Very Best of Afrosoul Jazz [Import]

Manu Dibango | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 28, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Manteca
• ASIN: B0000501LY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #258,193 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #24 in Music > World Music > Africa > Cameroon
  • #26 in Music > Indie Music > New Age > World Dance

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Cameroonian jazz legend Manu Dibango made a splash on the world charts back in 1973 with a propulsive, saxophone-driven instrumental called "Soul Makossa," which sprinkled bits of American funk and soul into the dance music of West Africa. Much of his later work gave playful expression to this fusion of African and Western styles, sometimes with odd but always danceable results--as when he recruited rapper MC Mello and P-Funk bassist Bootsy Collins to add their touches to his swinging sound. The Very Best of Manu Dibango highlights his big hit, of course, but it also makes room for lesser-known work like "Ponciana," "Ekedy," and "Abele Dance," tunes that will likely be unfamiliar to all but the most wide-ranging of worldbeat aficionados. Favoring songs from Dibango's middle period, particularly his funk-layered outings from the 1970s, the disc includes a collaboration with Herbie Hancock, "Electric Africa," and the irresistible "Africa Boogie Afrovision" and epic "Sun Explosion." An ideal album to keep a party going, this sampler gives ample evidence for why Dibango enjoys such high regard. --Gregory McNamee

Product Description

A truly essential collection of the Afro-soul-jazz legend's greatest tracks spanning 40 years. His work with Don Cherry, Fela Kuti, Sly & Robbie and The Fania All Stars has heavily influenced a number of dance producers and musicians. Tracks include the pioneering dance floor tracks, 'Soul Makossa', 'Abele Dance' and 'Africa Boogie'. Sleevenotes include a detailed history of Dibango and a track by track commentary. 2000 release. Standard jewel case. Full title, 'The Very Best Of Manu Dibango Afrosouljazz From The Original Makossa Man'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Slightly Disappointed, October 4, 2003

By 

P. Simonson (New Orleans, Louisiana United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Very Best of Afrosoul Jazz (Audio CD)

I was a little disappointed that the version of Soul Makossa on this CD is not the original from the early 70's. It's not just remastered or remixed, it's totally re-recorded - more polish, less groove. And because of the vague liner notes, I'm not sure where this version even came from. What redeems this disc is that it's a great listen overall. Lots of funky beats and layered rythms backing a mean reed blowin' by Manu! Texturally, some of it reminds me of Remain in Light era Talking Heads. It's just ashame that the funkier original version of Soul Makossa wasn't included.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Afro-Funk from "Lion of Cameroon" -- Manu Dibango, August 18, 2001

By 

Lynn D. Larrow (Lafayette, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Very Best of Afrosoul Jazz (Audio CD)

I happened to hear "Soul Makossa" one day on the Spinner Plus Internet radio station and was intrigued by this funky African music which sounded to me a bit like Fela Kuti. So figured I would try this Manu Dibango dude out. Boy was I glad that I did. Great Stuff!

This music should cure the worst case of the sweatshop blues. It's hard to sit still listening to this "Afro-Soul-Jazz" music. The sound quality is excellent.

The following four tracks more than justify the purchase of this CD.

(1) Soul Makossa has a timeless polished funky beat with backup singers (French) and a power saxophone rifting in an out. This has got to be one of the top ten Funky recordings of all time.

(2) Sun Explosion has quicker funky bass beat like a disco song on amphetamines that can quickly put you into a trance.

(3) Adele Dance has more of Industrial style sound sort of like Manu Dibango Meets Kraftwerk. This combination works real well and doesn't sound dated at all because the Afro-Funk Saxophones and rhythms hold everything together (Oolalala!).

(4) Electric Africa returns to more of the Soul Mokassa style of pure Afro-Funk beat with a more restrained power saxophone with Herbie Hancock on piano no less (Wow!).

On the down side, I wish there would have been more information on which albums these cuts came from and the dates these recordings were made.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Manu DiBngo and His Bangin' Beats!!!, April 24, 2003

By 

"pattyplaypall50" (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Very Best of Afrosoul Jazz (Audio CD)

Only Manu can make a beat that pound's your soul with that thumpin' sound of the drummer and the conga's mixed with just the right amount of deep haunting & seductive vocals that hit your ear like the BIG Bang Theory. It is explosive and mixes just the right amount of funk to keep your toes tappin. His beats are so infectious, that several rap artist's whom I will not name, still continue's to sample many of DiBango's beats, knowing that today's young generation beleive that it's a new sound. We who are the true collectors know that is not true. Manu churned out many hits during his time and once you've had the chance to really listen to his music...you will be pleasantly surprised at just how many of his songs have been incorporated into today's hip-hop. Thank you Manu for your precious gift of song. Long live Soul MaKossa!!