2011-01-01
Parisian gypsy band Balval )the name means "wind") is held together by lead vocalist Awena Burgess's emotive singing and excellent musicianship, especially from violinist Rosalie Hartog and extending to the rest of the band, including steel drums on a few numbers. The upbeat songs are the opener "Rodipen," "Kames? and "Na Kamav," although if you are patient, you'll be rewarded on initial slower mumbers like "Nina" (listen for the extended steel drum solo) and "La Pluie." The closer, "Cantique," is an intricate song that takes lyrical excerpts out of The Song of Solomon from the Old Testament. "Molin Molette" is a great instrumental (in which the steel drums make another appearance). Emotive -- and exquisite. 1/11 MJVD W-GypsyZIGGY MARLEY
Love is My Religion
Charanga Cakewalk
Loteria de la Cumbia Lounge
NII OTOO ANNAN AND STEVEN FELD
Bufo Variations
The Dears
Times Infinity Volume One
ALOE BLACC
Shine Through
Corbu
Crayon Soul
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.