Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Kelya (4:44)
2. K.J. (4:47)
3. Succes African Jazz (3:58)
4. Pesa le Tout (4:38)
5. Nalembi Nalembi (2:57)
6. N'daya Paradis (2:35)
7. Tabalissimo (3:20)
8. Mama Ida (3:46)
9. Mireille Mwana (3:02)
10. Mokolo Nakokufa (4:55)
11. Savon Omo (4:41)
12. Lily Mwana ya Quartier (4:06)
13. Kasala (3:48)
14. Monano (4:38)
15. Ana Mokoy (2:59)
16. Mokitani ya Wendo (5:55)
17. Christine (6:08)
18. Songo + Songo = Songi-Songi (5:05)

Disc 2:

1. Aon Aon (4:37)
2. Kimakango mpe Libala (7:51)
3. Mongali (5:06)
4. Omanga (5:01)
5. Nzale (5:20)
6. Kaful Mayay (7:47)
7. Karibou ya Bintou (5:48)
8. Mbanda Nayei (5:21)
9. Adeito - Part 1 & 2 (10:06)
10. Yombe (7:54)
11. Likambo ya Mokanda (9:39)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25193 in Music
• Released on: 2007-09-25
• Number of discs: 2

Album Description
Deluxe boxed set containing 29 tracks on 2 CDs (2½ hours of great music) and a 44-page booklet with notes in English and French, band personnel and rare photos.

Review
Over the years of the CD-era, the great, classic music of African powerhouses Congo (formerly Zaire), Mali and Guinea have appeared on scads of reissue compilations. Most of these releases are now out of print - a pity, of course but the truth is, however voluminous, these offerings fell short of the mark. Lacking explanatory notes, personnel data, even dates in some cases, these were mostly products aimed at inveterate fans who needed little help or guidance. Now, at last, Stern's Africa has begun releasing compilations from Afropop's 'golden age' that can stand the test of time. Typically, these are 2-CD sets, packaged with generous booklets (in French and English) that summarize the music, dates, personnel, and personalities, as well as the stories behind the important hits. These compilations allow the curious listener to trace the early career moves of major contemporary artists, including Salif Keita, Mory Kante, Djelimady Tounkara, Sekou Bembeya Diabate, and Congolese vocal legend Tabu Ley Rochereau.

The Tabu Ley set is especially satisfying. Ken Braun's fine essay hits the nail on the head, cleanly decoding the complexities of band transitions - Tabu Ley sang in six different formations between 1961-77! - while keeping the focus on this remarkable and visionary vocalist. Tabu Ley was decidedly a modernizer, the first Congolese singer to use a trap drum kit, to develop a choreographed stage show, and to perform at Paris's prestigious Oympia Theatre (1970). These 29 tracks are selected from hundreds Tabu Ley recorded during his first 16 years. As Braun points out, Tabu Ley's penchant for modernity sometimes led him in unfortunate directions, particularly after this period. The work this singer is best known for internationally is a mixed bag. This well chosen selection is a pot of gold by comparison, and really clarifies exactly why he remains such a towering figure in Congo music.

From his first hit, 'Keyla' (heard here in a 1962 remake of the '61 original), it is clear that Tabu Ley has a superbly expressive, and uniquely sweet voice. With the spare backing of African Jazz - featuring electric guitar legend Dr. Nico and a young saxophonist named Manu Dibango - a young upstart croons like an angel. Another establishing track, 'Succès African Jazz' evokes the swooning optimism of independence in Kinshasa. It's a voice so great, he could be singing a soap ad - as he in fact does on 'Savon Omo' - and sound hip. The guitarists here are something of who's who of early Congo electric guitar playing, and since they are all identified, one can begin to appreciated the distinction between Nico's lyricism and hypnotic staccato riffs, and for example, the rocking boisterousness of Manuaku Waku.

Over time, the bands beef up, through various manifestations of African Fiesta and Afrisa, and - a rarity here - three 1977 tracks recorded with a kind of supergroup at the FESTAC festival in Lagos. Here Tabu Ley joins members of Zaiko Langa Langa (including Manuaku) in Onaza, a group created especially for that occasion. Tabu Ley's many career moves may seem frenetic in retrospect, but they reflect the chaotic milieu of early Congolese pop. They also reflect the singer's supreme self-confidence. As long as he possessed the voice heard on these tracks, he could pretty much pick his backing band. More than any prior Tabu Ley retrospective, this release delivers the man, his story, and his art at its peak of originality and finesse. --Banning Eyre, Afropop.org

Customer Reviews

powerful new music fromAfrica
I bought this for a friend's 60th birthday. She is an afcionado of world music. She was delighted by my choice.

amazing voice
This was a great discovery for me. Now I know why they call the more recent music "afro-cuban". Tabu Ley had an angelic voice.

good two CD compilation
I have been a fan of this old Congolese music for several years. This compilation is sweet music to my ears. Without being an actual student of the artist or genre, or analyzing what is in the mix and why, I will say it flows well with some familiar songs and some new. I can put on both CDs and enjoy -- no clinkers, all good. A terrific introduction for anyone just discovering this wonderful music and artist, ...and for those more familiar, it is like coming home.