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Improvisations
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Tennessee Tribune, Improvisations >>
African music gets widespread exposure and coverage in almost every nation except America, where only a handful of releases even appear in domestic stores and radio airplay is limited to specialty stations and satellite radio. But fans interested in hearing outstanding recent releases from the continent shouldn't miss three current releases focusing on both classic and contemporary recordings.
Oliver Mtukudzi found himself recently drawn into dicey political waters when one of his songs was appropri ated (Without Mtukudzi's consent) into the thorny Zimbabwe election. That ugly backdrop aside, Mtukudzi's nimble and inventive guitar playing, along with his exuber ant vocals, have made him a beloved figure to many African music lovers. Nhava (Heads Up) is his latest release, and it includes potent topical numbers about the exploitation of migrant labor in Africa ("Izere Mheop"), environmental ravages ("Pindirai"), and the need for unity ("Menzva Kudzimba"). But he doesn't devote himself totally just to social concerns. "Tiregereiwo" is a poignant prayer for spiritual uplift, while "Tiri Mubindu" pays homage to departed loved ones and "Hope" strikes a note of optimism and faith in a time of turmoil. Mtukudzi also produced this session, which frequently features extensive exchanges in a twin electric/acoustic guitar configuration backed by electric bass, drums, keyboards and multiple percussion augmented by soaring vocals from a fine core of both and female singers.
-Ron Wynn 04/21/05
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