CD Review: Ntjam Rosie's 'The One'

Ntjam Rosie
The One
Gentle Daze Records

Cameroonian, Ntjam Rosie is clearly influenced by the subtle, electronic nuances of down-tempo, jazz, and laid-back pop with a European and African foundation. The vocals are relatively fluid and soft with poetic underpinnings and a slight urban presence. However, this is not a full-fledged hip hop or R&B compilation. Instead, Ntjam's musical concoctions flow from a diverse and multi-layered creativity that is very soothing and memorable. "The One" contains vocals that are very smooth, as well as on "Forever Love." Nevertheless, the entire album features a great mix of musical subtleties, such as the sparse, instrumentation akin to Rokia Traore's music. At times, the vocals imbue a sense of surrealism and utter beauty without adding redundant beats or loud guitars. Some of the supple tones and notes are due to some strings and piano sounds for a truly, world jazz mix. What is more, the vocals are very similar to Binki Shapiro's work with the electronic lo-fi group, Zero 7. Anyone seeking some light fanfare from Cameroon (via The Netherlands), then this is 'the one' for you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hooray for Mali's Traore

Rokia Traore
Tchamantche
Nonesuch


To be released January 13th, 2009, Tchamantche is Rokia Traore's stellar album of Afro-pop that is uniquely 'Traore'. In order to shed the familiar pop sound, Rokia creates the music from a personal point-of-view that doesn't follow mainstream pop expectations. Some tracks are laid-back, while others are upbeat and percussive. I could also picture some of these songs as part of a soundtrack of an African film. Instrumentally, the n'goni, guitar, bass, harp, drums, and 'human beat box', complete the ensemble. However, Rokia's voice floats effortlessly through the tracks at just the right consistency, tone, and energy level. Tchamantche will be climbing the world music charts, so get your hands on it before it is too late! ~ Matthew Forss