Gabriel Yacoub: An Interview and a Tribute

Those who know me well know of my love for singer-songwriters from around the world. Around 30 years ago I developed an interest in French singer-songwriters, both from Quebec and France. It was back then when I discovered Gabriel Yacoub. His voice, words, and presence took me totally off guard and I became deeply attached to his music. I can't remember the source, but I recall years ago reading an article in which Yacoub's voice was described as being like honey. That's a good comparison: sweet and rich, while also full of emotion and texture. 

I was devastated last week to see a post come across my Facebook feed saying that Gabriel Yacoub died on January 22nd at the age of 72. In a time of lots of loss of great musicians, this one is hitting me the hardest thus far. His music penetrated my soul. He wasn't a huge star in the commercial sense, but this is a classic case of "if you know, you know." He was a true artist in more than one sense (he was also a visual artist) and influential to those of us privileged enough to have known his work. 

In 2003, when I was actively working as an arts journalist, I was lucky enough to interview Gabriel Yacoub on the phone. It was published on an earlier version of this website and is one of the few English language interviews with him. I figured this is as good a time as any to republish that interview with the hope that it will help support keeping his memory and music alive. 

CD Review: Huun Huur Tu 'Step'pes It Up!

Huun Huur Tu

Ancestor's Call

World Village

The galloping sounds of Tuva's throat-singing and instrumental ensemble, Huun Huur Tu, are revisited as more modernized sound palettes accentuate the group's characteristic style of ancient melodies. Keep in mind, the group's traditional instruments are still here, including the igil, doshpuluur, flute, byzaanchi, igil, and drums. The addition of the guitar eloquently steers the songs into a glorious setting of listenable comfort. For the most part, the songs are reinvented from their earlier Orphan's Lament (Shanachie, 1994), but one selection, 'Konguroi', makes an appearance from Sixty Horses in My Herd (Shanachie, 1993), as well as 'Saryglarlar' from Eternal (Electrofone, 2009). There is a slightly modernized tone to the songs without showy electronic elements or techno/dance noises. Essentially, Ancestor's Call is culled from thousands of years of throat-singing traditions for a new generation. This is a slight departure from Eternal (Electrofone, 2009), which featured the electronic wizardry of Carmen Rizzo. At any rate, Huun Huur Tu 'step'pes it up like no one else! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alan Lomax in Haiti 10-CD Collection

Various Artists

Alan Lomax in Haiti [10 CD set]

Harte Recordings

The musical achievements of the late-Alan Lomax are superbly displayed in this attractive 10-CD box set with accompanying photos, map, and two books, including Alan's field journal. The songs were recorded throughout Haiti from 1936-1937 for The Library of Congress. These are largely traditional, field recordings with typically grainy and raw sound quality. However, the CD's are mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineers to elicit the best sound quality available today. The music was culled from over 50 hours of never-before-released field recordings. You will hear Voudou songs, percussion pieces, choral sounds, vocal/instrumentals of people young and old, male and female, and even Alan's own voice explaining where a specific song was recorded and/or noting the musicians themselves. The box set format of this size is unique and relatively rare in the world of international music. Still, do not let the price tag of $120+ deter you from purchasing a literally priceless volume of musical history from the perspective of the ethnomusicologist. For fans or students of traditional music, especially from the Caribbean, this is a highly-desirable gift. Of course, Alan Lomax fans will put this set on the top of their list this holiday season, for good reason. Look for more good things to come from Harte Recordings in the future! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 70 Years Of Cuba's Orquesta Aragon

Orquesta Aragon
The 70th Anniversary Album 1939-2009 [4 CD BOX SET]
Lusafrica


Orquesta Aragon's humble beginnings began when Rufino Roque (piano), Rene Gonzalvez (violin), Filiberto Depestre (violin), Paulito Romay (vocals), Noelie Molejon (guiro), Efrain Loyola (flute), Orestes Varona (timbales) and Orestes Aragon (double bass) came together in Cuba in 1939. The result has been an extraordinary musical journey to the soul of Cuba's musical spirit. Clearly a band for the world, Orquesta Aragon has been enchanting crowds throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the USA. The four cds in this attractive long box set include hours of classic, Cuban music that made Orquesta Aragon so popular with listeners and dancers alike. In addition, a 24-page booklet tracks the band's beginnings and line-up changes throughout the years. Perhaps fans of the Buena Vista Social Club should make Orquesta Aragon a part of their listening repertoire. Of course, traditional Cuban music fans probably already own music by Orquesta Aragon, but this set should be on the top of everyone's list. Enjoy the summer with the sounds of Orquesta Aragon! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mauritanian Blues

Boolumbal
Fuuta Blues
Playasound

The border between Mauritania and Senegal is rich in history, music, and traditions. It is also home to Boolumbal band leader, singer, and guitarist, Malick Dia. Malick teamed up with French musician and producer of blues music in Paris, and in the process, created a stunning album of Senegal River blues. To be more exact, Fuuta Blues contains earthy tunes and vocals in the Pulaar language. Musically, there are resemblances to Guinea-Bissau's Bidinte, Mauritania's Daby Toure, Senegal's Vieux Diop, and Mali's most recognizable export--the late-Ali Farka Toure. There is a nice mix of traditional instruments, including the ngoni, kora, balafon, Peul flute, djembe, and shakers. The more modern strings, piano, and guitar are not as prevalent. Fuuta Blues is an album unique to Mauritania and the Francophone musical genre. It is steeped in traditional instrumentation and simple, catchy vocals. Liner notes are in English and French. Take a trip down the Senegal River with Boolumbal. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Calypso From...Africa?

Various Artists
Marvellous Boy: Calypso From West Africa
Honest Jon's Records

Many of us familiar with calypso music can conjure up images of a lively carnival band amid white sandy beaches, sky-blue ocean waters, and swaying palm trees on an island anywhere in the Caribbean. We would be right, but calypso music extends far east of the Caribbean to the shores of West Africa. Marvellous Boy... is an album that presents us with 1950's calypso music from that region. The musical styles of highlife, jazz, and band music also overlap with the characteristic calypso groove. The calypso tunes on this recording come from the countries of Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria. Some exciting artists, such as Famous Scrubbs, Bobby Benson, Roy Chicago, E.T. Mensah, and others, represent major fixtures in the calypso scene of the 50's. The accessibility of calypso music from Africa should appeal to Caribbean and Latin music fans. Anyone looking for a high-quality, nostalgic release of traditional music will dance a happy beat for the 'marvellous' Marvellous Boy... ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Music From Niger

Malam Maman Barka
Guidan Haya
Beauty Saloon Music

The traditional music of Niger is brought to life by the gurumi strumming and earthy vocals of Malam Maman Barka. He is the master of the gurumi, a two-stringed instrument with a gourd-resonating body. He is accompanied by Oumarou Adamou on traditional drums (douma and kalongu). This recording features Malam's vocals, his gurumi, and percussion without the use of fancy electronic wizardry or modern rock arrangements. The music is so genuine and mesmerizing that it does not need any embellishments. This is a high quality recording that is intriguing and inviting, despite it's stripped down nature. In essence, this is Nigerien music at its finest. Overall, Guidan Haya is a perfect recording for listeners of West and North African music, including the late Ali Farka Toure, Mamar Kassey, Tartit, and others. Thanks to producer Nathaniel Berndt, the music of Niger is now one step closer to everyone's ear. ~ Matthew Forss