new int'l discs for 8/29
artist: Moira Smileytitle: Rua
file under: int’l / LOTUS 2005
grade: A- / B+
An even split between traditional tunes and originals from Celtic / Appalachian singer Moira Smiley, whose voice commands attention. Think Carrie Newcomer weaned on The Chieftans.
reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad
artist: Lura
title: Di korpu ku alma
file under: int’l / LOTUS 2005
grade: A-
Lura uses arrangements by Fernando Andrade, the linchpin of Césaria Evora's band, on her third album. But in spite of that, it's apparent that Lura isn't in the same class as her Cape Verdean colleague. When she works in the rootsy batuco style she's generally safe, even if she gets a little histrionic at times. However, when she moves toward the ballads (generally keeping clear of Evora's trademark mornas) it all falls apart. Much of the fault lies with the material, rather than Lura's voice, although she never manages to achieve any kind of delicate sensuality in her singing. And the songs themselves are at best second-rate, redolent of cheap cabaret. Even Andrade's arrangements can't save them, although he does a sterling job of trying. At her best Lura can be good. But at least on the basis of this, she'll never manage to be outstanding. (3 ½ stars)
reviewer: Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
artist: Frigg
title: Oasis
file under: int’l / LOTUS 2005
grade: A-
Sophomore release from Finnish-Norwegian folksters will do you right. Think Väsen. Better yet, think Harv without nearly as much drinking. Instrumental wooden music led with fiddle, but with guitar holding it down. Even the occasional horn (01), or even bagpipes (06). Though there are some mellow tracks, Frigg are best at full-speed. You heard it here first: the dance floor will be filled by the end of their opening number.
reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad
artist: Seu Jorge
title: Cru / Brazilian renaissance man / LOTUS 2005
file under: int’l
grade: A-
There is a reason that Brazilian singer/actor Seu Jorge regularly sells out live shows: he not only has a charming way with acoustic renditions of classic David Bowie songs (as proved last year in The Life Aquatic; those who missed it should check the soundtrack), he exhibits as much charm when playing his own material. Cru, which translates as "Raw," is a fine example. Not every song is original — Jorge covers the Leiber & Stoller classic "Don't" (06), made famous by Elvis Presley, as well as Serge Gainsbourg's "Chatterton" (03) — but he maintains a consistently stripped-bare sensibility throughout. Sun-baked vocals drive the sound, backed by barely-there acoustic guitar strumming and spare, casual percussion and effective use of electronic beats. "Mania de Peitão" (11) offers a Spanish-language lesson on the evils of silicone breast implants, and "Eu Sou Favela" (10) recounts, via music entirely too gorgeous for its subject matter, the grim realities of a Brazilian slum. (3 ½ stars)
reviewer: Tammy La Gorce, All Music Guide
artist: Ana Moura
title: Guarda-me a vida na mão
file under: int’l / Portuguese fado / LOTUS 2005
grade: A-
If you enjoyed Mariza’s recent Transparente or last year’s Rough Guide to Fado compilation, Ana Moura is up your alley. If those aforementioned titles are drawing a blank, welcome to wonderful world of fado: Romantic, emotional performances by a Portuguese female singer who demands attention. This is engaging, sit-down material.
reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad
artist: Balkan Beat Box
title: Balkan Beat Box
file under: int’l / Balkan-Jewish Zucoesque-apade / LOTUS 2005
grade: A-
The opener “Cha Cha” (01) sets the table, sampling PA announcers, vinyl scratches, James Brown, and a rooster. Oh, and don’t forget the eponymous Balkan horns and beat box. And some ladies stuttering “Ch-ch-ch-cha-cha!” From here, the next three cuts are in Bulgarian, Hebrew, and 9/4 time. Butt-waving, sweat-inducing. Dancing shall ensue.
reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad
artist: Tito Puente
title: The Rough Guide to Tito Puente
file under: int’l / Latin
grade: A-
Following up on this spring’s Celia Cruz compilation, as well as The Rough Guide to Mambo, WMN offers up a generous 21-track set that provides a cross-section of three decades’ worth of work from Tito Puente. I’m no Puentologist, so I’m drawn to “Oye Como Va” (18) like the moth to the proverbial flame, but there’s a lot more here for you to check out and enjoy. Radio-friendly day or night, mis amigos.
reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad
artist: v / a
title: The Rough Guide to the Music of Brazil: Rio De Janeiro
file under: int’l
grade: B+
Cutting down the usual mass of music contained in any given Brazilian compilation, and following the more regional focus of the Bahia Rough Guide, this album covers the more urban music of Brazil — the samba, bossa nova, carioco, and so on. Some electronic samba (01) opens the album, followed quickly by a rendition of a classic Gilberto Gil piece (02). Fusions of samba with electronica, bossa nova with funk, and MPB with soul and jazz make themselves heard here. The classic compositions of Jobim (12), Powell (11), and others also find their way in simultaneously. Some of the most interesting stuff here is the least standard for the area. Ed Motta (09) sounds like an old Michael Jackson dance record, Beth Carvalho (06) enhances an old piece with notions of "Over the Rainbow." The sounds aren't as contemporary as one might expect given the massive life in Rio currently, but there are some interesting pieces here that make a decent cross-stylistic set. (3 stars)
reviewer: Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
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