VARIOUS ARTISTS
Africa Remix (Milan Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Africa Remix is a splendid compilation of contemporary, twenty-first century African music by both established and aspiring artists. The sixteen songs on this CD cover a full range of musical styles and emotions; all are exciting, powerful, and enticing. As the liner notes state: "Africans introduced melodies, rhythms, musical instruments, aesthetics, and a multi-dimensional approach to music-making to the New World, a legacy clearly visible in such genres as jazz, rock and roll, son, salsa, samba, calypso, funk, and more."

On this disc, even current urban approaches such as hip-hop are re-invented, producing extremely listenable music on the cutting edge of the industry. For example, "Paradiso" by Konono No 1, a group from the DR Congo, is a song in the "bush rock" style - dance music pared down to the basic essentials and using local instruments. In this case, Konono No 1 uses three electric likembes, or thumb pianos, and a drum kit of pots, pans, and automobile parts. The group then amplifies the music through megaphones to deliberately produce distortion, resulting in hypnotic and enchanting music that grips the listener and refuses to let go. My personal favorite piece is a stunning number by the great Youssou N'Dour titled "Plus Fort;" it has a beauty that is simply breathtaking.

Covering topics as diverse as love, poverty, immigration, freedom, spirituality, and family, Africa Remix is heart-felt music simultaneously joyous, thought-provoking, and sad. The musicianship is formidable, with a plethora of good solos. The vocals are striking, full of warmth and passion. This is one CD that repays frequent intensive, open-minded listening. To have all this superb music in one place is a fortuitous gift from Milan Records. Whatever the cost, this is one CD worth every hard earned penny.

© 2005 - Ron Saranich