Review (World Music): “Revival” - Sahel
The term “Sahel” describes the savannah in Africa along the
edge of the desert and the rainforest where many people travel and trade and
represents the coming together and exchange of culture. The group Sahel lead by Cape Verdean and
Senegalese singer/songwriter Jean Francis-Varre, spreads this ideal through
their variety of world music repertoire.
They perform pieces by Youssou N’Dour, Bob Marley, Gilberto Gil and many
others to show that music is a common ground where all can stand and share a
good time.
One of my favorite pieces by them is their original “Revival.”
The piece is in ¾ (or 6/8 depending on
how you’re counting it) and starts out with a groove-laying guitar lick
reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “PYT” blended with soukous guitar. The rhythm breaks into an inspiring backbeat
section for the chorus. The keyboard
player solos over this section later in the tune and plays some nice modern
jazz language over top of it. I wish the
solo section was longer but it may be because they were shooting a video. I can envision this tune going much longer
live.
Check out their website and youtube links:
"Revival"
Rating:
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