Search - Oliver Mtukudzi :: Tsivo

Another Tuku gem!

06/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tuku's latest outing is another gem, albeit a slight departure from norm in that is it almost totally acoustic (the only electric instrument is a tastefully understated keyboaard that provides piano, organ mbira or flute textures on the songs). For the first time, the lead guitarist also plays an acoustic (Clive Mukundu in place of ailing Philani Dube, as does the bassist. Tuku's own playing tasty as ever, no tastier than ever. The gems of this album are Wazvinzva, Wagona Fani; the true standouts are Pawatsiurwa - a great roots original featuring just the two acoustic guitars, hosho shakers and ngoma drums (African congas) - this is what mbira music without mbiras sounds like - hypnotic, soulful, intoxicating; the other is Pakasimbwi, a song also in the traditional mold, but more of a dancefloor filler -Chimurenga Tuku style. A most rewarding experience, listening to this album."