Search - Vaovy :: Vamba

On Vamba, Jean Gabin Fanovona, the leader, arranger, and songwriter for the Malagasy band Vaovy, creates an intoxicating personal style of music inspired by a variety of modern and traditional sources. "Aia Rehe Jesosy," for example, is a hymn he learned in church when he was growing up and which he recasts as a stirring a cappella chant that recalls the work of South African vocal groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo. On "Mafe," a moving lament of lost love, the accordion of Regis Gizavo gives the song a slightly Parisian ambiance, while the harmonica of Vincent Bucher lends the title track a bluesy feel. But while he makes great use of imported instruments and songs, Fanovona hasn't forgotten the traditional instruments and vocal techniques of Madagascar. "Berivotse," a praise song in honor of a brave man, uses the percussive style of singing known as rimosty, while "Rodoringa" features traditional drums and the three-stringed fiddle called the lokanga. On Vamba, Fanovona and his fine group of musicians may sing old Malagasy songs with new rhythms and harmonies, but they do it in a way that honors the past. --Michael Simmons