Here are a couple discs that bring modern sounds to “world music.”
The band The Movement consists of Joshua Swain/g-voc, Jason Schmidt/b, Gary Jackson/dr and Matt Goodwin/key-horn as they produce 21st reads of reggae. Most of the tunes have an easy and laconic pulse, with Swain’s hefty vocals working well on “Blinded” and “Rescue.” Some 60s pop bounces up on “Home” and some basic rock drives forward on “Wild Ride,” but most of the time you get slinking percussion and lithe horns with a supple pulse, with dashes of electronic percussion. Vintage with a new view.
Brazilian vocalist Silva takes mixes the tradition with electronic on this album as he plays guitar, piano, synths and drums along with guitarist/bassist Hugo Coutinho. If you’re looking for the logical step from Jobim or Gil, you won’t find it here, as Silva gives a more indie feel with electronic noodles on ‘Sufoco” and the title track. He has an intimate attractiveness on the Spartan “Marina” while synth styled hip-hop is present on “Se Ela Voltar.” The rhythm ranges from a “ What’s Goin’ On” groove of “Io” to a romantic and lilting “Feliz E Ponto.” Tasty and touching.
Akae Beka delivers an earthy mix of classic reggae along with some dashes of electronic. The grooves are attractive as on “Like Rhyme” and “Well Said”, and with a dash of inquisitive keyboards and synthesizers, pieces like “Heavy Low” and the title track include modern textures. The voices are red clay earthy, and the messages mix politics, spirituality and, with “Danny” guesting, about freedom. Not a bad way to background a party.