Folk music can be produced in different ways. Here are a couple fresh ideas.
You get lots of vocals from Caleb Keolanui, JP Kennedy/g, Brad Watanabe/b-g-uk, Zion Thompson/g, Ikaika Antone/key propelled by Jordan Espinoza on a Hawaiian take of reggae riffs. Watanabe’s ukulele is a rhythmic treat here, joyfully strummed on “ Wake Up” and the lilting “Going Up” while bringing and island breeze to “Love I.” Wonderful harmonies blend for “Good Vibration” while you get some sounds from the mainland for “Alive” and the folksy “Chocolates and Roses.” Surf’s up on this one.
Cuban vocalist Eme Alfonso mixes acoustic Afro Cuban grooves with indie pop and electronica on this eclectic mix of sounds. Her voice can be bold and defiant as on the tribal “Ayabba” or delicate and fragile for the lilting waltz of “Algo Mas.” There’s a lot of indie rock mixed in as well on “Voy “ and “Veo” with a synthesized pulse driving along “Libre” and her voice puree’d through a VOX for the R&Bish “Oroko.” Musical trips to the village and city center.