Search - Etienne Mbappe :: Misiya

Best CD I have ever hear in a very long long time

serge | canada | 09/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just got this CD and It has exceeded my wildest expectations!

Here is someone who is an absolute contemporary African musician.

He worked with great composers like Ray Charles, Salif Keita, Richard Bona and many others but his music is UNIQUE with a mix of ...ALL (African rhythm and Jazz)

This CD is the BEST OF ALL TIME. I love it so much.

Etienne Mbappe is a native from Cameroon ( so is Richard Bona ).

His bass guitar is full of grammar. Rich in vocabulary - the right note

at the right moment.

Well, I don't know what more to say and being a musician myself, I'm a tough critic.

And I can say loudly about this "Misiya" CD: "You can't go wrong with it."

It's a must have.

"

Outstanding "debut" by Mr. M'Bappe!

Raymond Powell III | 12/30/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Much more than just an amazing bassist but an amazing musician. I would have given it 4 1/2 stars if I could but the song "Tele Miso" kept that from happening...but perhaps you'll enjoy it. There are lots of textures and dynamics going on here both harmonically and rhythymically. The compositions are diverse in style and show the maturity of his musicianship. He doesn't go off on self indulgent bass solos or try to be flashy - though he could if he wanted - it's all about the music. He sings well and has a unique timbre to his voice - a subtle roughness at the edges that complements it. At first listen only a few tracks caught my attention but the CD got even better over time as the layers started to reveal themselves. The other musicians on the disc here do a great job of supporting the tunes. Everyone shares the time and space well without stepping on each other. I was fortunate to catch him playing with the late, great, Joe Zawinul in New York. They were amazing together and just blew everyone away. I hope he doesn't ever sell himself out - as so many others have - and choose the smooth "jazz" route for corporate radio airplay. Another musical master from Cameroon...there must be something in the water over there, you think?"