Search - Vakoka :: Introducing Vakoka

Mixed bag with some vibrant goodies

J. TIMMERMAN | Lawson, NSW Australia | 09/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded music from Madagascar is not plentiful, but the available music is always exquisitely tuneful, happy and rhythmic in the African fashion. Musicians and groups like D'Gary, Rajery and Tarika are all highly recommended. This Malagasy All-Stars recording, a one-off project lasting six weeks initiated in 2003 by Sean Whittaker, can also be recommended even if it's not as consistent as the above-mentioned.



It began as a series of live gigs in a restaurant by a range of musicians playing original Malagasy soul, and one way or another thirteen of them ended up in a studio together. It's heartening and sometimes comical to read of the amazing time Whittaker had with the group, who put their heart and souls into the music-making.



The nature of the music itself is pretty diverse, from melodic dance hall numbers to chants to ballads, so appreciation will vary depending on the listener. The quality of the musicianship is wonderful and the arrangements are always interesting and often highly complex. There's lots of joy and spontaneity apparent in the coming together of different musical traditions, and the result is a unique blend of old and new. Recording quality is very good.

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Presents not a group but a project by Madagascar's best

WorldDiscoveries.Net | Petaluma, California | 08/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This island of unique charming animals also holds unique charming music. The people of Madagascar are thought to be a cross of primarily African and Malay-Indonesia descent: listen to the music on INTRODUCING VAKOKA, much of it played on instruments found nowhere else in the world (including my favorite, the valiha), and you will be transported at times to Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, or even the Manding countries of West Africa."