Customer Reviews

Galo Negro

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw Sam Mangwana at Yoshi's in Oakland (Bay Area music fans, check that place out) and enjoyed his show so much that I bought Galo Negro the next day. I do not know much about Central African music, and the "Rumba Highlife" style is new to me, but this is an extremely appealing album even for the uninitiated. Mangwana's attraction is his ability to craft pleasant, relaxing songs that are not insipid; on the contrary, his songs are complex and skillfully performed, and subtly exciting if you pay attention. His use of the accordion and "backup" singers on Galo Negro (he gives them a prominent, complementary role supporting his own terrific multilingual vocals) is especially remarkable; the music reminds one of Cuba, Paris, and Kinshasha all at once. If you are looking for a cool, unusual disk to spin in the stereo after a long day, but easy-listening pop world music makes you nauseous, then Mangwana is for you. (PS--if you like this one, check out Mangwana's "No Me Digas No"--it may be even better.)

This album manages to sound familiar yet fresh at the same time. Mangwana has an amazing voice. His backup singers compliment him really well. And the arrangements sound eclectic. This may sound a bit too much like the label's own notes on the album, but they are absolutely true. The other reviewer's comment that his album is relaxing yet complex is also very true. An outstanding album.

I agree with all the other reviews, too -- so this album unquestionably deserves 5 stars!