Kinavana

Description

EDITORIAL REVIEWS 2017 repress. Originally released in 2006. Kékélé's third album Kinavana is a celebration of the musical bloodlines that have run between Cuba and Congo for hundreds of years. As the title hints, it's the spirited and sensuous sound of both Kinshasa and Havana. Along with Kékélé's original members, Kinavana features the grand old master-guitarist Papa Noel, the globetrotting saxophonist Manu Dibango, superstar chanteuse Mbilia Bel, and arranger Nelson Hernandez, best known for his work with salsa diva Celia Cruz. "Kinavana is not just the best African album I've heard in years; it's superior to most of the music I've heard lately, from any place." --All About Jazz "Kékélé make the most exquisite music." --The Independent "Unadulterated joy." --London Metro AMAZON.COM An exquisite homage to the seductive coupling of African music with the sounds of vintage Cuba, the third album by Congolese supergroup Kekele assembles a constellation of stars for a heartfelt tribute to the work and life of Cuban composer and guitarist Guillermo Portabales (1911-1970). Buena Vista Social Club fans will recognize "Mace," a reworking of Celia Romero's "Guateque Campesino," from the debut album by the collective's Ibrahim Ferrer. Here, it is embellished by newly written lyrics in Lingala and melodious saxophone riffs courtesy of the legendary Manu Dibango. Portabales' "El Carretero" is given a glorious, 7-minute Congolese rumba treatment with vocal contributions by Mbilia Bel (the genre's most notable female vocalist) and fiery New York sonera Isabel Martínez. Other guests include Venezuelan percussionist Luisito Quintero and veteran singer Madilu Bialu. Together, these musical giants deliver elegant charanga soundscapes laced with flute and violins, then turn up the heat for some funky Afro-Cuban dance jams. The lilting, ever present guitar lines underscore the sheer beauty of Congolese rumba, an endearing genre that deserves wider recognition. --Ernesto Lechner REVIEW One of those Congolese records that seem totally dedicated to the worship of beauty. --Robert Christgau, The Village Voice See more