (World Artist from Ontario, Canada)

"Pashtes" by Lenka Lichtenberg & Brian Katz is a tremendously creative and musically inspiring CD. The instrumentation on the CD is brilliant - Especially Brian Katz's acoustic guitar work. This professional musical accompaniment provides an effective backdrop for the tremendous vocal performances of Lenka, whose voice provides pitch-perfect vocals in a very smooth and soothing manner. The CD is filled with subtle details of intricate play between the vocals and instruments that demonstrate the care that went into this recording. The production and recording quality provide a crystal clear experience for the listener. "Zing a Gezang" is one of our favorite tracks, with its upbeat catchy tempo and tremendous acoustic guitar work. "Yo, Ikh Gloyb" has a more jazzy feel, with an intricate musical depth provided by countermelodies of a horn section. If you enjoy world music or hearing the works of musical virtuosos, this is a CD that is definitely worthy of your attention.

-RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Lenka Lichtenberg's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Sanbrafeye" by Evan Adamafio (World Artist from New Jersey(NJ))

"Sanbrafeye" by Evan Adamafio is a catchy world pop song. The CD provides this single in many different genre formats, each of which are effective, exemplifying the strength of this song. Each format showcases a strong African-influenced rhythm section, and all but the instrumental version showcase Evan's distinct African pop vocals. The instrumental version showcases a strong acoustic guitar lead track and more accentuated percussion work, which is also featured on the unplugged version. This is an interesting CD to check out, not only because "Sanbrafeye" is a catchy upbeat song, but also because it is rare that a listener can hear a song in many different genres, to compare and contrast the strengths of the song in various formats. Check this CD out for a unique listening experience.

-RadioIndy Reviewer Team

Check out Evan Adamafio's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Blind Lions” by The Ummanotty Project (Reggae/World artist from St. Louis, Missouri (MO))

Dedicated to a lost loved one, "Blind Lions" by The Ummanotty Project sets out to impart healing through poetry and reggae. Engaging listeners with hypnotic sounds and trance-inducing vocal effects, The Ummanotty Project proves very successful in grabbing and maintaining attention. The title-track begins with a powerful retelling of an inspirational Biblical passage and smoothly morphs into a very memorable melodic chorus. "Sooner or Later" also stands out with its catchy musical lead and unique electronic elements. Overall, this CD represents a sound effort, and will surely enlighten listeners with its messages of hope and perseverance.

-Xavier and the RadioIndy Team
Check out The Ummanotty Project's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Isla Magnifica” by Frank Tuma (World artist from Florida (FL))

"Isla Magnifica" by Frank Tuma is best likened to a picture-perfect tropical paradise, musically speaking that is. These instrumental tunes take on a lively Caribbean groove, engaging listeners with thrilling rhythms, native percussion, triumphant brass arrangements, and bright steel pans. The musicianship is high throughout this CD. "Topsy – Turvy" displays all of these delightful qualities, while introducing the captivating sounds of the native flute. "I Just Can't Leave This Place" shifts vibes rather dramatically, steering toward a softer, more serene acoustic-guitar-driven sound. Whatever the song profile – fast or slow, serene or vibrant – Frank Tuma tackles it with island flair.

-Xavier P. and RadioIndy.com
Check out Frank Tuma's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites