CD Review: Tea Time With A Side Of 'Dreams'

Tea

Dreams

Teajuana Music

A multi-instrumental and multi-talented group of musicians collate into the band known as Tea. The band's repertoire is composed of member's from Benin, Cameroon, Senegal, Congo, Nigeria (by way of a Fela Kuti connection), France, and the US. The songs are contemporary musings reflective of a world traveler. A jazzy ambiance permeates a few of the tracks. Others incorporate a more downtempo or trance-like musical foundation. Many of the songs could easily fill a soundtrack to a major motion picture released in Africa. The instrumentation includes traditional components, though a major portion of the sounds are created by bass, b3 organ, sax, and guitar. Tea is unique enough to warrant few comparisons to other artists. However, some artists that come to mind include, Salif Keita and Daby Toure. Tea is a group best served for any mood. It's an exhilarating mix of chilled-beats and warm sounds that intoxicate the listener into a 'dream'y state of veneration. ~ Matthew Forss