The great thing about today’s music is that the present generation of artists have absolutely no qualms about mixing and matching musical styles. Every country and culture has something to offer, making albums like these fun to discover.
Finnish guitarist Janne Halonen brings together musicians from West Africa to join with his own Finnish musicians for an album that sounds like a m ix of ska and Earth, Wind and Fire. The earthy lead vocals by percussionist Noel Saizonou, soulful rhythm provided by Juha Rasanen/dr, Samp Riskila/b and Visa Oscar/key are punctuated by horns from Mikko Pettinen/tp, Joakim Berghall/sax and various guests. Sung in English, “The Road Is Long” is a a 70s feel of R&B whle the soft ballad “The Other Side” includes gentle acoustic guitar with the percussion. Soul-Funk pieces like “Owe” and “ Ile’ Baba Va” include African guitar and horn riffs while the rhythm charges like a stamped during Pettinen’s solo on the exciting “Djigbo.” A pair of interludes display some hip soul jazz and the team jams like a late night session on “Hope.” Lots of energy displayed.
Based in Austin, Texas, Money Chicha includes members of the Grammy winning Grupo Fantasma as well as the funk team Brownout. The team of Beto Martinez/g-b, Greg Gonzalez/b-key-acc, Adrian Quesada/g-key, Leo Gauna/key, John Speice/perc and Matthew Holmes/perc delivers succinct songs in a 60s garage band styled groove. The percussion sizzles on Quieren Efectos” and the rhythm goes double time on “Echo En Mexico” with the guitar and bass setting the rapid pace. Some Old World sounds are emitted on accordion during the “Interlude” while the guitars wah wah with the best on “Cosa Verde” and twang on ”Chicha Negra.” Tex Mex meets East LA.