CD Review: Ghana's Adjiri Odametey

Adjiri Odametey

Etoo

Galileo Music

A talented vocalist and percussionist, Adjiri Odametey's Ghanaian origins shine through on his latest release, Etoo. A master of the guitar, flute, cora, balafon, and mbira, Adjiri also sings in his local Ghanaian language, most likely Akan. In addition, Adjiri is joined by flute, bass, and ashiwa. Anyone familiar with the music of West Africa would recognize the striking vocal similarities between Adjiri and Daby Toure (Mauritania), Bidinte (Guinea-Bissau), or Vieux Diop (Senegal). The songs are not hard-hitting or overly flashy in their production or performance. Adjiri's strong suits are delicately played percussion, beautiful harmonies, and a clear, artistic vision. The rather relaxed musical compositions are never boring or repetitive in nature. Etoo is filled with a very appealing, organic musical element that should not be missed. Etoo is a blend of Afro-pop and folk music. Liner notes include English and Akan song translations. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ekow Alabi - 'Going For Gold'

Ekow Alabi

Going For Gold

Piranha

Ghana's Ekow Alabi is joined by a plethora of backing musicians on vocals, horns, guitars, flute, kalimba, keyboards, organ, and others. Going For Gold is essentially an Afro-pop release with contributing musicians from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Kenya. All of the songs feature vocals. A few tracks, notably 'Oye Kor', 'Accra Jumping', and 'Asante Sana', include great rap lyrics. However, Going For Gold is not particularly a rap or hip hop album. In addition to Afro-pop and Afro-beat, Going For Gold touches on a few reggae-infused tracks, including 'Wonsa Beka' and 'Rasta Efutu'. Most of the songs are sung in Akan, Ga, Swahili, and English. The complex instrumentation and expert lyrical delivery presents listeners with a very good musical package. Ekow Alabi's latest release is good as 'gold' to all who listen. ~ Matthew Forss