Jean Luc Ponty
Tchokola (Epic) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2
In the best sense of the term, ”Tchokola” is a textbook exercise in modern west African music. Ponty and a band of African musicians capture both the sound and the spirit of Nigerian afrobeat (”Sakka Sakka”), the hot new Cameroonian bikutsi rock (”N`Fan Mot”), the sinuous makossa style and high- tech Antillean zouk. Most of the tracks are originals written by Ponty and the band in Paris, though solid covers of Mory Kante`s international dance hit, ”Ye Ke Ye Ke,” and Malian superstar Salif Keita`s ”Cono” are included. Electronic tricks and treatments are wisely avoided and even Ponty`s violin takes on a more spare, percussive sound.
Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)
