Beautiful music to my ears.....
D. Pawl | Seattle | 06/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had heard bits and pieces of Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca in the past, but I had never really taken the time to listen to and appreciate their distinctive style(s) and the authentic touch they give to African salsa (Lemvo is from Democratic Republic of the Congo) as well as the other genres they play (boogaloo, son, kizomba, rumba, and bolero, among others). Their style is reminiscent of Africando, another wonderful band made up of a cross-section of very diverse musicians (from Mali and Cuba, just to name a couple of countries). The songs on this album are in Spanish, Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, Portuguese, and Turkish [yes, I said Turkish]. Never have so many languages and types of music (and rhythms) melded so beautifully together.
Though, I was really a great fan of salsa music, and enjoyed learning about different styles, that isn't the limit of my musical scope and interest. This album starts out with the style of boogaloo, with "Kasongo Boogaloo." It's peppy and is modelled after the boogaloo music that originated in the Nuyoriquen (New York Puerto Rican) communities. Yet, it sounds different. What makes it so distinctive? Lemvo mixes the languages of Spanish and Lingala together, and the percussion sounds more rootbound to the African origins of Latin music styles we have come to know today. It has a great, earthy and organic feel. I also highly reccomend the beautiful boleros and heavenly ballad featured on the album ("Habari Yako," "Elbette," and "Serenata Angolana"). This album is gorgeous, people. If you haven't heard of Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca up until now, you will be a convert to their musical repertoire after listening to these beautiful songs."
World Music at its Best
otserick | Bordentown, New Jersey | 10/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While all of his work has been excellent, Ricardo Lemvo's "Isabela" is his most superb album yet. Lemvo here has achieved a seamless integration of African and Cuban music. The music is so joyous and infectious, it is easy to overlook its complexity and craftsmanship. And there's even a song in Turkish thrown in for good measure."
Around the world in 45 minutes
Music Lover | 08/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let Ricardo take you on a musical ride around the world with this album - all the way from Congo to Cuba with a little stop in Turkey. How can you resist this journey?"