The Immigrant Magazine, Matthew Forss

Jadid Ensemble
Sigh of The Moor
Whirling Eye Studios

From the opening call to prayer and the Arab-Flamenco rhythms infused with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern melodies, it does not take long to realize the impressive debut by Glenn Sharp and his Jadid Ensemble. Based in the UK, the Jadid Ensemble is composed of Glenn on guitars, cumbus, saz, bass, piano, vocals, assorted percussion, and oud; Olivia Moore on violin; Paul Cheneour on flutes, ney, mizmar; Adam Warne on riq, darbuka, and frame drums. The flamenco guitar style on “Ilm” is as meditative as it is transportive. The percussion and violin accompaniment provide an Andalusian experience. The sub-two-minute “Vandal” has a haunting melody with mizmar, percussion, and the sounds of a busy bazaar or marketplace. The equally short “The Storyteller” is an interlude out of Central Asia. Haunting, choral-type vocals are fitting on the final tune, “Ascension.” The rest of the songs do not include any singing. In effect, the music is transcendent, otherworldly, and intuitive. For fans of Andalusian, Mediterranean, Central Asian, flamenco, world fusion, or Middle Eastern music in general, will find the Jadid Ensemble more than a little entertaining. ~ Matthew Forss

Charmaine Clamor
Something Good
FreeHam Records

As a follow-up to My Harana: A Filipino Serenade (Freeham, 2008), Charmaine Clamor is back once again with a stellar set of music. However, this time, she sheds the more traditional elements. Instead, Charmaine takes on pop-jazz-soul standards with the uppity “Feelin’ Stevie,” the laid-back “Every Single Moment,” the Latin-focused “The Farther You Go,” and the bluesy “Sweet Spot”. Unlike previous albums, Something Good is mostly sung in English, because after-all, Charmaine is a Filipino-American. Her voice seemed to mature nicely for the music, whether it is called blues, pop, Latin, roots, or folk. Names aside, the music speaks for itself. Interestingly, the entire CD packaging is 100% recyclable. Thankfully, it should not come to that for listeners. Charmaine is right about one thing…and it is definitely ‘something good.’ ~ Matthew Forss

Orla Fallon
My Land
Elevation Group

With the recent passing of St. Patrick’s Day, all things tend to point to the luck of the Irish and everything green. However, Ireland’s Orla Fallon should be a part of your Irish celebration this year, as she releases a new album, My Land, in close conjunction with a 50-city tour and PBS program in most markets. Orla still plays the harp and sings on the new album, but she is joined by a larger gospel group on “Down To The River To Pray” and special guests on two live tracks with The Dubliners on “Spanish Lady” and “I’ll Tell Me Ma” with Damien Dempsey. Two songs with slightly different renditions, “Distant Shore” and “My Land,” are also included on her 2009 release, Distant Shore. Still, Orla’s voice is as sweet and pleasant as ever on “Mo Ghile Mear,” “Ni Na La,” and “Both Sides Now.” A mix of English and Irish lyrics provides a sense normalcy amidst a sea of diasporic displacement from the Irish land. Followers of Celtic Woman will clamor to pick up My Land. Green is the new gold! ~ Matthew Forss

Katja Cruz Y Los Aires
Mi Corazon
Leo Records

The Argentinian, Katja Cruz, opens up her heart on Mi Corazon (My Heart) with eight original compositions and three tunes attributed to Argentinians Astor Piazzolla, Anibal Troilo, and a Chilean, Violeta Parra. All of the compositions are inspired by the Candomble musical tradition of orishas, or saints. Taken from an Afro-Latin perspective, Katja’s songs are Brazilian, Argentinian, Chilean, Portuguese, and inherently Latin-American. The tender vocals, sweeping percussion, and jazzy melodies are timeless and unforgettable. As a vocalist, Katja captures your attention from the first few stanzas on any song. “No se que pasa” is a breezy little tune with light percussion, aerophones, and a splash of rhythmic color from south of the border. Mi Corazon is heartfelt, honest, cheery, relaxing, and serene. Anyone with an interest in Afro-Latin, Argentinian, South American, Candomble, or tango music should acquire Katja’s latest release while you still can. ~ Matthew Forss

Mariana Ramos
Suavidanca
Casa Verde Productions

The Senegalese-born and Cape Verdean resident, Mariana Ramos, sings about life, love, and society on her fourth and latest album, Suavidanca. Of course, Mariana possesses a suave, vocal quality that is evidenced on anything she sings. The subtle tropical, Latin, African, and European musical influences are evidenced by her musical guests, including Benin’s Angelique Kidjo on “Nzinga Mbandi” and another Cape Verdean, Jorge Humberto on “Discunfiado.” The faster rhythms of “Beleza” is sure to heat up any cold night. Mariana sings in languages that are influenced by Portuguese, Creole, and French. The musical styles native to Cape Verde include coladeira, batucu, funana, morna, and mazurca, with other sounds borrowed from Latin America and Afro-Latin variaitons. There are quieter moments, as in “Discunfiado” and “Irmon,” but that does not make them forgettable. As expected there are some comparisons to Cesaria Evora, but they are mainly instrumental and not vocal. The instrumentation is fuller than most Cape Verdean recordings and this one is no exception. If you are seeking sun, songs, and some relaxation, then Suavidanca is a perfect Spring Break getaway…all year-round! ~ Matthew Forss