Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
LUCKSON PADAUD: 'Lilide Hommage A Ernesto Djedje' (PRAA AR 002) Kognounon' 'Tho' 'Hommage A Ernesto'/'Lilide' 'Decowoan'.
Ernesto Djedje, who could have represented Ivoirian music abroad better than any other artiste, passed away peacefully into eternity last year but his music still lingers on. He was master and friend to Luckson Padaud who has tried to immortalise Djedje's music by all sorts of means. Dedicating this album to him, Luckson tries to recreate both the mood and style associated with Djedje.'Hommage A Ernesto' is indeed a Ziglibithy that has long been the domain of Ernesto. The combination of keyboards and guitar at the begin- ning is both effective and tidy even before all the other instruments join in. Choked with emotion and sadness, Padaud sings his heart and soul out in praise of his late master. He has a lot to say and that probably explains the reason why not much room is left for improvisation as you would find in 'Lilide' - a much better Ziglibithy.
Characteristically beginning with keyboard/synthesizer and guitar combination 'Lilide' settles as a beautiful Ziglibithy with convincing horns riffs. The call-and-answer between Padaud and the female vocal line hypnotises 'Akoo Te Brofo'. and conforms to the music. The bass line is strong and the conga unyielding, making this track stand out.
Even though 'Decowoan' might not sound extraordinary the opening is once again attractive with keyboard and synthesizer. But it unfortunately drags on a bit later on.
Following the late Ernesto Djedje's pattern, Luckson Padaud attempts a smootcher in 'Thô', which has the attractiveness of beautiful female vocal line and jazzy guitar solos. 'Kognounon' too sparkles with horns riffs and beautiful arrangements for which Bamba M. Yang is famous in the Ivory Coast.
This third album from Luckson Padaud has reinforced his position as the one who has tried to continue the unfinished work of a master. Even though PRAA's manager, Anet Roger, would have wished for more orientation towards Makossa the Ziglibithy content is strong.
GEORGE DARKO & BUS STOP (OVAL OVALT 31/12 'Highlife Time'
Extracted from 'Friends' and 'High- life Time' albums both of which are commercially successful, this 12-incher promises to be one of the trailblazers on the African disco scene. The reputation of George Darko's music on the radio and the discos has been steadily building up since the last few months, but as a German import and with not too effective distribution in the UK 'Highlife Time' could not reach all quarters. With its release on Oval label here and as a disco single, fans are much happier.Listening closer, it occurs to you that 'Highlife Time' is merely the English version of 'Akoo Te Brofo' whose reputation built up all the way from Ghana, George Darko's home. In both tracks you have the feel that George Darko is an arranger and guitarist of class, moving from traditional to jazz funk style of guitar playing. The steady We pulse of Jagger's drums and the throbbing bass line of Sommetimer synchronise with Lee Dodou's immaculate and hypnotic voice.
Playing as session musicians on these two tracks, the three together with others have come together as Kantata and have released 'Asiko/Duke' single, also on Oval label.
The chaplaincy bulletin
A Ghanaian Chaplaincy quarterly bulletin which aims to serve as a vehicle to link members of the Ghanaian community has been published in London.In an editorial, Rev. A.A. Beeko, explained that through the medium of this bulletin, information could be disseminated and social events like births, weddings, funerals and meetings be reported. The Chaplain's pastoral letter would also reach a wider audience.
