Africa - Voices Of Africa (African Blackwood) - Various Artists

Advantages: Great triple CD
Disadvantages: None

...Essential Afroboeat is essential if you are in any way interested in Afrobeat music. The CD sleeve notes bake a somewhat bold claim. "This is Afrobeat: The past, the present and the future. Contributions to this compilation come from all the corners of the Earth, with influences from every culture of the world. Fela said that Africa was "The centre of the world." This compilation has proved him right: Afrobeat is afrian and Africa is at the centre. The contribution of each artist to this compilation is testimony to the fact that Afrobeat is universal." But are these sleeve notes right? Yeah. I guess they are, pretty much. There's a glittering array of some of the best of the most talented musicians from Africa. There's Fela Kuti himself, with his super-eclectic style, which combines elements of R&B, Reggae, Ska and some hard pushing... Read review

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Advantages: Amazing Jazz improvisation, great sound and beautiful harmony
Disadvantages: None.

...Jazz in Africa is an excellent example of complex swing rhythms and fruitful harmony combined with witty and playful melodies. Instruments of a classic Jazz setup with a drumkit, double bass, piano, Saxophone and Trumpet. This Album is a personal favourite with some really special tracks on it. Track 2 Yardbird Suite is a great introduction to jazz, its full of life with a controlled expressive saxophone solo. Track 12 Gafsa Gypsies, a piano solo is a brilliant piece showing the piano in its more dreamy side. I think the questions when buying music in particular are: How tight is the music? How good is the sound quality? and is it really an positive experience into another culture? I think with Jazz in Africa Volume One I can really vouch for this album. Fair enough some of it may sound like a bit wild, wandering off the point... Read review

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Advantages: Songs are very chilling and relaxing!
Disadvantages: The Paper case is a bit flimzy but thats about it!

...Little Birds 16. Buffalo Soldier - (Original) 17. One Love/People Get Ready 18. Africa Unite (will.i.am remix) 19. Slogans 20. Stand Up Jamrock (Ashley Beedle Remix) - (Amazing song this is the original of the much newer song - Welcome To Jamrock by Bob Marleys son himself, Damien Marley AKA JrGong!) Basicly if you like Bob Marley or reggae you will love this album, Also most the songs on this album are differnt versions than the originals and a few remix's so well worth purchasing! I realy do belive this is one of the best reggae/non reggae albums around!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful