Blues/World Fusion - This is NY-based Hazmat Modine's second album. Their sound is best described as New Orleans blues meets West African motifs meets Balkan Brass riffs. Bandleader Wade Schuman's singing and harmonica playing is tongue-in-cheek. It's all cleverly done and finely executed - a successful blend of widely different music influences. Another exciting release from up-and-coming Barbes Records label. The band is augmented by an West African brass band on some tracks and by renowned Kronos Quartet on the closing track. Ruben's picks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13

1*. Great upbeat bluesy tune. vocal intro >> harmonica + electric guitar >> New Orleans brass. Contagious energy.
2*. Blues ballad. Muted choir. Driving riff from the brass section. Elements of West African music
3*. Mid-tempo Ballad. Eminently danceable.
4. voice over (male & female); blues motif. then moves into something more instrumental.
5*. slow tempo 4/4 blues with klezmer tinged brass accompaniment.
6. trumpet solo. fireworks sounds blend in mid-point. more experimental.
7*. clean guitar + clownesque vocals
8. mid-tempo. long sustained vocals. brass band accompaniment
9*. elements of 60's pop mixed up with blues. Flute and harmonica. perfect for a musical interlude.
10*. Slavic/balkan flavor (not blues).
11*. sounds like a reggae anthem. melody is carried by Wade Shuman's heavily distorted harmonica.
12. starts with bits of balkan accordion + farm sounds; then morphs into high energy.
13*. Polished world sound. Acoustic guitar and layered vocals, augmented by soft brass, strings and a banjo.