Raphael Fays: Extremadura
Le Chant du Monde 274 1776
Format: CD

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From the almost violent opening guitar chords, clapping, and castanets, soon laced with blazingly virtuosic guitar licks, there can be no doubt that we’re in the realm of flamenco. But dig deeper into the disc’s folk music and jazz, and you’ll find that this is no traditional flamenco set. The mixture of music comes from Raphael Fays, who has studied three different styles -- that of jazzman Django Reinhardt, sometimes referred to as "manouche jazz;" the classical style of Andres Segovia and Narciso Yepes; and gypsy flamenco -- all with equal success. Fays has a very forceful sound, no doubt because he uses a plectrum, which gives the music vivacity and presence that must be heard to be believed. He has surrounded himself with superb musicians who give unanimous support, but the spotlight remains on Fays, who certainly deserves it. He wrote all of the music on the CD, though you’ll occasionally hear references or tributes to others, most notably in the final cut, which conjures Paul McCartney’s "Fool on the Hill." The recorded sound is close and intimate without ever turning raw, rough, or abrasive. I came away from the disc feeling invigorated and alive, and my only regret was that it was so brief. . . . Rad Bennett

Fernando Otero: Vital
World Village Music 468094
Format: CD

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Fernando Otero, the young Argentine piano player and composer, may not yet be a household name, but it’s not for his lack of accomplishment or productivity. Vital, his 13th album, was released last month by World Village Music, and it’s being hailed by many as the evolution of the hybridization of tango, jazz, and classical music, a continuation on the development of the nuevo tango genre associated most often with fellow Argentine, the late Astor Piazzolla. Uniting these three distinct styles allows Otero the improvisational freedom of jazz, the formal structure of classical music, and the flair and dramatic exclamation of tango. The opening track, "Nocturno" makes a grand entrance, with violin and piano patterns weaving playfully together with spritely flourish, while the short but sassy "Globalizacion" abounds in confident attack and innovative ivory-tickling enhancements. Other compositions convey a subtle moodiness and romanticism, like the interlude "La Abundancia," or the classically structured "La Casa Vacia," so that you’re never certain whether it’s the freedom from or reliance upon structure that most influences the pianist. The sound throughout the disc is focused and delicately tuned to capture the nuances of every note, and the disc’s special attention to sonic detail rewards the attentive listener. Having relocated to Brooklyn, NY, Otero has become somewhat of a player’s player. He’s better known in professional circles, and he’s been asked to perform or compose with such disparate musicians as Quincy Jones and the Kronos Quartet. Vital is an ambitious and accomplished offering from a young composer who just may be on to something big. . . . Shannon Holliday

Scott Lindsey: Set ’Em Up, Shoot ’Em Down
Grey Trailer Music
Format: CD

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I’m the first to admit I’m no expert on country music. Most Top 40 country sounds like recycled ‘70s southern California rock to me, and I wasn’t all that nuts about the stuff the first time around. I put Set ’Em Up, Shoot ’Em Down in my player expecting to hear the usual new country, and, sure enough, "I’ve Been Thinkin’" has the current Nashville sheen all over it. But by the third track, you’re bathed in weepy steel guitars, sawing fiddles, and a pretty convincing batch of country singing. "Backwoods" and "Man for the Job" are also commercial country fare, but "In My Dreams" and "Teardrops" should make any fan of Hank, Merle, or even Joe Ely happy. Some of the country-rock stuff, especially "Tatoos," has an edge to it, more Lynyrd Skynyrd than the Eagles, and it’s delivered with enough heft to be convincing. The players are all very good, with special kudos going to Wayne Bridge on pedal steel. A nicely recorded independent release, Set ’Em Up, Shoot ’Em Down is a good introduction to a singer who I hope will lean in a traditional direction. . . . Joseph Taylor

The Villains: The Villains
DCM Records 2395
Format: CD

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The naughty cover of this self-titled debut album features a red-headed woman in a provocatively brief jester’s outfit, and it might lead you to expect something experimental or raunchy from this Atlanta-based band, but it’s a comfortable, friendly disc that could pass as an Eagles tribute. Artists have been melding country music, rock, and pop since the ‘70s, and The Villains build on that trend in a comfortably eclectic way. Their country side surfaces in "Just Another Saturday Night," while on "Party’s Over" they emerge as a rock band with country influences. Most of the time they steer a middle course as in the catchy opening track, "Let’s Forget About It Tonight," with its appealing guitar licks. Throughout the disc they sound assured, professional, and relaxed. The sound, which is open, warm, and focused, with almost uncanny presence, is better than usual for this kind of disc. For that we can thank producer and band member Dan Call, Atlanta’s Griffin Mastering Studios, and mixers Russ Fowler and Chris Griffin. There’s a thoroughly professional, appealing video of "Let’s Forget About It Tonight" on YouTube, and you can also access it through the band’s website. You’ll find the album cover’s redhead pictured on the drum set. There must be a story there. . . . Rad Bennett

Various Artists: España
Putumayo PUT 294-2
Format: CD

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Nothing has helped me survive the cold and snowy winter more than Putumayo’s recent release, España. From the first note, I’m transported to sultry summer nights in Barcelona and humid, hazy Madrid days. ¡Está muy caliente, los amigos! All elements of Spanish music are beautifully represented, from the rumba "Remedios" by the Catalan band, Gertrudis, to the romantic guitar ballad "Como El Viento" by Jairo Zavala and his group DePedro. Throughout, a mix of contemporary and traditional musical styles blend to reveal a country whose music is at once instantly recognizable and alluringly exotic. Also at play is a modern melding of genres, with heavy external influences from reggae, gypsy, Jewish, African, and Arab cultures. The Putumayo label is flawless in successfully presenting "culture in a box," and it scours the world for exciting new musicians from unexpected regions and unknown pockets of soulful sound. España is no exception. From flamenco to rumba catalana and mestizo styles, this disc represents an accurately eclectic collection of the music of Spain today. The sound is proficient studio quality with little variation throughout; it’s clean but not exceptionally noteworthy. The influence of pop music must, of course, be noted. This is not Segovia’s Spain; contemporary elements of rock, blues, Latin rhythms, surf rock, and funk are ever-present, and they add to the overall global flavor -- all within the context of what is truly a modern, hip, and musically rich España. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this disc will be donated to Intermon Oxfam, the Spanish branch of Oxfam International, which supports the empowerment of fair trade artisans and farmers worldwide. . . . Shannon Holliday