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CD Review
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San Diego Union Tribune, CD Review >>
Bembeya Jazz
"Bembeya"
BY George Varga
Guinea's Bembeya Jazz is one of West Africa's oldest and most ebullient bands. Originally formed in 1961, the 11-man ensemble first
called it a day in 1973, following the death of its leader, Adoubacar Demba Camara, then reunited before disbanding once more in
1988. Together again since 1998, this Afro-pop band sounds as vital as ever with its swirling melodies, snappy horn punctuations,
fleet guitar lines and undulating polyrhythms, which mix African and Cuban styles into a rousing whole.
The group's latest lineup features five charter members, including guitarist Sekou "Diamond Fingers" Diabate, drummer Conde Mory
Mangala and vocalist Kaba Salifou, one of the group's three lead singers. The album's opening cut, "Bembeya," reprises the group's
signature song, while most of the seven other selections are similarly revamped versions of classics from Bembeya Jazz's decades-old
repertoire. Coming on the heels of the equally arresting reunion albums by Senegal's Orchestra Baobab and Mali's Super Rail Band,
"Bembeya" (due in stores June 10) marks another welcome return.
05/29/03
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