Africa music reviews

THIS IS THE KIND OF MUSIC I EXPECT TO LISTEN TO, WHEN I GO TO HEAVEN!!!!....WELL,.......IF I END UP GOING THERE!!!
I DON'T KNOW OF A TUNE MORE HARMONIOUS, ETHEREAL AND DIVINE THAN "KITA KAIRA"......OF ALL THE EARTHLY MUSIC THAT I'VE LISTENED TO, THIS IS THE CLOSEST THING TO HEAVENLY MUSIC!!!!
"YAMFA" IS ANOTHER OUTSTANDING MELODY FROM THIS GEM!!!
FROM THE "KAIRA" ALBUM..."ALLA LA KE", "KONKOBA" AND "KAIRA", COMPLEMENT THESE MASTERPIECES OF HARMONY!!!
I JUST HAVE TO THANK GOD FOR ALLOWING ME TO LISTEN TO THIS HEAVENLY MUSIC,.....RIGHT HERE..........ON EARTH!!!
TOUMANI AND BALLAKE THE TALENTED ANGELS ON KORAS!!!

Thank God for Amazon's music samples. It's impossible to describe to someone just what this plucked African string music sounds like. You have to hear it for yourself. It's absolute auditory refreshment.

this is one of my favorites. needless to say, it is beautifully ritualistic in the light of tranquility.

This music brings out the Mediterranean in me, it's good. If you like it check the other two albums there good too!

Although I don't think I can add too much to what has been said by others, I am compelled to tell you just how much this visceral recording grabs me. I feel like I am with the musicians.... I'm just not sure exactly where, on the map, that is! I know where Tarifa is, but the place this music takes me is pure fantasy. Wonderful carnal joy! If ever there was an advertisement for travelling to Spain, it is this recording. I like R. Argelina too, but this one you can taste, smell and touch. Pour a glass of full bodied red and enjoy!

I just love this cd. It is more beautiful than the Rumba Argelina cd that I own. I got it for a friend. It really makes you immagine Spain when ruled by the North Africans. It is just a great mix of new and old, and thank god they don't use the stupid sax that they did on R.A.

There's a lot of mischief in the world of CD production. When content doesn't match available time, sometimes suppliers make up the difference with "filler" of questionable merit. While some alternate takes are interesting, others didn't make the first release because frankly they weren't as good as the one that did. The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions is a shining exception to this trend.

I was first drawn to it because I simply had to have Song Of The Underground Railroad, one of my absolute favorite John Coltrane selections. Not only is the melody incredibly infectious, it races with urgency and power until the title resonates in your heartbeat. Greensleeves, candidly, is not my cup of tea; it never lifted off the ground like Favorite Things for me. But Africa, now this is a different story. I consider Africa to be one of Coltrane's major compositions, very ambitious, very grand, and brilliantly realized. The scope of the piece is on a scale with its subject, and just look at the players. When you've got Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Trane, McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones on your team, (among others); with Dolphy writing the charts, you have what is known as "an embarrassment of riches".

This is why it's so great that three different takes are included. To have three very different interpretations of Africa offers new ways of appreciating this extraordinary accomplishment, adding richness and texture to what was already incredibly layered and complex. As is so often the case with Impulse!, lovely packaging and an excellent booklet. This is the horn of plenty, Dolphy paints the background and Coltrane simply soars above the landscape. Worth getting and listening to over and over.

This is one of my favorites to add unto my list. 'cuz of the Big Band sound and everything he has on this CD. He does a real good job adding some vibe into it. This is not some kinda a easy-listening album it's more of jazz-big band sound-bluesy sound kinda album that get u in the mood when you're with John Coltrane. Yep John Coltrane is dead and gone now but his Spirit lives on between us. So enjoy the masterpiece of "The Complete Africa Brass Sections" by John Coltrane. A must-have.

Many Coltrane lovers claim A Love Supreme is his best. While I like that CD very much, this set tops it, IMHO. Very melodic, with none of the free-jazz wildness that characterized his post-ALS work.

"Greensleeves" is, while a bit of a cash-in on the success of his "Favorite Things" hit, an excellent piece of work. I prefer the alternate take offered on this 2CD set... it is slightly slower, more complex, and offers a beauty that the original doesn't.

"Song Of The Underground Railroad" may be my all-time top 'Trane tune. Such great improvisation, yet with a tune you'll find yourself humming all day.

"Africa" is dark and brooding, with simmering percussion and horns... a perfect musical representation of the continent. My only quibble is that 3 versions are included. Just a bit of overkill, but worth hearing all three nonetheless.

"The Damned Don't Cry" and "Blues Minor" round out this classic. The liner notes are copious and well-written.

I almost bought the single CD, but then took the plunge and got the Complete double set. I am so glad I did.

Bottom line: Get it, get it NOW... and get addicted to it. :)

i really loved it. her style is unique and that is what draws me to her music.

The best of Miss Kidjo! Buy this music.Peace of mind will follow!!

Angelique Kidjo's music is a blend of African (where she was born), European (where she lives) and America (where she draws much inspiration). Don't waste too much time trying to categorize it - just enjoy it as it is excellent. Her cover of "Little Wing" very interesting and her own compositions are good. The beat is so good that you don't mind if you don't understand the language of many songs.

This album not only has political views in it, carrying on his father's tradition, but the song Beng, Beng, Beng is really banging!!!!!!!!!! This is a great album that anyone who loves
african music. A must have!!!!!!

Young Femi Kuti played sax is his legendary father's legendary band. You can see him take a little solo in the "Fela in Concert" video, filmed in Paris in 1981. He, better than any other, is well grounded in the Afrobeat tradition. But beginning with Shoki Shoki, he brings this great music into today's musical scene, keeping the rhythms that make this music and adding a completely contemporary sound. This CD is very hot, full of great dance numbers and politically aware lyrics that come across as much more heartfelt and bitter than his dad's. Fela suffered more than Femi, was burnt out of his house and imprisoned by the government, but he always maintained a sarcastic sense of humor. Femi is more urgent, and so is more thought provoking. This fire drives the music, infuses it with feeling and meaning and makes your heart beat stronger.

This album is outstanding, and yet . . . Every time I hear it I want to hear him live. And I did, two days after I heard this CD for the first time. The concert blew me through the wall. He must be heard live to be believed. If you can't make one of his few shows in this country, settle for this album. Otherwise, hie thee to a show and be prepared to get knocked out by his phenomenal beauty, power, and just damn grooviness. Outrageous.

This album not only has political views in it, carrying on his father's tradition, but the song Beng, Beng, Beng is really banging!!!!!!!!!! This is a great album that anyone who loves
african music. A must have!!!!!!

Young Femi Kuti played sax is his legendary father's legendary band. You can see him take a little solo in the "Fela in Concert" video, filmed in Paris in 1981. He, better than any other, is well grounded in the Afrobeat tradition. But beginning with Shoki Shoki, he brings this great music into today's musical scene, keeping the rhythms that make this music and adding a completely contemporary sound. This CD is very hot, full of great dance numbers and politically aware lyrics that come across as much more heartfelt and bitter than his dad's. Fela suffered more than Femi, was burnt out of his house and imprisoned by the government, but he always maintained a sarcastic sense of humor. Femi is more urgent, and so is more thought provoking. This fire drives the music, infuses it with feeling and meaning and makes your heart beat stronger.

This album is outstanding, and yet . . . Every time I hear it I want to hear him live. And I did, two days after I heard this CD for the first time. The concert blew me through the wall. He must be heard live to be believed. If you can't make one of his few shows in this country, settle for this album. Otherwise, hie thee to a show and be prepared to get knocked out by his phenomenal beauty, power, and just damn grooviness. Outrageous.

I heard Tony Bird in person about 25 years ago and bought his record "Tony Bird of Paradise" right after the show. I lllloved it and played it over and over again; it transported me into a state of ecstasy. I could imagine the birds, animals, vegetation, and natives of Africa around me and I could vicariously enjoy their enthusiasm for life while listening. His songs 'Bird of Paradise' and 'She loves someone' were my favorites. I gave this album only 4 stars because those two songs aren't on it. Still I like 'Mango time' and 'Zambezi Zimbabwe'. This guy has a funny nasal voice, but his singing seems to capture some of the native color of southern Africa.

Tony Bird is Malawi-born, Zimbabwe-raised now living outside of Africa. He is a singer songwriter whose musical talent offers a wonderful fusion of his African heritage combined with folk-rock and even country licks. Tony Bird is a very talented and gifted singer with a sooty and indelible voice. He delivers his songs with an unique and interesting yet always catchy nasal
twang. Tony Bird has a knack for creating and delivering picturesque images of his native lands found in songs such as "Rift Valley" and "Athione Incident".

Tony Bird covers a vast and incredibly varied terrain on this CD. His song ripple with a sweet breeze across the dessert and yet there is the surging of the mighty Zambezi River too.

Sorry Africa is a CD of hope and wonder. Tony Bird is a scatterling of Africa and his songs sing out for his land. Each song on Sorry Africa seems to represent a different facet of the land he loves. His optimism is evident in every song. Bird sings songs of unity and coming together. His music is a
wonderful upbeat synthesis of spirituality, politics and nature of the land he loves and misses. This is a fine CD. Listen to the stars. The stars are the greatest hunter as they whisper from afar " Go out and buy it" Tssik Tssik Tsa!!! Your ears will thank you!

A Budd
Hat Creek, AB
July 31, 2005

Tony Bird is Malawi-born, Zimbabwe-raised now living outside of Africa. He is a singer songwriter whose musical talent offers a wonderful fusion of his African heritage combined with folk-rock and even country licks. Tony Bird is a very talented and gifted singer with a sooty and indelible voice. He delivers his songs with an unique and interesting yet always catchy nasal
twang. Tony Bird has a knack for creating and delivering picturesque images of his native lands found in songs such as �Rift Valley� and �Athione Incident�.

Tony Bird covers a vast and incredibly varied terrain on this CD. His song ripple with a sweet breeze across the dessert and yet there is the surging of the mighty Zambezi River too.

Sorry Africa is a CD of hope and wonder. Tony Bird is a scatterling of Africa and his songs sing out for his land. Each song on Sorry Africa seems to represent a different facet of the land he loves. His optimism is evident in every song.

Bird sings songs of unity and coming together. His music is a
wonderful upbeat synthesis of spirituality, politics and nature of the land he loves and misses. This is a fine CD.

Listen to the stars. The stars are the greatest hunter as they whisper from afar � Go out and buy it� Your ears will thank you! Tssik Tssik Tsa!!!

A Budd
Hat Creek, AB
July 31, 2005

This music feels just like where it's from, as it should -- not watered-down western pop but upbeat pop music from what really are other cultures with different traditions from my own in the United States. Very fun music. The only thing is the bands are all so uninventive. They all sound the same. But that doesn't stop this from being a cd with music that stays in your head.

This is a great Arabic CD and it contains beatiful songs However, It is not rai. None of the singers are from North Africa(Algeria, Morroccow, Tunis). If you want to listen to rai music listen to Cheb Mami, KHaled, Or Hasni and you will see the difference(huge by the way). One last thing, the previous reviewer mentioned that Rai originated in France, Wrong, it was originated in Algeria,Oran but when civil war broke out in algeria in the early Ninties, many rai artists were killed by the islamic fundamentalists (including the great cheb Hasni). Thats why many rai singers relocated to France.

If your looking for a great compulation of Egyptian pop music, this is the CD for you. This CD features sme good songs by some of the big names of Arabic pop music. My personal favorite on this album is Hamid el-Shaeri's "Tohgorny", but I also enjoyed Dania's "Yalla Ya Habibi", Walid Tawfic's "Acha'ak Azab" and the lyrics to Amr Diab's "Nour el-Ein". However, all of the songs on this CD are excellent. Most of them are somewhat more ephemeral, but at the same time hypnotic and dancey. The only way I can describe it is if you've heard Cairo pop music before. And if you haven't, then buy this CD now so you'll know what I'm talking about :-). And, even if you don't speak Arabic (or don't speak Arabic fluently), theres a little booklet with translations of the songs included.
Oh, and one word of warning, following up on what one reviewer already said. Don't buy this CD expecting Rai. Rai is exlusively a North African/French phenomena (mainly Algerian and Moroccan). This CD deals with Middle Eastern Pop Music (which, incidently, is primarily Egyptian/Cairene). Comparing the two is like comparing American Rock music to Rap. They are two completly different generes.

From the opening, buzzing Middle Eastern cut 'Osu', it's obvious CRUZANDO EL RIO provides a North African/Mediterranean flavor unique in style - and not to be missed.
�There's lots of powerful vocals to back up the Middle East influences in Radio Tarifa's CRUZANDO EL RIO: perhaps more notable is the lively dance beats than the lamenting ballads which weave in and out.

If you're into flamenco music in any way, this will be a nice addition to your collection. A bit of flamenco mixed with arabic sounds. Original! Good indeed. actually, very good.

This Spanish trio is one of the most creative and eclectic world music bands of recent vintage, although, admittedly, they do have a bit of a prefab, made-for-NPR-and-Borders sheen to them. On this disc they shy away a bit from the slightly ambient leanings of earlier albums, and delve deeper into the Arabic shrillness of Spain's Moorish heritage. There's also still plenty of crosscultural intersplicing, with hints of Celtic, Asian and African music throughout, as well as an ever-present, ever-clever bit of Appalachian banjo picking and country guitar which pops up from time to time. It's a deftly crafted, seamlessly produced album, which balances gritty traditionalism and modern sleekness with admirable grace. A very accessible version of Arabic music, and an album that can grow on you, quite quickly... check it out!

I knew nothing about the history of this album's lineup, and actually picked it up on a snap decision (rare for me these days) because I thought it looked interesting.

It's not Cu-bop, it's not wholely Senegalese, and it's not Jazz, although it has elements of all three. I don't remember the names of the band members, but the guitarist alone makes the album worth buying. If I had to come up with an analogy, "Pirates Choice" is the "Souvlaki" of world music.

Jimmy Buffett would kill to make an album this good. Absolutely essential.

let me say without a doubt volta is absolutely the s***, from their first disc to frances, it just goes from great to greater. i firmly believe they will lead all music that is tasteful in a new direction...a la every band that has done so in history. even their live show rocked harder than any other concert i have been to, and they were the only band on the bill! but i have to digress, now, hearing the first sign of unoriginality(?) out of their collective musical output. simply, track 3 is lifted right off another album by baobob orchestra- pirates choice. the very first song, "utrus horas" is exactly what mars volta plays in their afro-samba breakdown. NOT the rock-out part. but it is half of volta's song, and that says a lot. no homage is made to baobob, or any credits, or anything.....just a rip off of their jam. listen for yourself. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005UPF7/qid=1118244841/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/103-0483868-3287833?v=glance&s=music

and that song goes on for 8 mins with various instrumental solos, just as volta does in their "rendition." let me know what you guys think about this.

If I could give this album a higher rating I would. I heard a piece on NPR one day driving home and I thought I like this band, wonder if the album is any good. So I purchased it and it is one of my favorite mellow albums to listen to. If you like world music this is a must have CD.