Soukous in Central Park [Live]

Amazon.com
When Kanda Bongo Man, the Paris-based Zairean superstar, performed in New York's Central Park last summer, the show was taped and then broadcast by National Public Radio's syndicated show, "AfroPop Worldwide." The central African singer with his trademark flat-brimmed hat is at his best before an enthusiastic crowd, so the radio show has now been released as an album, Soukous in Central Park. It's about the best introduction to Central African soukous and its fluid guitar arpeggios, tumbling polyrhythms and relaxed vocal chants as one could hope for.

Kanda Bongo Man's music is not all that different from other soukous performers, but he possesses two inestimable assets. First, his voice is so warm and creamy that even his exhortations sound easy-going. A song like "J.T." can be pushing forward at a fast and furious pace, but the singer glides through the melody with such assurance and perfect pitch that he induces the listener to relax into the beat as well. Second, Kanda Bongo Man has the good taste and star power to hire the best guitarists in Africa. He first went to Paris in 1979 with the brilliant guitarist Diblo Dibala (who now leads Loketo), and now he has unearthed another picker, Nene Tshakou, who's just as good. Tshakou's introduction to "Sai" is just one example of the fast, precise arpeggio playing that will impress guitarists even more than lay listeners. --Geoffrey Himes

Tracks:

Liza
Bedy
Yesu Cristu
J.T.
Wallow
Luta
Sai
Lela Lela

Amazon.com

When Kanda Bongo Man, the Paris-based Zairean superstar, performed in New York's Central Park last summer, the show was taped and then broadcast by National Public Radio's syndicated show, "AfroPop Worldwide." The central African singer with his trademark flat-brimmed hat is at his best before an enthusiastic crowd, so the radio show has now been released as an album, Soukous in Central Park. It's about the best introduction to Central African soukous and its fluid guitar arpeggios, tumbling polyrhythms and relaxed vocal chants as one could hope for.

Customer Reviews:

This Live performance is a definite 5 Stars.......2004-04-20

I don't know what the rest of these reviews are talking about, that the recording wasn't that good. The recording was excellent. I've listened to worse live performances.... Anyway, as far as i'm concerned, this is the best of all kanda's CD.

Song selection is great, but recording is fair........2002-12-10

I was quite disappointed that Ryko would put out something that sounds like an amateur recorded it. With that in mind, maybe this was the only recording of this wonderful concert. The song selection is outstanding, however, highlighting Kanda's greatest hits. But again, the flat recording and lack of audience presence on the disk distracts from the harmonious event that happened that day in Central Park. If you are a fan, though, it is definitely worth a listen for its historical charm.

Guitar playing to make you grin ..........2002-04-12

I came accross this cd in a second hand shop after only hearing one soucous compillation previously. I was gobsmacked by the never ending faultless virtuosity of the guitarist. More so because the emotional voltage was joyous and induced euphoria in listener and dancer.
My primary objective has become to create a band to play music like this.

A Showcase for Soukous Guitar.......2001-01-05

For me, this album is Kanda Bongo Man showcasing guitarist Nene Tshakou. And that's where Kanda's credits lie. This live show is a lead guitar issue. The singer acts as an "animateur" paving the ground for the showdown of the plectrist. Tshakou adds electricity to this session with his own solos, while preceding them with the original phrases Diblo Dibala played on studio recordings of most of the tunes on the CD. It's definitely dance music. If you're not prompted to dance by Kanda's calls (Twende! Twende! which in English would roughly translate into Come on! Come on!), you'll most certainly shake your body to Tshakou's compelling licks, which take on special intensity with the trademark repetition of soukous guitarists: Tshakou will repeat a combination of two licks for 30 seconds! Listen to him.

Hot music, so-so recording.......2000-09-28

I only say I wish I could have been at the concert! The music here is vintage Kanda; every song is a genuine hit. The only problem I had was with the production values. It's the rare live album that manages to capture the excitement of the actual performance, and this one certainly fits that bill. Great album for the compilation, but to get a more exciting version, buy some of the studio albums (Kwassa Kwassa, Zing Zong, Amour Fou, to name a few).

Rock Music:

Rock Music

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