Pico Culture #05: Zimbabwe Hits, with Pico master Alex Aleman (1986)

(Discafrique - AFRI LP 01).

This compilation presents various bands from Zimbabwe from the early 80's,  The LP remained a period at the back of Muzzicaltrips bag as the title track is perfect to lift the tropical dancers, including fresh inimitable rhythm, sebene and weird effects...

Marimba rhythms from Colombia Pacifico

Marimba traveled from Africa (balafon) to Central America and the Caribbean several centuries ago. This percussive and melodic instrument had time to spread and can be found along the Pacific shore from Mexico to Ecuador, where it became an integral part of local folklore (and even national pride in Guatemala).

I had opportunity discover how marimba is played in Central America, but influence of african rhythms is not as significative as in Colombia. In Chocó region, the main folkloric style is the currulao (dance and rhythm), where marimba transmits a unique deep swing. So just a post to share some rough recordings, which will probably sound familiar to you as these rhythms are still source of influence in some modern productions today (and still the base of actual folkloric music from the Pacific area). 

Daniel Owino and the DO-7 Shirati Jazz Band - Sheroline (Benga from Kenya, 1976)

(DO7 LP3100).

Nyatiti is the name of the eight-string lyre used in Luo region of Kenya (Lake Victoria area). The syncopated play of this traditional instrument inspired guitar players exploring electric instruments possibilities in the 60s, leading to a new major style in Kenya and Tanzania: Benga music.

Daniel Owino Misiani (1940-2006) was born in the Shirati region, on the Victoria Lake shore on the tanzanian side. Based in Nairobi from 1964, he was one of the principal musicians developing Benga, recording hits with Shirati Jazz Band during the 70s and 80s.

Randy Weston live @ Saint Louis Jazz, Senegal (2007)

A meaningful experience to listen to Randy Weston in Africa...
Being one of the most "african" among the US jazzmen (from Tanger jazz club in the late 60s to Nigeria's FESTAC in 1977) this was his second performance at Saint Louis Jazz Festival (Senegal). His African Rhythms Trio is composed by Alex Blake (bass) and Neil Clarke (drums) both perfect sidemen of this innovative and explorative genius. "African Cookbook" (first track played on the veideo). An this concert ended with Ablaye Cissoko (Kora player from Saint Louis) joining the trio, as a direct (and natural) link to african musical heritage.