Utne Reader, Lo' Jo- Tribe of Troubadors >>
Listening to Lo'Jo is like discovering the ultimate nightclub band in an exotic yet vaguely familiar city. Rustic French sounds, gypsy airs, whiffs of Arabia, and hints of Africa come from the bandstand, while the night is thick with the mingling accents of the whole world. Not surprising, since Lo'Jo is a French-based collective that once traveled Europe with a street theater ensemble. After three decades together, they retain a tribal vibe evident in their easy, joyous interplay: Denis Pean's husky lead vocals are sweetened by backup singers Nadia and Yamina Nid El Mourid amid darting flute, saxophone, accordion, and congas. It's a world-music mix that goes beyond the trendy to the transcendent.
--Keith Goetzman 01/01/03
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