News-Sentinel, CD Review >>
“Malagasy,” Jaojoby
(Discorama/Harmonia Mundi)
Madagascar, the island nation off the coast of Africa, is the source of some of the most joyous and danceable music on the planet. Jaojoby is one of the country’s most popular music artists. “Malagasy” is a tour de force filled with plucky electric guitars, hot saxophones, infectious funk, and can’t-sit-still rhythms.
As for vocals Jaojoby has a strong likable voice and his chorus of singers, who often pepper the tracks with a call and response exuberance, are a joy to hear.
What do the words mean? Well, the translations are in French, but who cares? The sense of joy transcends any language barriers. *****
--Wayne Bledsoe 10/03/04