Search - Papa Noel :: Bel Ami

Papa Noel
Bel Ami
Genres: International Music, Pop

Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
1. Bon Samaritain
2. Malou
3. Madiabuana
4. Simba Martha
5. Bel Ami
6. Bebe Dady
7. Kizungu Zungu
8. Tshe Tshe

CD Details

All Artists: Papa Noel
Title: Bel Ami
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Stern's Africa
Release Date: 12/5/2000
Genres: International Music, Pop
Styles: Africa, Caribbean & Cuba, Cuba, Rhumba
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 740042301627

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Congolese rumba is an electrifying style that has produced some master musicians like Franco and Tabu Ley Rochereau. But just as worthy of the accolades is guitarist Papa Noel. This disc, compiled from releases in 1984 and 1994, isn't so much a best of but proof that his music is a magical part of the continuum of rumba. While the singing, especially that of Carlito Lassa, is glorious, it's when Noel lets his fingers fly across the fretboard that the real magic happens. The fills, rhythm work, and solos on the sebene are all his work and dazzling in their fluidity and melodic invention. Always tasteful and succinct--though a listener might wish for more of him--he's a true genius of the instrument, swooping and gliding while the band holds a supple groove in the background. If you still think Clapton is God, this disc might give you pause for reconsideration. --Chris Nickson

CD Reviews

If only it still sounded like this

04/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Too bad modern Congolese music doesn't sound like this anymore. Too much keyboards/synthesizers, less musicianship and way too much hip-hop style posteuring and vocal hype. That said, this is the real deal. If you want to know why Congolese rumba was so popular throughout Africa, here's why. The singing, the guitar work, the rhythms are oh so sweet. The early tracks from the mid-eighties (1,3,5,7) steal the show here because the vocals are as sweet and glorious as any to have come from the Congo (and there are many) and there's more bliss to the guitar work. The other tracks are great too, just that the singer is pales in immediate comparison, and the guitar has a mellower almost acoustic sound to it. Overall, this is an excellent CD."

Classic best.

T. Stough | Wheaton, IL United States | 11/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has the sound of classic soukous. The mellow harmonies and guitar work are nothing short of magic. Many of the songs are the best of other works by Papa Noel. No connoisseur of soukous should be without this album. This music is sweet."

Wonderful Example of Congolese Rumba

Play It By Ear | Sacramento, CA United States | 01/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the greatest guitarists in any genre, "Papa" Noel Nedule delivers a perfect Congolese Rumba record. A former TPOK Jazz member (circa 1978-1988) along with vocalist Carlyto Lassa (also of TPOK (circa 1989-end) combine to deliver the most magical music you will ever hear.

The production of this record is crisp and clean. It is too bad this music isn't in vogue in the Congo or Paris. Fortunately, Noel disregards the current fashion of ndombolo and soukous in favor of timeless music. There is nothing old fashioned about this music.

You can also hear Noel on Mangwana's "Galo Negro" and with the Congolese super group Kekele. These records are still affordable, I believe. The demise of the record company, Sonodisc, has sent the prices of classic rumba into nosebleed territory. I do not know if Noel survived his battle with acute tuberculosis. I hope so. He is a sorcerer of the guitar in his own right. There's Franco, Docteur Nico and Papa Noel when it comes to the rumba congo guitar or any guitar for that matter."