Search - Samba Ngo :: Metamorphosis

An interesting amalgam of styles and ideas leads this Zairois guitarist into some original turf. There are the usual Afro-pop required reggae, R&B, and rock tones underlying the soukous basics that prevail on the recording. The songs are solid Afro-pop dance numbers, with no attempt at cleverness for its own sake. While there are no real surprises in the sound, there are a lot of small twists that provide color. From his kalimba (thumb piano) and percussion playing he has developed a unique guitar style that often echoes the fluid plucking of the kalimba with circular lines that lack the flash of major soukous stars like Diblo, but more than make up for that with a melodic density and beauty. Ngo is more an intricate rhythm guitarist than a lead man, letting the songs take the front line. The band is tight and simple--guitars, bass, and drums, for the most part, with a lot of great ensemble vocals and small instrumental touches to enhance the album and add aural variety. Very contemporary, and loosely bonded to tradition, the music of Metamorphosis is fresh and appealing. (Note: this is the same recording issued in 1996 on the A-Tone label.) --Louis Gibson