Play 90 second soundbite of 'Bwesha Ichalo' @ 'CD quality'
Now normally I'd put this to one side and await some sort of email communication asking "...have you received...blah blah...yet?" - then I'd listen and review. But, something drew me in here, told me to at least listen. I did! And I was amazed!! 'Sunset Jam by Joseph (Yikona) is a little bit of African magic.
Now, I've got to be careful here, I don't want to risk upsetting Joseph (or anyone else) by putting my uneducated foot straight into my equally uneducated mouth by citing African origins, ethnic nuances etc, etc. But, I believe that Joseph is from Zambia and assume then that 'Sunset Jam' is essentially of the Zambian persuasion musically. If I'm wrong - I'm sorry. Anyway, 'Sunset Jam' is a sensational work - as chilled as it is evocative, as world as it is ethnic, just about as good as it gets I suppose. Joseph, according to the CD credits, appears to be a guitarist and plays several 'named' guitars and 'pro tools' here to produce his beautiful sounds. And, this is beautiful - believe me, if you find anything at all soothing and/or rewarding when you hear music of African origin then Joseph's musical wares are gonna be right up your dusty old street my friend! Me, I've got a bit of a soft spot for most things African anyway - that's probably why I couldn't put this away and await more info - so 'Sunset Jam' had a bit of a head start I suppose but I'm not at all biased so I'll just crack on.
'Sunset Jam' by Joseph is a delightfully rhythmic work that gets straight into your soul then works its magic right through your body until your feet won't stay still. 'Sunset Jam' is tantalising and tingling - a positive Pandora's Box of slick African sounds that's great for any occasion - I'm certainly looking forward to some hot summer days and nights, this'll work great with the BBQ, balmy breezes and mosquitoes. It might not keep the mossies away but it sure make scratchin' where they've sucked a lot less bothersome!! Superbly performed and produced with empathetic professionalism so that nothing of 'Africa' is lost, subdued or concealed, 'Sunset Jam' is sweetness and light, foot-tappin, hip-swayin' rhythmic excellence - a classy, vibrant and sophisticated thirty-eight minutes of Warm African sensual delight.
I'll post this onto my website and sit and wait - hopefully Joseph or his agent will be in touch and I'll learn more about this excellent musician. In the meantime, I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy Joseph Yikona's 'Sunset Jam' for exactly what it is - a splendid piece of Africa in my own living room - a gem of a work, a little beaut!!
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