Cameroon music reviews

This appealing song collection from the Lusafrica label showcases African music with a European emphasis from its roster of Cape Verdean artists. Teofilo Chantre sets the tone of sweet regret with the wistful, accordion-ornamented "Roda Tempo," whose Portuguese roots recall a sadder take on Brazilian samba. Island multi-instrumentalist Bau wields a signal-processed violin on "Ronco Di Mar" shaped by mournful, near-vocal timbres that pave the way for world-beat diva Cesaria Evora's "Primero de Malo." Boy Ge Mendes' "Pampario" maintains the midnight listening mood with his understated showstopper of a voice backed by sinuous Cameroonian electric guitar reminiscent of the playing on Paul Simon's The Rhythm of the Saints CD. Also on board are Cuban performers whose smooth styles complement the Cape Verdeans, including Orquesta Aragon with the trademark violin and flute charanga the band perfected in the 1940s, Septeto Habenero with a bright take on the Cuban son its been honing since the 1920s, and a bouncy tune from Leyanis Lopez. Zap Mama member Sally Nyola blends layered vocals with a Baka Pygmy lilt on "Solidarity," while Cote D'Ivoire's Meiway somehow finds room for reggae, rap, and strings in his French-language "Le Gbouniac." --Bob Tarte.