Charmian Callon Discography of CDs

Charmian Callon CD discography The title of Los Angeles flautist Charmian Callon's debut EP doesn't really do it justice. Her music isn't really funky, although it certainly is exotic, touching upon African and Middle Eastern textures to create moody instrumental pieces that are both rhythmically and melodically engaging. And, although the primary instrument is her flute, she also plays keyboards, melodica, and (in a distinctly non-Country manner) mandolin. On the closing track, the contemplative "Berlin," the flute doesn't enter until more than two minutes in. So, if this isn't really a record of funky flute music, what is it? It is a brief collection of intriguing instrumental compositions, expertly played, in which Radiohead's "Karma Police" fits right in. ~ William Ruhlmann Personnel: Charmian Callon (flute). Additional personnel: Tiffin Roley (guitar); Greg ...

Charmian Callon CD discography Omid raises the standard on producer-driven hip hop albums with Monolith, a project that rests in concept between his Celestial Recordings' smash Beneath the Surface and 2002's stellar Distant Drummer. Features emcees Buck 65, Busdriver, Abstract Rude, 2Mex, Spoon (of Iodine), Aceyalone and more. Mush. 2003. Personnel: Chris Schlarb (guitar); Charmian Callon (flute); K. Umbra Minor, Omid Walizadeh (percussion); DJ Drez, DJ Tetris (scratches). Audio Mixers: Higo; Omid Walizadeh.

Charmian Callon albums Artists with highly eclectic tastes can frighten radio programmers and marketing people, but when evaluated on a creative level rather than a sales/marketing level, those artists have much to offer. Fredalba's debut album, Uptown Music for Downtown Kids, is a perfect example of a CD that is fun to listen to but difficult to categorize. Combining alternative rock, funk, hip-hop, soul, and reggae, Fredalba vocalist Eric Balfour (who is also an actor) makes it clear that he identifies with music's genre-busters -- a list that includes, among others, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Faith No More, the Beastie Boys, and G. Love & Special Sauce. All of those risk-takers are influences on this 2004 release, which is consistently funky but is probably too rock-minded and guitar-friendly for most urban contemporary stations in the United States. Whatever happens at radio -- whatever formats are receptive or unreceptive -- Uptown Music for Downtown Kids is a generally promising debut. That isn't to say that the 47-minute disc is perfect; some tunes are stronger than others. But when Balfour and his colleagues hit their creative mark, ...