Truth

Justin Vali | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 28, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Real World
• ASIN: B000000HPC
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,226 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #17 in Music > World Music > Africa > Madagascar

Track Listings

1. Malagasy Intro

2. NY Marina [The Truth Mix]

3. Sova [Malagasy Rap]

4. Sariaka [Joy]

5. Rambala [The Wanderer]

6. Tsondrao [Benediction]

7. Tsingy [The Sacred Mountain]

8. Bilo [Malagasy Voodoo]

9. Relahy

10. Ray Sy Reny [Mum & Dad]

11. Manga-Ny-Lanitr I Gasikara [The Blue Skies of Madagascar]

12. Kintana [The Open Roof]

13. Vato Malaza [The Ancestral Rock]

14. Sova [Repeat]

15. Bongo Lava [The Broad Mountain Range]

16. Malagasy Folk Dance Medley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing talent and beautiful songwriting, January 14, 2001

By 

Madagascar fan (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truth (Audio CD)

For those who have never heard Malagasy music, this would be the perfect album to start with. Justin Vali is an astounding valiha player and the songs reflect his talent both in musicianship and in writing tunes that are as varied as the island's people. The trio doesn't need to mix in electronic elements to make their music sound danceable to the Western ear. The group's use of intricate rhythms and polyharmony vocals absorbs you as you listen. Songs like Bilo and Sova make it impossible not to bounce around while you're driving in your car listening to them, and others like Rambala cheer you up and bring to mind hot, sun-soaked islands.

Those who have had the good fortune to see Vali in concert know how his charisma and talent have made fans of Malagasy music of the most unlikely candidates.

Justin has put out several albums now, but for the most part the others incorporate reworkings of the songs on this one, plus a few new tunes. Since this has the best version of all of them, and is excellently produced (on Peter Gabriel's Real World label), this album is far and away the most essential recording of Malagasy music to hear.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, August 8, 2004

By 

C. Antal (Seattle, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Truth (Audio CD)

This album just shines. Absolutely the best recording of Highlands music from Mada available anywhere. The songwriting and performance are perfect and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you're listening to this on a walkman, people around you are no doubt going to wonder what the heck you're listening to that's put you in such a great mood. If you're the least bit curious about Madagascar or African music, pick this album up. You will love it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joyful and superb, April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Truth (Audio CD)

I was lucky enough to see Justin at the WOMAD festival in Seattle, summer 98. He has a wonderful stage presence, which spurred me to pick up this CD. The textures and rhythms keep me listening and always hearing new things. Plus, it's just one of the happiest recordings you'll hear in a long while. Highly recommended.