Ivory & Ocean

Track Listings

1. Ivory & Ocean

2. Sand & Shell

3. Mystic Seaport

4. Dreamdance Beach

5. Pacific Serenade

6. Whispering Whitecaps

7. Lost at Sea

8. Remembering Pearl Harbor

9. Across the Atlanti (Tiartanic Tribute)

10. Seastorm

Ivory & Ocean,Various Artists,Page Music,Jazz Music,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Ivory & Ocean

Tracks:

Bahia
Iwoya (w/ Dave Matthews)
Olofoofo
Tumba
Black Ivory Soul
Refavela
Iemanja
Afirika
Okanbale
Ominira
Mondjuba
Ces Petits Riens

Amazon.com

Angélique Kidjo's previous albums have been decidedly patchy affairs, with tracks ranging from the sublime to the abysmal. With Black Ivory Soul, however, Kidjo strikes a lovely and generally consistent note. Exploring the connections between her native Benin and Brazil's Bahia region, she makes beautiful music flavored by two continents on songs such as "Tumba," with its crisp but subtle percussion driving a lilting melody, or "Afrika," where the cascading notes of the kora help bridge the Atlantic. Co-writing with talents like Carlinhos Brown and Vinícius Cantuária has helped; they've toned down the R&B influence than ran through Oremi and replaced it with something more individual. Kidjo sounds strongest when she's very rootsy, as on her cover of Gilberto Gil's "Refavela," which stands in stark contrast to the bland "Iwoya," a duet with Dave Matthews that sounds like nothing more than a calculated shot at radio airplay. Even the odd track out, a version of "Ces Petits Riens" by Serge Gainsbourg, works because of its spare delight. In following her muse and her history, Kidjo has produced her best work to date. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful new find.......2007-05-12

I heard her music over a crowd at a museum opening event and found the DJ to get the name of the musician. I just bought this CD as a first sample and I love it! I'm coming back for more Kidjo. If you love Latin and world music and want something for a great party atmosphere that is not over bearing, this is delightful!

Great Singer.......2006-10-11

This is a great and beautiful singer, her style is cool and uptempo, easy to listen to all day. I have all her CD's, I give this CD and "Logozo" a 4 score only because my favorite is "Oyaya!"

Have Passport, WILL travel.......2006-10-01

From Bahia to Refavela to Ces Petits Riens...the range of Angelique is astounding. The obvious next step is...to see her live in concert!

PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC, BLACK GIRL!.......2006-09-04

BLACK IVORY SOUL by Angelique Kidjo was a 2004 birthday gift to me from one of my few true friends, Melanie. [Thanks, MelNel!] She was turned onto it by the receptionist at her dentist's office. Melanie immediately determined to get me a copy too, knowing that I'm the hippest, most soulful White dude this side of RESTAURANT 28 - an excellent soul food joint in Glendale, AZ. [restaurant28bbq.com] And did I like the music immediately? Did Louis Armstrong like red beans and rice? Does a bear like honey? Does Albert Pujols like a hanging curve ball? Does Terrill Owens like Donovan McNabb? (Oh, I guess I went too far.)

What I don't like is this bovine excrement that passes for music amongst our brain-dead youth today. (I call all of their bands `THE NAKED EMPERORS.') If it's not Bimbo Pop pap, it's Rap crap, or what's called "Alternative" (meaning: alternative to "music.") I don't buy music anymore; having an I.Q. over 50, I don't watch MTV; I don't go to dance clubs; and the only contemporary music [sic] I'm exposed to is through commercials and the half-wit sitting next to me at the red light. So although my familiarity with it has been limited, I'd say that Angelique Kidjo's BLACK IVORY SOUL is the best music yet to emerge from the 21st Century.

From the liner notes: "Kidjo has crossed musical boundaries by blending the tribal and pop rhythms of her native West African heritage with a variety of styles, including Funk, Salsa, and Jazz. On BLACK IVORY SOUL, Kidjo explores the musical and cultural kinship between Africa and Brazil, specifically her homeland and the province of Bahia."

Now, if that sounds like a real potpourri of influences, I can assure you that it does not come off as being some patchwork quilt of disparate styles. BLACK IVORY SOUL is a very unified and unique musical statement. The whole piece is tied together by intriguing , exotic rhythms and (though few of the lyrics are sung in English) the album is loaded with catchy melodies and hooks galore. It's as memorable as any Pop album ever created by an English-singing music stylist.

The musicianship - especially the drumming and percussion - is first-rate throughout, and Kidjo displays remarkable vocal control and an expressive instrument that conveys many emotional shadings regardless of language. Man, this is stellar stuff! You could dance to it, sing to it, contemplate to it. The only thing you won't be able to do is sleep to it; it's entirely too energetic for that. There's not a single track that I don't really like on BLACK IVORY SOUL, but if I had to pick a favorite, I'd probably side with OMINIRA. Thanks to the English translations provided in the accompanying booklet, I know that Angelique Kidjo is singing: "Everybody wants freedom / Everybody wants to find one's soulmate / Take my hand / I can promise you / Life will bring us freedom." From Kidjo's lips to God's Ears!

The only negative comment I have to make is directed at Dave Matthews who duets with Kidjo on IWOYA. While I like the song and also Dave's voice, it kind of irks me to hear him singing, "You don't have to be old to be wise / Don't you hear the baby crying?" I just happen to know that Dave Matthews associates with Planned Parenthood, and a few years ago his band did a benefit concert on behalf of that organization which is the nation's largest promoter of abortion. I've got a question for you Dave: How `bout you? Don't you hear the "unborn" baby crying?

Other than this "insensitive" singer/songwriter's participation, I really dig Angelique Kidjo's BLACK IVORY SOUL. It makes my own Irish / German / Scottish / American Indian soul sing. (I may be a mutt but I ain't no dog!) If you're the soulful sort and can appreciate great music regardless of its origin or the language of its lyrics, then you're gonna love BLACK IVORY SOUL, and I wouldn't Kidjo `bout that. (Ha! Sorry.)

Black Magic.......2006-07-03

This could be Kidjo's best ever, although she's still young, and no doubt, has more tricks up her sleeve, as the more recent, Caribbean-influenced OYAYA! would indicate. This collection of songs is largely inspired by Brazilian music, but as usual, Ms. Kidjo likes to mix things up, so her Aftican rhythms combine with French, South American and other shadings, and most of the melodies here are not only beautiful, but memorable; "Iemanja" and the kora-backed "Okan Bale" are particularly lovely. Even the fairly commercial duet with Dave Matthews is fine, and the one track I've heard on the radio, "Tumba" is joyfully infectious. Angelique Kidjo is an international treasure who has grown as a singer. She has become subtler, while retaining the power and soulfulness that first caught my attention in the early '90's. If you have the opportunity, catch Kidjo live, as she is an energetic, animated stage performer who can move even the most reserved audience to dance in the isles!

Average customer rating:

Our favorite
Not a lullabye CD
Great for babies and adults
Great lullaby CD - it really works!
love this CD!

African Lullaby
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ellipsis Arts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Guinea | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Mali | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music

South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Ivory Coast | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Zimbabwe | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

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Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music

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General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Brazilian Lullaby
The Celtic Lullaby
Planet Sleeps
Mediterranean Lullaby
World Music for Little Ears

ASIN: B00000JCRJ
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

Thula Mtwana - Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Omo - Kemi Akanni
Kounandi Deni - Abdoulaye Diabate
Mayo Mpapa - Muriel Mwamba
Nyandolo - Ayub Ogada
Ayo Nene Touti - Mor Dior Bamba
Thula Thula - Ntomb'khona Dlamini
Webake - Samite
Oluronbi - Floxy Bee, The Hikosso Queen
Diriyo Nakana - Sadio Kouyate
Diyore - Abou Sylla
Sigalagala - Anindo
Tesegu - Danone O'Sow
Chitsidzo - Stella Rambisai Chiweshe

Amazon.com

As with other Ellipsis Arts releases, African Lullaby is more than a stellar music collection. Its delightful liner notes provide ample context for these "love songs for children" and the collection's innovative earth-friendly packaging is a work of art unto itself. Commencing with the bewitching Zulu harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, "Thula Mtwana" sets the tone, creating an atmosphere of warmth, safety, and peace, and is followed by a baker's dozen that reflect the gentle rhythms of an abundantly diverse continent. "Kounandu Deni" marries the dancing melody of Malian guitar and African harp with lyrics of paternal providence. Broadway's Sarafina! and The Lion King cast member Ntomb'khona Dlamini wails soulfully on "Thula Thula," and "Chitsidzo" is a mystical reverie of parental love and spousal longing accompanied by the intense beauty of a mbira (thumb piano). Standing head and shoulders above others in its class, African Lullaby is testimony to the awesome power of music. --Paige La Grone

Album Description

African Lullaby

This collection of lullabies reflects the warmth, musical richness, and soothing rhythms of the African continent. It is a gathering of talented singers and musicians whose gifts are recognized internationally.

Young and old ears will delight in the magical sounds of mbira, balaphone, kora, a capella vocals, guitar, bamboo flutes, dundun, and talking drum.

The lyrics sing of folklore, family, and village life in the traditional languages of the Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa. They communicate the love that these African artists feel for children and humankind—a love that transcends language.

Features Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ayub Ogada, Samite, Stella Rambisai Chiweshe, and more.

The notes include original lyrics and English translations.

Customer Reviews:

Our favorite.......2007-04-03

This is my son's favorite cd to listen to when he is falling asleep and we don't mind overhearing it on the monitor! I spent a few years in Africa and a few of the lullabies remind me of singing with my coworkers and friends. Just beautiful.

Not a lullabye CD.......2007-03-01

While I love this album - especially the first track by Ladysmith Black Mambazo - I don't find it very soothing. The rhythms are not sleepy, but rather sweet and uplifting. I can't imagine a child in Africa being sung to sleep by most of these songs - these are the equivalent of slow pop songs from the 70s like "Time in a Bottle" - basically, love songs. Sappy and slow, but not lullabyes. I've heard a few African lullabyes, and other than the LBM track and one or two others this isn't it. Buy the album - but then request the publisher release an album of songs to soothe your kid to sleep.

Great for babies and adults.......2007-01-09

I bought this for my daughter as a change from the rest of the lullabies and we both enjoy it.

Great lullaby CD - it really works!.......2006-09-10

It's great. The songs are wonderful and it puts my 7mth old daughter to sleep in mins. At home or on long driving trips it is very soothing. Adults be careful...it also works on us too! Guarenteed to put YOU to sleep in seconds!
I will also recommend 'Gift of the Tortoise' by Ladysmith Black Mambazo...wonderful and educational CD.
Happy shopping!
Trinitaria

love this CD!.......2006-03-04

i listened to this while pregnant, then while nursing. now we listen to it at bedtime, and sometimes in the car. the music is so beautiful and soothing, it's one of my favorites in any category.

Average customer rating:

Lush sound of Henry Mancini
Mellow Classic
The Stuff I Did While This Album Played
Remembering the Past

A Warm Shade of Ivory
Henry Mancini
Manufacturer: RCA Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Six Hours Past Sunset
The Academy Award Songs
Uniquely Mancini
Mancini Country
Midnight, Moonlight & Magic: The Very Best of Henry Mancini

ASIN: B00004LMRG
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Cycles
Moment to Moment
Day in the Life of a Fool
Watch What Happens
By the Time I Get to P [Hoenix
Love Theme from Romeo & Juliet
Windmills of Your Mind
When I Look in Your Eyes
Meditation
Dream a Little Dream of Me

Album Description

Reissue of pop composer/arranger/conductor's 1987 album forRCA. Details TBA.

Customer Reviews:

Lush sound of Henry Mancini.......2007-07-06

Another of my favorite albums from my youth. This particular recording I consider lush and romantic. The same goes for his album, Six Hours Past Sunset. You could always count on Henry Mancini to produce some great easy listening music.

Mellow Classic.......2007-06-13

This album is the most melodic, soothing music I have ever listened to, and one that I continue to return to -- it is that pretty. I cannot recommend this one enough, if you want to relax or be calmed. If rap or heavy metal are more your style, this is not the one for you.

The Stuff I Did While This Album Played.......2006-05-23

This album is best known for the "Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet," which is justly beautiful and deserves your attention.

But here's the thing: Mancini was a pianist. He composed his music on piano - which benefits it a lot. The tonal and dynamic range of his best stuff comes from the versatility of the piano as an instrument, for sure.

The concept behind this album was to showcase his touch and virtuosity on piano. And it does. But, in the early 1970s, this type of music was not appreciated by many.

However, my friends and I used it a lot to establish a mood. And it was our close, close friend and ally, I can tell you for certain.

Remembering the Past.......2005-08-22

I've enjoyed this music in L.P. format for years. I'm glad to have it once again. Shipped & received in good condition. Good job.

Traditional Songs & Dances from Africa: Ojah

Average customer rating:

I found it!
Trans-Continental African rythms come together

Traditional Songs & Dances from Africa: Ojah
Adzido & Pan African Dance Ensemble
Manufacturer: Arc Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Ghana | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Guinea | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music

South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Tanzania | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Benin | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Ivory Coast | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Zimbabwe | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

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Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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African Tribal Music & Dances
Exotic Voices from Africa: 30 of the Best African Vocal Groups
Roots!! African Drums
Drums of Passion
Traditional Songs & Dances from Africa

ASIN: B00004W1FK
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Kumpo: Dance From Senegal - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Bawa: Dance From Ghana - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Iphi Yeza: Dance From South Africa - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Tongoyo: Dance From Zimbabwe - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Tsinanbera: Dance From Zimbabwe - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Gule Wamkulu Mask Dance: Dance From Malawi - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Adzogbo: Dance From Benin - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Mbende: Dance From Zimbabwe - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...
Wali: Dance From Guinea - George Ankrah/Paulinus Bozie/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/John Mensah/Yao Sevordzie...

Tracks:

Egwabo: Dance From Ghana - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Sekiapu: Dance From Nigeria - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Isikuti: Dance From Kenya - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Warrior: Dance From South Africa - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Wali: Dance From Guinea - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Sindimba: Dance From Tanzania - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Zagrobi: Dance From Ivory Coast - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Atilogwu: Dance From Nigeria - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....
Tematei/Zaouli: Dance From Ivory Coast - George Ankrah/Charles Abiodun Jaja/Charles James/Richmond Kwame Kessie/Joseph Odartey Lamptey....

Customer Reviews:

I found it!.......2005-12-27

At last! I've been looking for this African music for ages, I had lost hope. It takes me to Africa everytime I listen to it. It's incredible!

Trans-Continental African rythms come together.......2001-04-08

this record is a great representation of traditional african music. although ity leaves out quite a bit of countries in the collection, it caputres the liveliness of african folk music. I love it.

Average customer rating:

GREAT CD
Cant see this being the best
A brilliant 5 songs, should be more.
Something You Should Listen To
Some words of a french speaking guy

The Best of Alpha Blondy
Alpha Blondy
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Ivory Coast | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Reggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Masada
Jerusalem
Serious Reggae
Apartheid Is Nazism
Live Au Zenith

ASIN: B000005H2R
Release Date: 1996-04-02

Tracks:

Cocody Rock
Apartheid Is Nazism
Come Back Jesus
Jerusalem
Politiqui
Sweet Fanta Diallo
Banana
Cafe Cacao
Masada
Rendez-Vous
Yeye
Fulgence Kassy
Amour Papier Longueur
Rendez-Vous (Cool Summer Mix)

Customer Reviews:

GREAT CD.......2007-02-17

this dc is great i play it almost everyday. you will not regret buying it it worth the money

Cant see this being the best.......2004-12-15

This CD may have to grow on me. There is a few classic tracks. To call this CD The best of Alpha Blondy is hard to do. The high point is, The Wailers is on a few tracks. Im very new to Mr.Blondy. I was really impressed with Yitzhak Rabin. My next CD by Alpha will be, Masada

A brilliant 5 songs, should be more........2004-05-13

Alpha Blondy is a unique artist. Hailing from Africa's Ivory Coast, this talented and inspiring musician is capable of some of the most infectious and moving songs in the reggae genre. This compilation contains several of those songs. Unfortunately it also contains some very weak material as well. The first 5 songs on this c.d. are brilliant, and are almost worth the price of the c.d. alone. The problem is that one would be much better off purchasing one of his early works. My suggestion would be "Jerusalem." That being said, if you've never heard Alpha Blondy even this less than perfect compilation is a worthwhile investment.

Something You Should Listen To.......2002-03-24

So your not an Ivory Coast rocker? Well, it doesn't matter. Have you ever wondered why people listen to reggae? Did you think reggae was just Bob Marley? Well than you should pick up this album and get and education. If you are an avid reggae fan, than your collection is not complete with a little Alpha Blondy, and this album is a good place to start. They keep it irie mon, and the beats are always right on. I think there are very few groups that understand music as an international language, and Alpha Blondy understands perfectly, reaching out across the globe to all people and cultures. So do yourself a favor and pick this up, kick back, and relax...maybe even light a spliff. Other than that, this is one of the best albums I own.

Some words of a french speaking guy.......2000-07-09

What a review of that Marconi... Language is the first sign that can separate people. This discrimination is also nazim, my dear ! Hopefully Alpha blondy, however his mother tongue is not english, can break the barrier of the language to communicate.

Tracks:

Praeludium
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Menuet I - Menuet II
Gigue
Andante
Prestissimo volando
Prelude: Moderato
Chorale: Poco piu lento
Fugue: Tempo I (Largamente)
Des Abends
Aufschwung
Warum
Grillen
In der Nacht
Fabel
Traumes-Wirren
Ende vom Lied

Product Description

Earl Wild's first new recording in a year. Living History is a remarkable presentation of a master at the top of his game. These four works (Bach; Scriabin; Franck; Schumann), are being recorded for the first time - the tone Mr. Wild extracts from the Shigeru Kawai EX Concert Grand is stunning. Now in his ninetieth year, Earl Wild clearly shows that he has a strong foothold in the Twenty-first Century plus the spirit of the great romantic masters of the past.

Average customer rating:

Acoustic Africa
must have music for your Africa collection
Rich Diversity of Music and Instruments
Excellent African Experience
Another AfricanCompilation from Putumayo

African Odyssey
Les Go , Oliver Mtukudzi , and Augusto Cego
Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Guinea | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Mali | Africa | International | Styles | Music

South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Ivory Coast | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Zimbabwe | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Africa
Putumayo Presents: African Groove
Putumayo Presents: Women of Africa
Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Africa
South African Legends

ASIN: B00005NVK0
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Fundo Di Matu - Manecas Costa
The Well - Seydu
Sou - Les Go
Raki - Oliver Mtukudzi
Mar - Augusto Cego
Kecu Minino Na Tchora - Bidinte
Kulala - Aura Msimang
Miri Yoro - Adama Yalomba
Nipelaki Kwa Baba - Doctor King'esi
Sinama Denw - Habib Koite

Customer Reviews:

Acoustic Africa.......2006-06-14

While people associate Africa with drumming,this album leans to the acoustic side.Putumayo excels in exploring world acoustic music,and this album is a shining example.Each song is perfect,haunting.

Manecas Costa sings of a long-lost love;Seydu sings of the plight of children during wartime.Les Go is a powerful trio of women from the Ivory Coast.Oliver Mtukudzi of Zimbabwe,who is on many Putumayo albums,has a beautiful song about the sustaining power of spirituality.Augusto Cego from Cape Verde sings of the melancholy of the sea.Aura Msimang sings powerfully of a mother's loss.Adama Yalomba sings about helping the less fortunate accompanied by an unobtrusive electronic beat;I wish I could find more of his music.Habib Koite sings about the problems caused by polygamy when wives fight;it's not the glossy version of polygamy presented on HBO's "Big Love",but the atrocious nature of it in Mali.Koite doesn't sugarcoat it.

This is a powerful album.Despite its heavy themes of hunger,war&polygamy,its music is relaxing&uplifting.

must have music for your Africa collection.......2006-03-20

Putumayo does it again! Beautiful musical voyage of Africa with some haunting melodies. This is an enchanting album ...something you need to add to your I-Pod ASAP! My favorites are Raki by Oliver Mtukudzi and Sinama Denw by Habib Koite.

Rich Diversity of Music and Instruments.......2005-01-16

Putumayo is a great vehicle for touring the world -- you can do it from the comfort of your own home by way of some incredible music. This particular disc is an enchanting and rhythmic look at Africa and its many different musical styles. According to the accompanying and extremely informative booklet, Africa is home to over 50 countries, 1,000 different languages, and 3,000 different tribes. That would make this disc a brief glimpse of all Africa has to offer in the music world, even though it is a very comprehensive sampling - ten songs from seven different countries.

Many cultures have influenced the music of Africa over the years, adding to a rich diversity of both music and the instruments with which to play music. The music found here is as beautiful and untamable as the African landscape - showing the strong unbreakable spirit of a strong, enduring, and culturally rich people. As well as containing two previously unreleased tracks of known artists, this disc also contains music of people that have never been heard outside of their marketing areas before. A bona fide treasure to care for and enjoy.

Fundo Di Matu is sung in Crioulo, which is a blend of African languages local to the Guinea Bissau and Portuguese, which is the main language of Guinea Bissau. Manuel Leal Emidio Costa, or Manecas Costa, first released this song on his album of the same name in 1999. Fundo Di Matu means Deep in the Forest and the rhythms of this piece will have you swaying and moving to the music before you realize what has happened, as Manecas' emotion laden lyrics dance around the melody.

Les Go is local slang along the Ivory Coast for "The Girls." This group is fronted by not one, but three young women who are a part of something so much larger - the L'Ensemble Koteba d'Abidjan. The famed dance/ theatre/ music company which was established in the city of Abidjan in order to preserve the Mandingo culture. The director of this school brought the three girls together, and now they mix their cultural music with popular Western music to bring about their own unique and most definitely unique sound. The lyrics of this piece are in Bambara, the language of Mali. In this track can be heard the n'goni (a four stringed lute-like instrument), Malian flutes, drums, and even some modern studio effects. The end result is a stunning and flavourful almost pop sounding track.

Ke Cu Minino Na Tchora is another interesting piece with a definite Reggae influence. The lyrics are completely at odds with the upbeat, chipper melody. The electric guitar has a bit of a spotlight, dancing all about the drum beat and bringing a smile - until you read the lyrics, that is. The Criolu lyrics describe the pain and suffering which comes with war, and focuses on the children thus affected. Bidinte has a strong love for music, according to the liner notes he even changed his religion to Catholic so that he could play the priests guitar! Incredible spirit and drive are combined with some serious talent where this young man is concerned. I hope to hear more of his work in time.

Not only is this a great way to expose yourself to African music, it is a great dance disc. The rhythms are very strong and lend themselves well to such strenuous activity. All of the artists featured on this disc are talented and have something worthwhile to say - this is music with meaning and a deep regard for life.

Review Original Posted at LinearReflections.com

Excellent African Experience.......2004-01-27

After traveling around Africa for a summer years ago, I was eager to bring the musical sounds of the trip into my home. Each of these songs is so luscious, full of energy and beauty. Even someone who has never traveled to these vibrant lands can appreciate the diversity of each track, all of which are guaranteed to get you dancing and leave a smile on your face. I've not been back to Africa for five years, but I find myself reaching for this cd all the time, even for teaching yoga.

Another AfricanCompilation from Putumayo.......2002-03-05

This is an excellent collection of African music, gathered from across the continent, by Putumayo, one of the leading names in world music. Unlike many other African compilations, this one focuses primarily one Africa's vibrant, and yet, oft overlooked, aucoustic music traditions, and I must admit, even with my familiarity with African music, I was still blown away. The selections on here are pretty good, considering the sheer diversity of African musicians. Some of you may be familiar with artists like Tuku and Habib Koite, and needless to say, their contributions are excellent, nothing less than one would expect from artists of their integrity. We also get an attempt by Les Go to blend traditional Cote d'Ivorie music with moden pop, a reggae influenced number from Doctor King'esi, a folksy South African song from Aura Msimang, and a song by Seydu featuring the use of the Mbira (thumb piano). Towards the end of the CD, Putumayo seems to lean very heavily towards the traditions of Mali, which many of you should be familar with. Much of the music features an ephemeral, soulful aspect. However, theres no mistaking this music for anything but African.

Island Grooves: Jamboree & Ivory and Steel

Average customer rating:

"two classic albums in one unique package"

Island Grooves: Jamboree & Ivory and Steel
Monty Alexander
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Calypso | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Steaming Hot
Live! Montreux Alexander
Echoes of Jilly's
Live at the Iridium
Triple Scoop

ASIN: B00004YNEJ
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Happy Lypso - Monty Alexander Quintet
Cavatina - Monty Alexander Quintet
Montevideo - Monty Alexander Quintet
S.K.J. - Monty Alexander Quintet
That's The Way It Is - Monty Alexander Quintet
Work Song - Monty Alexander Quintet
Medley: Impressions/So What - Monty Alexander Quintet
Stella By Starlight - Monty Alexander Quintet
Street Life - Monty Alexander Quintet

Tracks:

Sly Mongoose - Monty Alexander
Think Twice - Monty Alexander
No Woman No Cry - Monty Alexander
Look Up - Monty Alexander
Accompong - Monty Alexander
You Can See - Monty Alexander
Big Yellow Taxi - Monty Alexander
Reggae-Later - Monty Alexander
Crying - Monty Alexander
Linstead Market - Monty Alexander

Customer Reviews:

"two classic albums in one unique package".......2000-10-25

What more can be said about this talented artist, who was influenced by Oscar Petersen, has come up with his own outstanding and original style. Recording more than a score of excellent albums, this his latest release is a 2-CD set combining soulful, hard-bopping jazz with Jamaican calypsos and West Indian grooves. Alexander, Jamaican born pianist shares his contagiously enjoyable style with two of his best - "Ivory & Steel" and "Jamboree", now in one package "Island Grooves".

Note, Alexander's Jamaica fueled jazz piano pyrotechnics, the distinctively west Indian sound of the steel drums and an eclectic collection of songs...ranging from calypso-infused jazz standards to Alexander originals, with creative twists on traditional Jamaican songs.

Hey there, Latin jazz and world music fans, get out there and pick up this vibrant and colorful collection, sure to brighten up your already growing collecton of the "Best Jazz"...ANYWHERE!

Album Description

Earl Wild at 88 (88 on the 88s). All newly recorded repertoire for Earl Wild. Perhaps one of the most important recordings ever produced. Truly superb performances of Mozart's Sonata K.332; Beethoven's 32 Variations on an original theme; the four Chopin Impromptus and the extremely difficult and rarely performed and recorded Balakirev piano sonata No.1. There has never been anything like Mr. Wild's arrangement of the MEXICAN HAT DANCE! Extraordinary 24/88.2 High Definition recording HDCD encoded. Spectacular sound using the new limited edition Shigeru Kawai EX Concert Grand piano.

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent Performances.......2004-05-06

Earl Wild has always been the embodiment of "bravura" pianism; that quality that so far exceeds the technical challenges of a piece that the music leaps off the page and becomes a living, breathing entity. In this disc, Wild at 88 shows his amazing powers are undiminished. The spectacular technique, the incomparable ability to shade any passage with infinite nuances are forever young.

In the Wild transcription of Marcello's Adagio, his rendering of the melody is heartbreakingly tender, simple and unforced. Too many pianists over the last twenty years have treated the Mozart F Major Sonata as a pretty-pretty roccoco salon piece. Wild here gives us a full-bodied treatment; the playing unhurried and fully realized. The Beethoven 32 Variations runs the gamut from ruminative and brooding one moment to savage and convulsive the next. Not having heard the Balakirev before, I'd have to call it a first rate performance of highly effective, but second-rate music. The A flat Impromptu of Chopin is performed with much red-blooded brio, although the playing in the latter part of the F# Major Impromptu becomes ultra careful. No matter. Wild's marvelous transcription of the Mexican Hat Dance is bound to keep many a conservatory student busy in despair over the next several years. Here, Wild is all over the keyboard, in grand style. The playing alternating between an explosive rhythmic propulsiveness and delicate, coy charm.