Search - Lo'Jo :: Mojo Radio

Unique and original world music.

CoyoteWriter | Seattle, WA United States | 05/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...I'm an avid fan of world music. I have many CDs that span the musical ethnic spectrum, from African to Zydeco. I have enjoyed the cross-cultural experiments like Afro Celt Sound System. Nothing I have heard compares to the rich bouillabaisse of influences you hear in Lo'Jo. While the different influences are distinct and obvious from bands like Afro Celt, the real glory in Lo'Jo is the seamless weaving of all these influences into a dynamic, distinct, original sound. No band sounds like Lo'Jo. Denis Pean's gravely vocals, like a cross between Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen, and his harmonium (reed organ); the beautifully soaring and perfectly synchronized vocals of Berber sisters Yamina and Nadia; the violin mastery of Richard Bourreau, all backed by sizzling percussion and bass along with melodica, accordion, kora, djembé, and bendir. The ride is wild, as if the music is barely controlled and contained, about to bust out into wonderful chaos. Raw yet refined. The music takes you on a storied aural journey, from Parisian café to North African street market; the merriment of a gypsy encampment to a cabaret.This CD was recorded and released in Europe before Lo'Jo's other CD, Boheme de Cristal, which appeared in the US before Mojo Radio. They're both phenomenal discs: while Boheme de Cristal is a little move even and consistent, Mojo Radio has more texture, it's highs are higher, it's lows lower (but still WAY above the mean of just about any band I know of)...Interesting band, interesting people, GREAT music! And stay tuned: their new CD, "L'une des siens" should be here in the US this summer (2002)!"

Layer cake of B-52s, polyrhthyms, a gruff French groaner

Frank Camm | Northern Virginia | 03/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Most cuts follow a similar pattern: Layers of (1) a gruff old Groaner speak-singing most lyrics. (2) female singers caught in a bypass somewhere between the B-52s and the LaFlammes of A Beautiful Day, (3) either Arabic or African polyrhythms and mood tracks, and (4) added effects from, variously, accordion, violin, winds, reggae, birdsong, etc. And within this pattern, every cut is distinct. Mesmerizing in some places, fascinating in others. Full of many unexpected combinations. Always changing; always the same. Thirteen different savory stews made from similar, cross-cultural ingredients. [49:16]"

A ratatoiulle for the ears

Amaranth | Northern California | 06/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No wonder this is album had a cult following in album before it hit the US shores.One of its tracks made it onto a Putumayo compilation,introducing listeners to a new world of French sound.



French music isn't always Serge Gainsbourg singing of ennui,or Edith Piaf with her tragic chanson (is there any other type?)This is perfect music for a bistro--provided they give you spicy North African couscous,Spanish tapas and Indian masala.



This is one of Lo'Jo's better albums--though they've never made a weak one.



Highlights-

1)Mojo Radio-Wonderful chorus.Catchy tune.Won't be heard on Top 40 Radio.Helas!

2)Rwandamnation-Lo'Jo isn't afraid of being political.This is a powerful song about Rwanda.The chorus of "this man is dead" is fierce,tragic.

3)Magdalena-A mysterious,bittersweet flamenco.It's barely three minutes long,but it begs to be repeated.

4)Kouchbene bellissimo-Don't know what this song means.It's great.

5)Dans la poussiere du temps-Another great song with strange words.

6)Si jamais si-Indian music is brought into the mix.It's in Sanskrit.It's not even three minutes long,but worth listening over and over.If only this were on the radio!

7)Si vaste-Lo'Jo can be melancholy without depressing.This is a powerful song about the vastness of the cosmos.



Lo'Jo is my favorite group!I reccomend this disk to anyone interested in world music!"