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Henri
Bowane |
Zaire |
| 'Double
Take - Tala Kaka'
(RETRO6CD) |
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1950s Congo
hits reprised in the '70s.
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Sessions recorded in Ghana by Franco's original bandleader. A seminal
figure. 'An impressive shock on first hearing - not just an
historical reference, this disc is fun' Tradewind
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Henri Bowane was a crucial figure in
the development of Congo rumba. He was one of the first generation
singer/guitarists to record in Kinshasa (then Leopoldville) during
the early 1950s. As resident bandleader and arranger at Loningisa
studios, Bowane was the first professional boss and mentor of the
legendary Franco. In those early days, however, Bowane was the star,
releasing dozens of hit 78rpms. In 1960 Bowane left Congo as founder/manager
of Ry-Co Jazz, who introduced Congo rumba to West Africa. He settled
in the region and in the mid-1970s he recorded this his only album
in Ghana. The repertoire contains some of his early hits including
Marie-Louise and Natali Nato, which were already 'retro'
items, and more recent songs such as Fou-Nous-La-Paix. There
is also a curiosity number Wabon'kum Blues, performed by Zaiko
Langa Langa under Bowane's direction. The rhythms and inflections
range from rumba and cavacha through highlife to calypso and soul/blues.
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Tracklist
Henri Bowane 'Double Take - Tala Kaka'
(RETRO6CD)
- Sam Ba No (7.14)
- Cherie Natou (5.04)
- Natali Nato (6.04)
- Fous-Nous-La-Paix (6.29)
- Monoko Ya Mboka (5.48)
- Marie Louise (6.29)
- Wabon'kum Blues (4.12)
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