CD Review: Lala Njava's 'Malagasy Blues Song'

Lala Njava
Malagasy Blues Song
Riverboat/World Music Network

Anyone familiar with Malagasy music knows about the valiha (tube zither) and probably Tarika - one of the most popular bands from Madagascar. However, you need to know about another group spearheaded by blues songstress, Lala Njava. Lala creates moving, contemporary, and bluesy tunes with lush Afropop rhythms and melodies that are very accessible. Lala is the chief vocalist, but is joined by Dozzy Njava on guitars, Pata Njava on drums/percussion, and Maximin Njava on bass. There are also backing vocals in the mix, along with a banjo and accordion making an appearance on a few tracks. Lala's vocals are rather choppy and mature beyond her years, but that breaks up the backing vocals and crystalline instrumentation. Vocally, Lala is the African equivalent of Stevie Nicks. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mikea's 'Taholy'

Mikea
Taholy
Contre-Jour

Mikea is Theo Rakotovao from Madagascar. Mikea plays the kabosy, which is a box-shaped, wooden guitar with four to six strings. The kabosy is a more rustic version of an acoustic guitar. Still, the melodies and notes are remarkable. Taholy is inspired by the blues traditions of southern Madagascar. The result is a beautifully-produced album of ear-friendly tunes and tones that possess charm, nostalgia, and island reminiscence. The kabosy is accompanied with bass, percussion, flute, and maracas. Mikea is aided by some back-up vocals on a few tracks. The ambulating rhythms are more traditional than Tarika, but not unlike Rajery. The vocal interplay is reminiscent of South African zulu music. Mikea's voice and guitar interplay are quite similar to Australia's Gurrumul, too. Overall, Mikea soars high above expectations with Taholy. If you are interested in the string and vocal music of contemporary Madagascar society, then look no further. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Damily's 'Ela Lia'

Damily
Ela Lia
Helico

Madagascar's Damily is a tsapika guitar player from the Southwest part of the country. Tsapika guitar music grew out of the rural dance movements traditional inherent at weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other events and occasions. The combination of traditional dance music and south African pop makes Ela Lia shine with musical delight. While most contemporary music coming out of Madagascar today incorporates the valiha (plucked instrument), the acoustic guitar makes a lead appearance throughout the album. The group vocals, fast picking, and mixed instrumentation provide listeners with a candid view of yet another group to come out of Madagascar. Though, the music is purely south African, there is an element of European and even Australian music. The lilting melodies, energetic guitar playing, and enthusiastic percussion make Ela Lia a noteworthy addition to any African music collection. ~ Matthew Forss