Afro-cuban : that term which set the world on fire, from rumba to bolero, mambo to cha-cha-cha, before salsa, that 70s spicy sauce, took over from the others. But to speak truely, since the mists of times (of slavery), both Africa and Cuba aim to vamp that umbilical cord. The most recent example, CubAfrica, a record born from the reunion of a master from Africa and this very living institution from Cuba, during a show around Albi (in the south of France) where they were both headlining in spring 1996. Manu Dibango sax melted perfectly with the rural music of Eliades Ochoa and his Cuarteto Patria, here the beginning of an idea.
Talking about latino music, Manu Dibango has an history with it. First, during the early 60s, from Douala to Abidjan and Paris, he was surrounded by as much cuban tempos as afro, and a lot of descarga, this typical afro-cuban jam sessions with a spicy jazzy touch, which were back in the circumstances back in the days. Later on, in the 70s, invited in Puerto Rico by the Fania All Stars, this dreamy salsa big band at its highest, Manu dressed his anthemic hit "Soul Makossa", for a show (and then a record) of anthology.
There was nothing more natural for him than diving again in the cuban bath. This time, he crossed the sound barrier with this Cuarteto Patria, a standard combo in the cuban music, founded 60 years ago and handled by Eliades Ochoa, this master of tres the ancestral cuban guitar, in 1978. He just achieved another magic meeting, the one of Buena Vista Social Club record, next to Compay Segundo, Ruben Gonzalez and Ry Cooder.
In Paris, back from Albi, an idea started to tickle Manu, Eliades and... Gilbert Castro, boss of Celluloid-Melodie. They high fived each other, been agree on the repertoire and then get to Davout studio the day after. They tweak the arrangements right at the studio with the help of Ernesto "Tito" Puentes and Hughes de Courson, Lambarena producer.
In two days, everything almost ready. Jerry Malekani, Manu guitar player will add a few things on it.
CubAfrica is a seductive guided tour around the garden of latinos classics, with that Creole smell. Latinos but not only cuban, this record is a walk toward mexican Cielito lindo or Cerezo Rosa, this french sweet made by Andre Claveau and spiced by Perez Prado.
Tracklist:
Side A
1. Cielito Lindo
2. Carnaval
3. Rumba Makossa
4. Son de la Loma
5. Cerisiers Roses Et Pommiers Blancs
6. Yerberito
Side B
7. Quizas, Quizas, Quizas
8. Promesa
9. El Manicero
10. El Paralitico
11. Cosita Linda
小白兔官網
