Madagascar music reviews

There are so many compilations out there, and this is one of the best. Regardless of how "important" or "representative" the songs chosen here are, they all sound great! A wonderful addition to any world or African music collection, and great for a beginner in African/world music!

This album is the sixth in a series of introductions to the world's great musical traditions. Each volume is built around a geographical theme and produced by an acknowledged expert in that area.

The African journey commences in Algeria and then heads South, stopping off in Cape Verde, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gabon, Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, before terminating in South Africa. The 14 tracks are representative but slightly atypical of their regions; most share a semi-acoustic yet modern and edgy esthetic. While a single CD cannot possibly showcase the music of an entire continent, these examples are a good way to get acquainted - or reacquainted - with Africa's stunning musical diversity. The set culminates in a moving rendition of the South African national hymn "Nkosi Sikilele I'Afrika," as performed by the Imilonji Kantu Choral Society, who sang it at former President Nelson Mandela's inauguration.

Africa is such a large continent, but people (including myself) have a habit of refering to "African Music" as if it were monolithic. This is manifestly not true. If you have even a remote interest in African Music buy this CD. This is a excellent representative collection (but not nearly complete) at a great price. At this price buy two copies and give one to a friend

It grows on you...I especially like the last track.

D'Gary is a guitar prodigy from Madagascar who was brought to the world's notice in the Kaiser-Lindley "World Out of Time" CD series. Here his band Jih� adds some fine vocalists and dance beats to D'Gary's lightning-quick acoustic runs. D'Gary's voice has a hoarse quality to it, but the group vocals (especially from Irma Ratazanina) are excellent. "Mihasy Lonaky", "Miady Mafy", "Milamina", and "Zay Gny Raha" are all highlights. D'Gary plays solo on "Mpiarak' Andro" and the instrumental "Lagnana". This is one of the best CDs of Madagascar music ever released in the US. Jih�'s big sound packs a wallop, making this a far more accessible album for a wide audience than D'Gary's solo albums. I recommend this album without reservation. If you have any interest or curiosity in Madagascar music, grab this album immediately. The only disappointment is that there haven't been any more Jih� albums since this 1995 effort.

D'Gary is a guitar prodigy from Madagascar who was brought to the world's notice in the Kaiser-Lindley "World Out of Time" CD series. Here his band Jih� adds some fine vocalists and dance beats to D'Gary's lightning-quick acoustic runs. D'Gary's voice has a hoarse quality to it, but the group vocals (especially from Irma Ratazanina) are excellent. "Mihasy Lonaky", "Miady Mafy", "Milamina", and "Zay Gny Raha" are all highlights. D'Gary plays solo on "Mpiarak' Andro" and the instrumental "Lagnana". This is one of the best CDs of Madagascar music ever released in the US. Jih�'s big sound packs a wallop, making this a far more accessible album for a wide audience than D'Gary's solo albums. I recommend this album without reservation. If you have any interest or curiosity in Madagascar music, grab this album immediately. The only disappointment is that there haven't been any more Jih� albums since this 1995 effort.

I have been into Malagasy music for several years, and this is one of the absolute BEST CDs I have ever heard! Every minute is a joy!

i live in lexington, ky. and i first heard pontius copilot at a free in-store gig they did at a record store across the street from me. it was great to finally hear a local band with talent. me and the friend i went with both bought a copy of their cd right after the show. i went back to my room and listened to the album. it was better than i had expected. every song is great and unique, with toy pianos, video game souds, cool harmonies, ocean waves, etc. as i listen to the album, two bands come to mind: weezer and radiohead. they've got catchy hard-rockin' melodies with cool guitar hooks, but they might just slow it down for the bridge with some spacey guitar picking and voices floating over one another. all of the songs are amazingly good, but if i had to pick some highlights for myself, they'd be: dead language, maradonna's knees, get foxed, girls, st. constance finds a friend, and landlubber. those are half the songs, but i can't narrow it down anymore. it was hard enough leaving off on the pavement. also, forget to breathe was my favorite song live. i'm gonna see 'em again at helio's on feb. 18th. you should check out their website and go see them if they come near you. and get this cd; you won't regret it.

Artists
Justin Vali (Rakotondrosoa)
Valiha (Harp on bamboo or wood - Percussion and vocals)
Marovany (double-sided zither)
Kabossy (square banjo & vocals)
Eric Manan (classical Guitar - Kabossy & Vocals)
Solo Razafindrakoto ("Total Acoustic Guitar" - Percussions & Bass)
Nawal Mlanao (Classical Guitar & Vocals)
Christophe Gaillot (Total Brush Drums & Percussions)
Jean Marc Lobjoie (Bass)

Track listing of this CD:
1. Bilo
2. Zoma Dance
3. Vali Connexion
4. O Zokye
5. Dounia

6. Tiralila
7. Lalana
8. Walking G
9. Dida
10. Rila
11. Rakotozafy Medley
12. Voahangy
13. Zebu
14. Sana
15. Malala
16. Tsiki Tsiky

Auvidis Silex # Y225016

Hanitra was voted best New Artist at the 2000 Jazz and World Music Festival in Vannes, France. And that's a clue that we have a new and talented world artist here who will probably cross over from World Music into at the very least, Euro Pop and maybe even in the US music scene as well.

Based on the ancient rhythms from Madagascar, the sound is fresh and inviting. There is plenty of variation, too, not just drums and typically harmonic African singing, but also ballads. Listen to the samples here: Refila is in the traditional rhythm and harmonic singing while Omeko Anao reminds me of Enya. While it really sounds NOTHING like Enya, I think anyone who likes Enya would love this album. Listen and see if you don't agree this is an album not to be missed.

Art Of Trance originally released the song Madagascar as Madagasga in late 1998. The name change occurred a year later. Then in 2002 came the arrival of these new remixes. So what's the verdict? Seeing as how the remixes are all different from each other, trance fans should at least check 'em out to explore what's been done to a classic. But if nothing else, you should hear this single for the Transa Remix (6:22) alone. It does awesome things to the original. The strings pack more emotion and it's more epic-sounding.

Ok I've been in love with this track since i first heard it like 3 - 4 years ago. But to hear all these different and wonderful mixes is GREAT. The " domi-nation " mix is the best at least in my opinion. But I think all the mixes are great. Buy this before it goes out of print !!!!!