Tuesday, September 23, 2008

“Shine Your Light” by Kush4711 (Reggae Artist from Nevada (NV))

"Shine Your Light" is the debut release from Jamaica-born reggae artist Kush4711. The songs on this album are truly inspirational. Kush4711's lyrics range from socially aware songs about the unification of Africa and the common good of mankind to religious songs about giving it all to Jah, including Jewish religious imagery as well. The arrangements are original, using a reggae foundation and combining it with urban grooves and occasional gospel vocals, making the songs both danceable and relaxing, depending entirely upon your mood. Kush4711's delivers with a great reggae vocal, and the backing vocalists add a nice element to the sound. "Shine Your Light" is well-recorded, and the album sounds clean. The title track, "Shine Your Light" is an upbeat track with a nice reggae rhythm, a catchy chorus, and great backing vocals. "13 Tribe" is a catchy track with great vocal layering and religious imagery. The album closes with instrumental versions of "Killing," "Miracle," and "New Jerusalem," highlighting the arrangements and their extreme danceability. Overall, "Shine Your Light" is an impressive and inspired debut from a budding talent, and any fan of urban reggae should pick this one up.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out KUSH4711 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, September 21, 2008

“Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars” by Mokyo Octet (World Artist from Japan)

"Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars" is the superb instrumental world fusion debut from the Mokyo Octet. Now a four-piece, all of the instrumentations and compositions on this particular album can be attributed to composer/oudist/guitarist Paul N. Dorosh. With "Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars," Dorosh has crafted seven excellent and uniquely organic tracks that combine traditional Middle Eastern oud, which is a variation on a lute, with modern guitars and electronica beats. The resulting sound varies from track to track, some sounding like jazz fusion and others merely juxtaposing the traditional Middle Eastern sound with modern electronica. It all sounds excellent, and the recording quality really captures Dorosh's careful musical layering. "Running, Sightless" is aptly titled since it features frantic and excellent oud work and displays Dorosh's talent both as a composer and an oudist. "Crustacean" closes out the album nicely with a great jazz fusion track with acoustic guitar and Dorosh's oud work resembling that of a jazz bass line. "Filamentary Dreams Of The Cedars" is an exceptional debut from Mokyo Quartet that leaves you eager to hear what the now-expanded group will put out next. Fans of Middle Eastern music and world fusion should certainly look into this album.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Mokyo Octet's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

“I've Got Joy" by Errol and Kaye Leslie (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

Jamaica natives Errol and Kaye Leslie are at it again with their outstanding gospel reggae anthems on "I've Got Joy." Combining the southern gospel tradition with upbeat Caribbean rhythms and island beats, Errol and Kaye sing about the importance of Jesus in the world today in a very unique and uplifting way. The energizing arrangements and excellent vocal dynamics, with Errol's booming bass and Kaye's more gospel-oriented alto, take the serious lyrics and somehow turn them into songs that you want to put on a Hawaiian shirt and dance to. Go ahead and try lifting your hand to the sky and sadly wavering back and forth; it's impossible. "I've Got Joy" is well-recorded and the arrangements and vocals alike sound clean and professional. The title track, "I've Got Joy," is a song about the grace and love of Jesus and the joy that it brings and features Errol and Kaye's great vocal dynamics, rhyming lyrics, and a rhythmic horn, drum, and guitar arrangement. "Holy, Holy, Holy" appears to combine a more Caribbean version of Ace of Base's "I Saw the Sign" with the traditional hymn with a vocal performance led by Errol's booming voice. "I've Got Joy" is an excellent and unique album that makes worship fun and even danceable. Fans of gospel reggae or those searching for good music with a Christian message should definitely check out Errol and Kaye Leslie.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Errol and Kaye Leslie 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

“Expressive Moods” by IFARI (Reggae Artist from Florida)

"Expressive Moods" is a roots reggae rock album from Guyana native IFARI that features nine uplifting and spiritual tracks. IFARI is Robert Carroll, who brings great reggae vocals and creative experimental arrangements to the table while singing songs of faith and self-realization. "Expressive Moods" features great beats, some excellent bass guitar work, guitar, keyboard, and a variety of other instruments IFARI experiments with, including whistling. The recordings sound great and clean, realizing the full sound IFARI dreamt up with each track. "Hail I" is a slower song featuring keyboard and a great beat, as Carroll sings about freedom and praising Jah. "Conquering Lion" has a great arrangement with horns, a driving beat, keyboards, and a nice bass lick. Not only that, it possesses great lyrical imagery, and has a catchy chorus. Overall, "Expressive Moods" is an impressive album highlighted by the spirituality in the arrangements, lyrics, and vocals. Fans of faith-based roots reggae rock should give IFARI a listen.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out IFARI's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, September 1, 2008

"Shadow of a Dim Light" by IFARI (Reggae Artist from Florida(FL))

IFARI's "Shadow of a Dim Light" is an upbeat roots reggae album filled with catchy tracks that inspire creativity and overall wellbeing. Currently residing in Florida but originally from Guyana, IFARI brings a refreshing, true reggae sound and great poetic songwriting to the States. "Shadow of a Dim Light" is filled with strong words and solid arrangements focused on both a great musical and spiritual experience. The album's production value is very good as well, and it sounds great, with all the instruments having equal representation in the mix. Highlights include the title track, "Shadow of a Dim Light," which kicks things off with a great hook and melody that reel you right in. "Wife and Pickney" brings an instant smile to your face with an uplifting progression and another great melody. "Congo" features a grooving bass line and nice percussive elements. "Shadow of a Dim Light" is an overall success that well-blends great musicianship with inspiring lyrics. If you are a fan of inspiring reggae that is true to it's roots, give IFARI a shot.
-William & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out IFARI's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

New CD Reviews - Reggae / World