Real Vocal String Quartet-Kothbiro

Thursday June 24th, 2010 • 11:11 am

Upon first hearing Real Vocal String Quartet I was blown away. Their self-titled debut spans genre’s from African and Classical to Pop and Folk. Sometimes the vocals include lyrics while other times the ladies use their voices as wordless instruments. “Kothbiro” was originally written and performed by African musician Ayub Ogada and is given a different spin by these talented ladies. The original’s plucked strings give way to four bows in this version. The womens’ voices and clapped and beaten rhythms create a mournful but strong wave across the interweave of bowing. Slight touches of a hand drum here, a flute there add richness to an already deep sound field. At times they remind me of some of Zap Mama’s early work but they have a style that is all their own. This is a song that definitely rewards attentiveness so put on your headphones, close your eyes, and enjoy.