It’s the time of year for saving money!
Title: Peter Ostroushko – The Mandolin Chronicles
Genre: Roots, Acoustic
Description: Although not exactly a household name,
Peter Ostroushko’s mandolin has been a part of A Prairie Home Companion since its inception. Hailed by Norman Blake (who’s also no slouch
on mandolin) as “one of the greatest mandolin players going today” this
three-CD box set includes classical, Brazilian, Ukrainian, Scandinavian,
Italian, and French music along with American roots compositions. Recording
quality is excellent, capturing the subtle differences between Ostroushko’s
bowl-back, oval hole and f-hole mandolins.
Rating (0- 10): Overall – 9, Sonically – 9
Title: Old Man Luedecke – Tender Is the Night
Genre: Roots, Americana, Folk
Description: Multiple Juno award-winner Old Man Luedeke
may be better known in his native land of Canada than the US, but his latest,
produced by Tim O’Brien, may help change that. Featuring a back-up band that
includes Kenny Malone on percussion and Mike Bub on bass, this is easily
Luedeke’s most accessible and cohesive release yet. O’Brien’s sympathetic
production highlights Leudeke’s delicate balance between pop and old-timey, his
smooth vocals and rustic instrumental textures.
Rating (0- 10): Overall – 8, Sonically – 8
Title: Le Vent Du Nord – Tromper Le Temps
Genre: Roots, Gallic,
Description: If I had to describe Le Vent Du Nord in one
word, it would be rollicking. This four-piece band has been together for over
ten years and during that time they’ve developed a unique style that couples “A
special energy” with an intentional “crookedness” that gives their music its
special edge. Their lyrics are in French, but don’t let that put you off, just
because their message is decidedly Francophile, because their music is
universally infectious.
Rating (0- 10): Overall – 9, Sonically – 8
Title: Louis Durra – Rocket Science
Genre: Jazz
Description: Pianist Louis Durra leads his trio through
twelve tunes, including songs from Stevie Wonder, Lennon/McCartney, and Bob
Marley. Jerry Kalaf plays drums and Larry Steen and Ryan McGillicuddy share
bass duties. The overall tone of the album is warm and intimate with somewhat
retro jazz feel that reminds me of middle period Oscar Peterson, full of
pianistic flourishes and rich harmonic textures. The piano sound here is both
vibrant and sonorous.
Rating (0- 10): Overall – 8, Sonically – 9
Genre: Latin
Description: If you’ve never experienced Portuguese Fado
music, this CD will serve as an excellent entre to this indigenous treat.
Guitarists Miquel Silva and Paulo Goncalves are joined by vocalist Pedro Matos,
acoustic bass Nuno Campos, and percussionist Manuel Santiesteban combine to
create a cohesive and rhythmically potent ensemble who’ve accompanied Paquito
Rivera, Maria Joao, and Hamilton Holland. On their third album this group
proves that they rally don’t need a “front man” to make exciting and vibrant
music.
Rating (0- 10): Overall – 8, Sonically – 8
This is not fado. It is jazz with lyrics from the fado.