2-CD Review: Black Bazar's 'Round 2'

Black Bazar
Round 2 [2-CD]
Lusafrica

Conceptualized by writer and producer, Alain Mabanckou in 2012, Alain incorporates guitar rhythms and melodies from Cape Verde, West Africa, and Central Africa. The upbeat songs are dance-laden and possess a wealth of instrumental ear candy. There are even Caribbean and Latin American influences, which are part of the larger African Diaspora. At any rate, Alan employs a host of guest musicians, including Ferre Gola, Soleil Wanga, Flamme Kapaya, Olivier Tshimanga, Roi David, Karashika, Wole Sentimenta, Ize Teixeira, and Tabou Combo. There are thirteen long tunes that are quite contemporary, highly-rhythmic, and purely African concoctions that are full of soul, love, and melody. Anyone familiar with giddy guitar ramblings from the heart of Africa will love it. Black Bazar includes a bonus CD that is a music video of the first album track, "Black Bazar Round 2." ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Black Bazar's 'Black Bazar'

Black Bazar
Black Bazar
Mabanckou

Modogo & Sam are Modogo Abarambwa and Sam Tshintu, respectively. As purveyors in the Congolese music scene, they attempt to bridge the gap between Cuban and Latin rhythms with the soukous sounds of Congo with their band, Black Bazar. The result is a musical project that sheds the drum machines and techno trance of contemporary society with a raw and spirited selection of songs with bass, piano, percussion, and guitars leading the way. Black Bazar shines with the rumba sounds of Havana and the sparkling, rhythm guitars of Kinshasha. Despite the album artwork looking like something from the TV show Mad Men, Black Bazar livens up any situation with vibrant colors of love and dance. The ten tracks represent nearly an hour of listening pleasure. Anyone with an interest in Cuban rhythms and central African music will cherish the vocal harmonies and bright instrumentation. This is a timeless recording. ~ Matthew Forss