For their second album, Congo Life, the veterans of Congolese rumba who make up Kekele keep very much to the idea of their debut. But then, when you've done everything so right the first time, why make any major changes? There are refinements, and a few personnel changes -- the great guitarist Papa Noel and a couple of others aren't onboard this time around, but Rigo Star is on the six-string, so there's no dip in quality. In fact, it's a Star composition, "Oyebi Bien," that provides one of the standout moments, with a ...
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For their second album, Congo Life, the veterans of Congolese rumba who make up Kekele keep very much to the idea of their debut. But then, when you've done everything so right the first time, why make any major changes? There are refinements, and a few personnel changes -- the great guitarist Papa Noel and a couple of others aren't onboard this time around, but Rigo Star is on the six-string, so there's no dip in quality. In fact, it's a Star composition, "Oyebi Bien," that provides one of the standout moments, with a fabulous bass riff and a tremendous vocal from Nyboma, before hitting a crescendo and floating gauzily away. But it's almost a disservice to pick out any particular song here, because they're all so good, arranged with diamond clarity, whether it's the big tribute to the classic OK Jazz, led by the late Franco, or the medley of tunes from the golden age of rumba. There are, however, some surprises, but they come in the instrumentation -- neither violin nor clarinet ever had much of a place in rumba, although from the way they're used here, that seems more like an oversight than anything. As the men in Kekele prove over and over, you're never too old to rumba. ~ Chris Nickson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Congo Life to cart. $4.04, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Orange County rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Ana, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Stern's Africa.
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Seller's Description:
Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item. Case and cover may or may not have wear or damage. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
Add this copy of Congo Life to cart. $4.75, good condition, Sold by Solr Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Skokie, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Stern's Africa.
Add this copy of Congo Life to cart. $8.81, very good condition, Sold by Theophilus Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Knoxville, TN, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Sterns Africa.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. Size: 5x5x0; CD, jewel case, inserts, and slipcase all in very good condition. No scratches or skips. Buy with confidence. Guaranteed skip free or your money refunded.
Add this copy of Congo Life to cart. $14.95, new condition, Sold by Broad Street Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Branchville, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Sterns Africa.
