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KG Omulo: Ayah Ye!: Moving Train
A synergy of funk, rock, reggae and traditional African sounds from this inventive, young singer/songwriter. -
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Mamadou Diabaté: Courage
Mamadou Diabate, the kora master, takes a fresh look at Mali instrumental music with his new CD Courage. -
Various Artists: The Kankobela of the Batonga, Vol. 2
Mysterious melodies from a disappearing thumb piano tradition of Southern Africa. -
Kiran Ahluwalia: Aam Zameen: Common Ground
Indo-Canadian Songwriter Combines Folk Poetry with African Rock, Jazz and more -
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Sona Jobarteh: FASIYA
West African female kora virtuoso releases an album full of grace, warmth, and passion. -
Sia Tolno: My Life
Kissi singer releases a strong second album full of pop-infused star power over songs of strife and triumph. -
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Guelewar: Halleli N Dakarou
Re-released and remastered live CD from this 80's experimental Senegambian outfit. -
Tinariwen: Tassili
Touareg desert legends return with an offering that is meandering, sorrowful and proud. -
Los Rakas: Chancletas y Camisetas Bordada
Oakland/Panamanian rappers -call it "Panabay"-- return with good results. -
Cheikh Lo: Jamm
The unique Senegalese singer and multi-instrumentalist crafts an eclectically excellent record. -
David Rudder: Random Notes
Calypsonian David Rudder returns with an album that covers various styles with excellent results.
Madagascar's jaunty, driving salegy pop has never sounded better. Recorded in 2000, and at last being released in the U.S. in 2004, Jaojoby's fourth international release is plainly the band's best, both in terms of repertoire and production values. The boisterous opener "Somaiko Somaino" combines jangling, joyous electric guitar interplay, and a rootsy hand-clapping break that puts a distinct village flavor into a decidedly urban pop sound, all over as pumping a rhythm section as any Afropop band today can offer. From the start, the message is clear: this band is serious about celebration.
"Somaino" is a very appealing reworking of an old Malagasy folk song. "Alima" is a remake of a Jaojoby classic with an added South African flavor--an easy, soulful pace, and beautiful pennywhistle breaks. "Aza Arianaio" also has a soft, melancholy lope, with Eusèbe Jaojoby singing in his highest register over a gentle wash of electric and acoustic guitars. Also on the softer side, "Mangala Vajavy" offers an easy malesa salegy groove, the calmer side of 12/8 time. But most of these tracks are more like the lashing "Tokony Ataontsika," a ecstatic rhythm festival.
The guitar work, arranging, vocal harmony and overall sound on this album is all superb. But it's really the warm personal quality of this band's music--the tone being set by lead singer and composer Eusèbe Jaojoby himself--that seals the deal. Aza Arianao appears just in time for the band's first U.S. tour (see dates below). Snap it up quickly. You'll enjoy the show that much more. Also, you'll need to make room on the shelf for a brand new Jaojoby release, just completed, and due out later this summer.
