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| What's
on Disc by Thomas Schulte |
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| AUGUST
2000 REVIEWS >>>>>>>>>> |
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Rokia
Traoré
Wanita
Indigo Records/Harmonia Mundi
 25-year-old
Rokia Traoré updates Mali's ancient griot tradition. The griot legacy
is one of hereditary singers/storytellers. They keep alive their
tales by continually training new generations of vocalists. They
recite or sing their stories to the accompaniment of the stringed
kora and balafon, a wooden xylophone. Rokia grew up in these traditions.
These styles form the basis of her acoustic-based, second album.
The contemporary facet is especially evident in the crystalline
vocals, modern production and the mix of backing vocals. Rokia's
gift is a mellifluous and dulcet voice. Destined to loom large in
the world music scene, Rokia follows the path of other Malian greats
mentored, as she is, by Ali Farka Touré. (4) |
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Billie
& DeDe Pierce
Gulf Coast Blues
Arhoolie, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
http://www.arhoolie.com
 This
is the real, authentic New Orleans boogie piano blues. Listen to
their joyous but rebellious take on "Momma Don't Allow" and you
too will feel it would make a really great punk rock cover. Barrelhouse
ragtime pianist Billie Pierce began her career backing Bessie Smith
in Florida. With her, husband Billie Pierce is a member of the Preservation
Hall Jazz Band. He also sings on this album in his earthy Creole
patois. These 1950's recording capture the players at their peak.
This CD release contains three bonus tracks over the original vinyl
issue. Fans of Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey should
seek this out. (4) |
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Lisa
Cerbone
Mercy
Ichiban International
Electric singer-songwriter songs are tough and spirited. This comes
from the successful contrast of her charming vocals, which would
be cute merely by themselves, and the indie pop rock backdrop. (3) |
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Hijas
del Sol
Kchaba
Nubenegra/Alula Records
Hijas del Sol translates from the Spanish as "daughters of the sun"
and this vocal duo packages into song a vibrant, tropical beach
festival. "Kchaba," their third recording, is a tribute to Afro-Pop
legend Fela Kuti. In turning to the sounds of this rock star rooted
in Africa traditions, they incorporate much more electrical instrumentation
than previous recordings. None of this dilutes the impact that has
continually placed their music on the European Word Music charts.
Indeed, this Afro-beat chapter in the discography of the pair from
Equatorial Guinea will remain a bright example of their capabilities.
(4.5) |
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Donna
The Buffalo
Positive Friction
Sugar Hill
 Donna
The Buffalo presents a lively blend of reggae, rock, Cajun, Zydeco
and folk when the group appears. The group's rich blend of American
genres remains rooted in Appalachian traditions. The sextet includes
guitars, accordion, keyboards and fiddle. Supporting this instrumentation
is a driving rhythm section almost important to the band's success
as the winning vocals of Tara Nevins. Donna The Buffalo recorded
this in the studio live with produced Jeffrey Lesser (Lou Reed,
Chieftains, Loudon Wainwright III). (3.5) |
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_________________________________
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DID
YOU MISS ANY OF TOM SCHULTE'S REVIEWS?
BACK ISSUES:
1999
| JULY | AUGUST
| SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER
| NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
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2000
| JANUARY | FEBRUARY
| MARCH | APRIL
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MAY | JUNE
| JULY | |
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_________________________________
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Outsight
brings to light non-mainstream music, film, books, art, ideas and
opinions.
Published, somewhere, monthly since July 1991. Feel free to re-print
this article.
Ratings are (1) = :(, (5) = :)
"Don't be normal, be natural!"
Visit or Join Outsight's Web ring: http://d.webring.com/hub?ring=music1432
Outsight Radio Hours Webcasts
Sundays 6pm-8pm EST @
http://www.outsight.mu
NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
Tom 'Tearaway' Schulte,
5224 Shoreline Blvd.,
Waterford, MI 48329-1670
E-mail Outsight at: outsight@usa.net
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_________________________________
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Current
reading list:
"I'm Not Here" (Tim Allen)
"Extranet Design and Implementation"
"The Aleph and Other Stories" (Luis Borges)
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