New Reviews: July 4, 2001
Let The People Decide
Jerri Jheto
Absolute Records
Silver & Gold
Jerri Jheto
Kadara Records
Nigerian reggae musician Jerri Jheto continues his message of hope, freedom
and Christianity to the people of Africa and beyond, through catchy, yet
simple songs. Jerri's musical styles are undoubtedly drawn from
Afro-Caribbean musical traditions. The jazzy reggae/rai beats, beautiful
background vocal harmonies and catchy melodies meld to form an interesting
and refreshing musical combination. Saxophones, drums, guitars, keyboards
and trumpets are key instruments used in Jerri's music. Let The People
Decide and Silver & Gold are two albums that are highly recommended for
reggae music fans.
Put Your Hand On Your Hip, And Let Your Backbone Slip
Bessie Jones
Rounder
Bessie Jones was the premier folk singer of the Georgia Sea Islands in the
early to middle 1900's. Put Your Hand On Your Hip is a collection of folk,
gospel and children's songs recorded in the early 1970's on St. Simon's
Island, off the coast of Georgia, USA. The more familiar songs recorded
include "Yonder Come Day," "Amazing Grace," "Shoo Lie Loo," "Down In The Valley,"
"Hambone" and others. Bessie Jones' vocals are accompanied by several
children and adult singers on most of the songs. Clapping often accompanies
the songs. For the most part, instruments are absent. However, a
tambourine is used on some of the songs. Overall, the recording
appropriately reflects the gospel music of the Georgia Sea Islands. Fans of
traditional vocal gospel music from the Southeastern United States will
thoroughly enjoy the music of Bessie Jones and company.
Angel In The Dark
Laura Nyro
Rounder
New York singer/songwriter and pianist Laura Nyro was a remarkable musician.
Angel In The Dark, the final recording of Laura's career, includes tracks
that were previously unreleased. Laura's musical styles ranged from folk to
jazz to latin. Amazing pieces of music were composed utilizing a variety of
instruments, including the guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone and
percussion. The music has a soft, yet creative undertone. Catchy piano
pieces and fluid arrangements make Angel In The Dark a necessary recording
for long-time fans and anyone who enjoys folk and jazz music. Sadly, Laura
succumbed to cancer in the spring of 1997.
Mama Mombala
Man D' Dappa
Man D' Dappa is an Afro fusion group from France. They combine
Afro/Latin/Rai musical elements with African vocal stylings to create an
addictive, yet creative mixture of contemporary fusion music. Traditional
instruments including the balafon, djembe, conga and udu blend with
contemporary bass, guitar and percussion that successfully completes their
unique Afro fusion sound. Engaging female vocals are present on most of the
tracks. Catchy tracks and incredible instrumentation make Mama Mombala a
must-have recording for Afro fusion fans.
Reviews by Matthew J. Forss.
