In The Congo

Only mid March and a bit of spring in the air already? Perfect circumstances to enjoy some electrifying grooves from sixties Congo. So all hail the wonderfully named Negro Succes, featuring the quicksilver guitar of Bavon Marie Marie, a younger brother of the famous Franco.

Negro Succes - Kokisa Confiance Te
Negro Succes - Majo

Tout Puissant

Guitars like fresh mountain streams: has to be an original souvenir from the Congo. Let's hear it for le grand maître Franco and his tout puissant OK Jazz. Here he tells us that the life of a single woman sure is tough.

Franco & Son OK Jazz - C'est Dur La Vie D'Une Femme Celibataire

Don't Leave

As someone very dear to me is leaving today for that huge, troubled, and still somewhat mysterious African country called the Democratic Republic of Congo, here's some authentic tunage from two of the greatest forces ever in Congolese music: Franco and Le Grand Kallé. C'est magnifique!

Franco & L'Orchestre TPOK Jazz - Tangawusi Pts. 1 & 2
Grand Kallé & L'African Jazz - Ambiance Kallé Catho

Some non-rumba bonus tracks, mes amis de la musique? Coming up pronto.

The Bongos - In The Congo
Les Valiants - Don't Wanna Leave The Congo
Pere Ubu - Heart Of Darkness