Guinée Compil (1999)

«A rare compilation of Guinea’s modern musicians which confirms the country’s major musical status. Stars like Mory Kanté and Kanté Manfila rub shoulders with the excellent and little known Dourah Barry and others. Foudé Kouyaté’s contribution, “Sokho”, is a particular muscular dance track, synths and drum machines to the fore, but not omitting that quintessential Mande chorus.» (From S. Broughton, M. Ellingham, R. Trillo, World Music: Africa, Europe and the Middle East – Click here for an overview of the book.)

Link in comments

See you in September... Ciao!

Paris Combo - Attraction (2001)

«There's a lot to like on Paris Combo's Attraction, the postmodern Parisian cabaret quintet's third album. As with previous efforts, the band updates the French chanson and gypsy swing tradition by adding a stylish hipster element that could be construed as French lounge music, but most of the arrangements for the album's 13 original tunes display a developing maturity that avoids gimmickry in favor of solid musicianship. Guitarist Potzi and trumpeter-pianist David Lewis in particular shine as tasteful soloists. Chanteuse Belle du Berry is convincing as well, sensually wrapping her voice around the French lyrics to project meaning even if you don't speak a lick of the language. Attraction also benefits from modern production touches and guest musicians, both of which add a lush new layer to the music that only enhances the band's depth and class. Leaving the winking self-awareness behind, Paris Combo has grown into a topnotch but still fun cabaret act.» (Tad Hendrickson, Amazon)

Link in comments

Quarteto Novo - Quarteto Novo (1967)

«The Quarteto Novo was a seminal group with a strong Northeastern accent. They brought the tradition of that region of Brazil and mixed it with the bebop jazz language, the result so influential that it broke cultural and physical barriers throughout the planet. […] Certainly modern, distinguished proponents of that genre, like Egberto Gismonti, have the Quarteto Novo to thank for that.

In 1966, the Rhodia company wanted live music for a fashion event, hiring the violonista/guitarist/banjo player/viola player Heraldo do Monte, drummer/percussionist Airto Moreira, and bassist/violonista Théo de Barros and forming the Trio Novo. […] After pianist/brass/flute player Hermeto Pascoal joined the trio, it became the Quarteto Novo, which recorded its only LP with songs by Vandré and the group's participants, for Odeon in 1967. The album Quarteto Novo won the Troféu Roquette Pinto and the Troféu Imprensa. The Quarteto Novo […] toured Brazil as Vandré's exclusive group, being the backing group for Vandré on his 1968 album Canto Geral. […] The group disbanded in 1969 and the LP was reissued by EMI/Odeon as a CD in 1993.» (AMG)

Link in comments