Manu Dibango Albums (21)
'Sax & Spirituals Lamastabastani'
Release Date 5/16/2006
Tracks 10
Label Soul Makossa
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The big man of African music is back with a new album and shows that he still hasn't lost a single step of his smoothness. Still the king of African jazz, the breadth of his music is as wide as ever and he shows it here, whether on the heartfelt rhythms of the title cut, the churning Afro-beat of his Fela Kuti tribute, "Big Blow/Abele Mood," or the gospel sounds that propel "Sango Yesu Christo." On piano, organ, sax, and singing, he's the linchpin of everything here -- in addition to being the composer of the music. It's one of his most satisfying records in a few years, with plenty of depth and emotion behind it, and some tight playing from the musicians. It's a very pan-African sound, and his time in Europe is also apparent, not from any studio gloss, but from the inflections in the sound which help connect the dots between Africa and the West. He continues to be a musical giant. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
While the music on Bao Bao dates back to 1984, the time of Dibango's studio work with Bill Laswell, conceptually the album is something of a follow-up to 1973's influential Soul Makossa, and was recorded with a number of the same musicians. As per Laswell's more avant-funk leanings, the sessions also drafted Herbie Hancock, Parliament's Bernie Worrell and keyboardist Wally Badarou. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
