Les Amazones de Guin?e - Wamato
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Free Music Review: The Amazons of Guinea
Hit: 5 Stars
Apparently, this band of talented and insistent women from Guinea have been around for more than 40 years but have only had the opportunity to release two albums. This new release shows why the group is a real find for all world music fans with an interest in the authentic sounds of West Africa. The Guinea sound, at least as delivered by the Amazons, is quite similar to the rambunctious High Life of Nigeria, but adds an extra focus on lead vocals with an unconventional emotional force, and crisp multi-part guitar melodies. The troupe is also high on intricate and powerful percussion arrangements, which I believe are delivered by an affiliated touring ensemble that also operates under the name Les Amazones de Guinee (they're all women too).
The best examples of intertwining guitar, vocal, and percussion arrangements here are the starkly emotional "Reine Nyepou," and the joyously laidback "Dimembalou." Other highlights include the beautiful "Kania" which is somehow forceful and mellow at the same time, and watch out for the especially powerful vocal arrangements in "Deni Wana" and the swinging horns in the very funky "Zawi." The closer "Meres d'Afrique" offers an intriguing combination multiple African styles and shows a distant relationship with Afro-Cuban swing. Not too many Western listeners have probably heard of these Amazons, but if you're a fan of all that West African music has to offer, this group's joyous and experienced sounds are essential. [~doomsdayer520~]