KALI
Franc-o-faune (Tinder)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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I couldn't put Kali's Francofaune down. From the opening reggae-tinged tribute to Bob Marley, Brother Bob, to the soprano sax done with a Caribbean flavor of "Saint Pie'," this talented banjo player from Martinique in the West Indies is a real find, if you can find it. If your local record store doesn't stock it, check out the Tinder Records website. By the time Kali's band ushers in a rock-steady groove worthy of Sly and Robbie on "T'oublies Tout," I'm ready to reach for the Larousse French-English Dictionary to find out what Kali's singing about. Kali and his band prove that music crosses language and cultural barriers effortlessly, and Kali's music is a treat for world music fans, particularly fans of Caribbean or other island music. Of course, fans of music from Francophone countries like Mali, Niger or Madagascar would like Kali. I don't know that they'd say down Martinique way, but tres bien would work just fine for Kali's Francofaune. Tres, tres bien!

Track List:

Brother Bob * Alfa Yaya * Doubout An Soley La * Kreyol * Mulatresse Solitude * Saint Pie'* Heureux Celui Qui * Sweet Love Dans Tes Yeux * T'Oublies Tout * Boycot

© 2000 - Eric Steiner