Track Listings (12) - Disc #1| All Artists: Franco, Various Artists Title: The Rough Guide to Franco: Africa's Legendary Guitar Maestro Members Wishing: 4 Total Copies: 0 Label: World Music Network Release Date: 6/12/2001 Genres: International Music, Pop Style: Africa Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 605633107128 |
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Search - Franco, Various Artists :: The Rough Guide to Franco: Africa's Legendary Guitar Maestro
 | Franco, Various Artists The Rough Guide to Franco: Africa's Legendary Guitar Maestro Genres: International Music, Pop
They called him the "Sorcerer of the Guitar," and with his band, O.K. Jazz, he helped shaped not only the history of Congolese rumba, but also soukous. Franco was a giant, not just physically, but also in reputation, a ... more » |
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Amazon.com They called him the "Sorcerer of the Guitar," and with his band, O.K. Jazz, he helped shaped not only the history of Congolese rumba, but also soukous. Franco was a giant, not just physically, but also in reputation, a guitar god every bit the equal of Hendrix or Clapton, but unknown in the West. This first U.S. compilation devoted to his work begins in the mid-1950s, when he was still a teenager, with "Merengue," and runs through 1987, and "Attention Na Sida," his final recording before dying of AIDS two years later. In between you get to understand his genius, not just as an instrumentalist, but also as a singer and writer, his band shading and filling out the music beautifully, while Franco himself produces flurries of notes and fluid runs that call to mind both Wes Montgomery and Ali Farka Toure. Compiled by biographer Graeme Ewens, these songs capture all the facets, from the brief catchy singles, the sizzling live magic, and the extended album tracks--and every one is vital. --Chris Nickson Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsSuperb introduction to Franco Ed Gibbon www.congocookbook.com | 08/05/2002 (5 out of 5 stars) "While it is possible to obtain many various CDs of the music of Franco and the OK Jazz (also called the TPOK Jazz) in larger stores, there are two very good reasons to recommend this compilation. First, it contains very good liner notes, which provide a wealth of information about Franco, the recordings, the musicians, and the development of Congolese pop music. The notes were written by Graeme Ewens (author of "Congo Colossus: The Life and Legacy of Franco & OK Jazz") who helped select the recordings. [It should be pointed out that informative liner notes are generally not a feature of the African music CDs that have been issued up until now; the Rough Guide series has raised the bar in this regard.] Second, this is a great overview of Franco's career, with recordings from the 1950s through the 1980s. Some of his most popular, as well as most important, songs are showcased here. The recordings are arranged chronologically, guiding the listener through the growth of the OK Jazz from what was basically a band doing Caribbean rumba-style songs into an institution in African music with a distinctive Central African style. Highly recommended. Good as it is, this should not be your only Franco CD, but it's by far the best selection for a first Franco CD." Congo's best ngaimoko | Africa | 07/09/2003 (5 out of 5 stars) "The country that is best known within Africa for its music is Congo, and the musician who is best loved within Congo is Franco. And here is Franco at his best--highlights from early on in his career (starting with "Merengue," clearly showing the Latin influence in what became soukous, Africa's dance music) to late (ending with "Attention na SIDA"--watch out for AIDS--the artist's plea for others to avoid his own fate). My favorite sample of the harmonious vocals and soaring guitar solos (a soukous trademark) is track 7: "Où Est le Sérieux." Great music from a monumental African singer and guitarist." Riding with a master chris-mb | euless, texas United States | 11/15/2003 (5 out of 5 stars) "This album helps you capture the spirit of a master of african music (franco).From early recordings until the end of a triumphant career, you feel the vibration of the soul of africa at its best.Franco's guitar and voice brings a flashback of history when that continent was a land of strong men and happy go lucky people.This album is really the sound of being genuine..."
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