New Reviews: September 6, 2004
Reviews by Matthew J. Forss
Joji Hirota & The Taiko Drummers
Japanese Taiko
Arc Music
One of the most majestic instruments of Japanese origin is the taiko drum.
Japanese Taiko contains several types of taiko drums with cymbals and gongs
for added percussion effects. The accomplished Joji Hirota brings us original
music stemming from traditional Japanese drumming traditions. A very innovative
album for taiko drumming. Do not miss out on the thunderous tunes of the taiko!
A detailed booklet in English, German, French, and Spanish is included.
Majmouat Abde Elhakim
Majmouat Abde Elhakim
Post World Industries
The hustle and bustle of the bazaars in Marrakech, Morocco boasts some of
the best musicians in the country. Discovered in 2003, Majmouat Abde
Elhakim performs improvisational, traditional folk music on his self-titled
release. Many of the tracks incorporate vocals, tambourine, tarija, bender,
banjo, and clapping. Some tracks are recorded live. An essential album for
traditional Moroccan music fans.
Livio Guardi & Wilson Montuori
Diomedee
Independent
The folk music of Italy is rich in texture and tradition. Diomedee
is no exception. Diomedee honors the great hero of the Trojan War: Diomedes.
The best in Italian folk/instrumental music is presented by Livio Guiardi &
Wilson Montuori. Pleasant, easy-listening tracks include ensemble instruments
of harmonica, banjo, guitars, bouzouki, ukulele, steel guitar, bass, flutes, and
percussion. Vocals are also present on some of the tracks. The entire album
contains Mediterranean leanings, with hints of flamenco and lounge Latin music.
A highly recommended companion for relaxing evenings at home, on the beach, or on
a cruise.
Nijen Antonio Coatti
Shellvibes
Alma Music
Nijen and company hail from Italy. However, Shellvibes is not a typical Italian
music release. Shellvibes includes music played on conch shells, with other
instruments including sax, trombone, contrabass, vibraphone, percussion and guitar.
Vocals are also present on some of the tracks. Shellvibes incorporates and crosses
many musical genres including downtempo, lounge jazz, rumba, bossa nova, bolero,
Brazilian, instrumental, and easy listening. A unique album essential for every world
music aficionado!
Matthew J. Forss is currently a full-time student at
Lakeland College-Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He is majoring
in Biology and German Language/Culture. Since 1998, he
has collected numerous musical instruments and CDs from
around the world. Also in 1998, he wrote a paper on
Mongolian Ethnomusicology, entitled: How Does Music
Play An Important Role In The Life And Culture Of
Mongolia? Currently, he has collected over 100 CDs that
represent dozens of different countries. His general
interests include ethnomusicology journalism and
researching the traditional/contemporary ethnic music
of various cultures from around the world. His specific,
geographic areas of study include the traditional and
popular music from Central Eurasia (especially Mongolia,
Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.) In November of
2000, he accepted the position of writing world music CD
reviews for this site.
