CD Review: Tiken Jah Fakoly's 'African Revolution'

Tiken Jah Fakoly

African Revolution

Barclay

A musical 'revolution' is coming out of Africa and Tiken Jah Fakoly is its leader. An Ivory Coast-native, Tiken primarily sings about politics, war, and social change. The songs are sung in French and English. The music is similar in sound to contemporaries Carlou D or Toussaint, whom also have origins in West Africa. This is modern music with a modern beat. The instrumental repertoire is extensive, and includes bass, drums, guitars, ngoni, balafon, kora, soukou, tama, yabara, banjo, ukulele, assorted percussion, and electronic elements. The final product is an ear-friendly collection of songs drawing from reggae, cool jazz, pop/rock, and French music. The swaying rhythms, hard-hitting lyrics, engaging sounds, and sincere vocals make African Revolution one of the best releases of the year! Head to the Ivory Coast for soul-stirring, musical pleasure...or your nearest music store for African Revolution. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Toussaint's 'Black Gold'

Toussaint

Black Gold

I Grade Records

The soulful vocalist, Toussaint, represents an embodiment of a new form of reggae music with Afro-Caribbean and American roots. It can be appropriately called 'reggae soul' or 'reggae roots music'. Though, reggae music is largely a socially based creative construction that also includes personal tragedy, triumph, and power. Toussaint provides an engaging listening experience spanning fifteen songs all sung in English. Black Gold's reggae ties are entwined with funk, jazz, soul, R&B, and folk/rock elements. The diverse instrumentation with reggae elements, classical jazz, island soul, and earthy vocals are characteristic signatures of Toussaint's musical abilities. Notably, not a single weak track exists on Black Gold. As a whole, Toussaint's 'golden' voice secures Black Gold's legacy as an invaluable addition for anyone interested in reggae soul and reggae roots music. ~ Matthew Forss