Best of Africa Anthology

Various Artists - Best of Africa
Various Artists – Best of Africa
Various Artists

Best of Africa (ARC Music EUCD 2526)

Best of sub-Saharan Africa, really. Quite fun. Producers went back quite a number of years in the great ARC Music catalog to select the 16 cuts for this anthology, and it is various and fantastic. There are fervent, primitive gospel tunes, modern African funk pieces, songs reminiscent of the ’80s Paul Simon borrowings from “The Dark Continent” and throwbacks to Solomon Linda and the insistent percussion lifted for the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy For the Devil” from the 1935 film, “Sanders of the River.”

When you next do something fun or invigorating or are making preparations for same, this is the background music for your activity. You will be glad to own it, whether you already have an extensive sub-Saharan music collection or need an introduction to the sub-genre. It should be added that this release is ideally, perhaps even best, suited to that mission.

It is tempting to cleverly say the same thing repeatedly in different ways, the “thing” being encouraging readers to buy this CD. One hears it and wants to express gratitude to the label for releasing it. It is a topnotch release that will please a broad range of ears and music preferences. Should more encouragement to get this CD be required, please re-read the review. The praise herein is wholly sincere.

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Author: Arthur Shuey

Arthur has been reviewing music for publications since 1976 and began focusing almost exclusively on world music in 2012.

His musical background includes past presidencies of the Cape Fear Musicians Association and Blues Society of the Lower Cape Fear, founding membership in nine other blues societies, service on 17 music festival planning committees, two decades of teaching harmonica to individuals and groups, operating a small recording studio and performing solo and in combos for 30 years.

Arthur has written professionally since 1975, pieces ranging from short fiction to travel articles, humor to poetry, mainly for local and regional entertainment media. His blog,” Shuey’s World,” is featured at www.accesswilmington.com.

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