LITTLE ROCK — The world may be shrinking, but world music is getting bigger.
Thanks to progressive and experimental musicians such as mandolin player Mike Marshall, banjoist Bela Fleck and fiddler Darol Anger, instrumental music fans are discovering the magical, finger-pickin' good music of Sweden's Vasen, while Sacha Baron Cohen's movie Borat has given a boost to Serb/Croat bandleader, guitarist and composer Goran Bregovic.
A closer look at these and others:
Vasen, Vasen Street, Northside, A
People who appreciate great pickin', like that of the bluegrass greats Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Celtic and folk music and artists such as Fleck, will find much to like in this sparkling, engaging and joyous music. Vasen collaborated with Anger and Marshall on 2007's Adventure Music. The eclectic Vasen is violist Mikael Marin, 12-string guitarist Roger Tallroth and Olov Johansson on nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish stringed instrument.
Vasen Street is a delight, with polskas and schottisches mixed with the lovely "The Last Waltz," the stunning "Eklunda Polska Nr. 3," the aching "Yoko" and the wonderful toe-tapper "Garageschottis."
Goran Bregovic, Alkohol, Wrasse, B+
The fall of Communism opened our ears to the music from Eastern Europe, none more entertaining and talentedthan this Serb/Croat bandleader, singer, guitarist and composer. Bregovic's music has been in several films, including Borat, and works by director Emir Kusturica (Time of the Gypsies, Underground).
If you love the rawer and brassier side of New Orleans music, Eastern Europe's klezmer bands and a splash of gypsy styles, Bregovic's wild and party-inviting music is right up your alley. Alkohol is a live recording and a lively one. This inspired, careening performance sounds like one freewheeling alcohol-fueled party and is a lot of fun. Alkohol is a great introduction to Bregovic and His Wedding and Funeral Band. Should you find it to your liking, Wrasse also has issued Welcome to Goran Bregovic, a compilation of previously released songs and film music. Guests on that recording include Iggy Pop, Scott Walker and Cesaria Evora.
Beyond the Pale, Postcards, Borealis, A
The music of this Toronto combo is a lot of fun. Musically, the group seems to be all over the map, or at least largeswaths of it. In their stew pot of instrumental music, one hears old-time country, klezmer, folk, hints of Middle Eastern, gypsy and more.
But the diversity of styles jells nicely in this creative and remarkably consistent work. The enticing "Magura" finds common ground in western swing, Hot Club de Paris and gypsy sounds. "Solution" sounds tailor-made for film noir, while "Katarina" embraces an Appalachian-gypsy feel. Fans of progressive bluegrass/folk and eclectic acts such as Hot Club of Cowtown and New GrassRevival will dig it.
Amadou and Mariam, The Magic Couple, Wrasse, B+
Mali's innovative husband-and-wife duo Amadou and Mariam are the magic couple. Their fusion of Malian music and European pop made them stars at home and, particularly, in France. Singing in French and various Malian languages, this compilation is from three albums recorded between 1997 and 2001. The couple embrace a diversity of music and instruments, such as the Middle Easternstyle violin on "Je Pense a Toi" and the Latin trumpet sound of "C'est La Vie." The song "Chantez-Chantez" sounds cut from the cloth of Chicago blues. Along with Amadou's tasty electric guitar work, there's the occasional harmonic, hurdygurdy and Hammond organ. And Mariam's wonderful voice.
Mariachi Real de San Diego, Mariachi Classics, Mardi Gras, B
The Mariachi Real performs with an ardent, irresistible flair. The group digs into mariachi's past to perform "San Diego," a norteno tune; the Mariachi Vargas classic "Jugueteando" and the very familiar "La Cucaracha," which is not about a bug, but a woman. This is old-school mariachi, complete with sweeping and lush strings, lively brass and florid vocals that are heartfelt and emotional.
E-mail:
Style, Pages 49 on 08/23/2009