Africa music reviews

This collection is nice look at Kanda's earlier years in Paris. The CD contains his first two albums: Iyole & Djessy.
I would say that this should not be your first Kanda album to buy. (That should be Kwasa Kwasa or Amour Fou) but if you have those, and like them--which you ought to--than this album would be the next in a natural progression of Kanda Bongo Man. The recording quality is superb and the licks are mighty featuring Diblo Dibala on guitar.
Get it; 5 stars.

This is simply HAPPY music! If you like West African rhythms, you will love this CD. What's also great about this CD is that the bulk of the songs are ALL great, unlike so many other CDs, where there's maybe 1 or 2 great songs, and the rest are just so-so. Note that this CD is sung entirely in French. For reference, a similar type musical style might be Madilu System or Sylvester Williams.

i am a great fan of most of fela's work with africa/nigeria 70, prefering their tongue-in-cheek approach and james brown inspired hooks to fela's more radical and often more political (read:boring) work with Egypt 80. that said, this bootleg release, recorded i believe sometime in the early 80's in France(? - check that, i'm not positive about this. i don't have my copy on me currently) is by far his best, topping even "water no got enemy," "gentleman," and the crowd pleasing "lady." this version of odoo, far different from the edited and tame sounding version found on the "best best," is a bit of a medley, incorporating elements from "zombie," "confusion," and "unknown soldier" if memory serves me well. the transitions are far smoother than anything i've heard him try anywhere else. overall, this is a classic release. "confusion break bone" is also featured in an amazing light here, dwarfing that found on the "best best." the song loops and twists, sometimes spinning onto the sinister. don't be fooled by the fact that only two tracks are included on this album. the cd is about 55 mins. long, giving an insightful and flavorful joyride through the hemp-induced opium dream lived by fela at the peak of his career. i only wish that my brother hadn't scratched my copy of it. a definite must for both long time fans and fela-neophytes.

This is perfect music for a rainy Sunday. Exceedingly restful, reflective, meditative, and suffused with El McMeen's most warm and sensitive touch and silvery tone. You needn't be Christian or spiritually minded to be touched by the intimate beauty of these, simple, heartfelt, unadorned pieces. They elevate the listener.

Born in Ghana, Isaac Asante Okyerema is a Royal Drummer ("Okyerema") of the highest order. Mastering numerous traditions (Ashanti, Ga, Ewe, etc.), Asante was also one of the innovators of Highlife (a synthesis of traditional Ghanaian rhythms with popular musics), working with the ground breaking group "Hedzoleh Soundz". Asante came to the USA in the 1970's, touring with South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela & Hedzoleh Soundz("The Boys are Doing It", "Hugh Masekela Introduces Hedzoleh Soundz"), and later working with Paul Simon (Graceland Tour- concert video, "Rhythm of the Saints" album), Fleetwood Mac ("Tango in the Night"- concert video), World Saxophone Quartet (Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis), Hamiet Bluiett ("Nali Kola", "If You Have to Ask, You Don't"), and his own big band project (Crabs in a Bucket). Asante masterfully incorporates traditional African drums (frontomfrom, atumpan [the true "talking drums"], apentema, kpanlogo, sogo, kidi) along with congas, ankle bells, chimes, shakers, cymbals, and assorted percussion into his massive setup, often playing many simultaneously! He plays with curved sticks (similar to those used on dondo or atumpan drums) in a style of his own invention. Asante is recognizable on stage by his traditional bull-horned helmet! "Ohene Kesee A Ebin" is a wonderful album of mostly traditional balaphone music (4 tracks), blended with Bebop sax/piano (on 2 tracks), and African drumming (2 tracks). Personnel: Balaphone, African drums, percussion, vocals (Asante), Sax (Plunky) & Piano (Doug Carns). Masterfully recorded at Mapleshade Studio, Maryland on September 5 & 6, 1992, this album uses no overdubs, only natural acoustics, and has a refreshing, clean, organic sound! Includes detailed liner notes by Pierre Sprey. HIGHLY RECOMMEMNDED!

Yes, this album is the same as another listed here on amazon, but with the slighly altered band name. Track listing is:

1. Son de Llama
2. On Verra �a
3. Tante Marie
4. Africa
5. Fuego
6. Sibam
7. Wane Ma Maguiss
8. Thioisanne
9. Mi Son
10. Digon Gama

...and yes, this is another great album from the famous dance band from Senegal. Many of these songs will sound familiar to Boabab completists, but the production on this CD is actually rather good and better then some of the other releases.

Highlight of this album for me, at least currently, is the excellent Tante Marie, a mellow groove with a wicked and beautiful guitar solo from the amazing Barthelemy Attiso.

This is one of the two best CDs available from one of the greatest of all African bands. Those who want to hear Afro-Latin music at its most creative and inspired should get hold of this collection. This is music from a softer, dreamier era (the 1970s) than today's hard edged M'balax. The music contained here has an insidious way of inducing reverie and an almost palpable sense of pleasure. The CD is not always available. Take advantage of the opportunity and let yourself drift . . .

this is a typical ashanti high life dance tunes from the 70's to later 80's. excellent vocals and instrumentals.

I found this cd at the public library in Columbus, Ohio. It introduced me to the truely revolutionary power of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's music. I'd like to be able to hear it again, as I've been suffering and smiling ever since.

I found this cd at the public library in Columbus, Ohio. It introduced me to the truely revolutionary power of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's music. I'd like to be able to hear it again, as I've been suffering and smiling ever since.

I did not know Lucky Dube before I heard him at the Lugano Estival Jazz, in summer 05. I am totaly taken by this music! The whole band lays a mildly grooving carpet to his masters beautiful voice. I bought The Other Side along with Soul Taker because they are the newest albums and thus came closest to the live concert.

This guy is a perrenial reggae favorite of mine. Talk about consistency man. I think with Jamaican artists (contemporarily) they get too caught up with trying to adapt to the popular Yankee market (i.e. try to be too hip-hoppish, most times). African cats on the other hand are more true to their style, their soul, their game, hence; their music. This is why I like Dube alongside his beautiful melodies, harmonies, signature keyboard tone, style, awesome band and back-up voices. A champion of roots reggae!

- Lucky Dube returns to his roots with his signature roots rock reggae sound combined with organ, guitar and sweet background vocals (now including his daughter). If you liked "Trinity" or "Serious Reggae", you will love this one.

It moves your soul with his lyrical treatment of such issues as AIDS, political strife and the most interesting song I've heard called "The Other Side". This one deals with the tendency of African descendants from all over the world to long for a life in their ancestral homeland while many in Africa just dream for the chance to leave. How many reggae songs have you heard about reuniting with African homeland? He casts no value judgment on who is right and who is wrong, but since he has witnessed both sides, he passionately vocalizes the truth that we are all animals of the "grass is always greener" mentality.

A great find for both veteran reggae lovers and new converts ready to move on from the Bob Marley "Legend" training wheels into something equally moving but less overplayed.