Lo’Jo, Ce Soir Là … (World Village)

This imaginative ensemble’s street performance roots are easily discernible in the electric verve of their performance on this 17-track live set, recorded in their native France.  Fronted by cabaret charmer/ keyboardist Denis Péan, the band’s core also includes mesmerizing vocals from French-by-way-of-Algeria sisters Nadia and Yamina Nid El Mourid, MVP Richard Bourreau’s gypsy violin, and spring-as-a-rubberband rhythms from bassist Kham and drummer Mathieu Rousseau.  Together they renew the meaning of “world music,” stirring West African, Arabic and Gallic elements into a thoroughly intoxicating musical cocktail.  Benin’s Gangbe Brass Band guests on “Senor Calice” (a wild carnival ride of a song), and acrobatic rope duo Les Sélène twirl to “Tangito” on a CD-ROM clip.  www.lojo.org, www.worldvillagemusic.com.