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Franco and le TPOK Jazz Francophonic (Vol 1, 1953-1980) () Subtitled "The Greatest, A Retrospective" and Franco truly can be called one of the greatest musicians to hit sub-Saharan Africa in the 20th Century. From his very first session thru some of his monster hits, this 2 CD, 28 Track set has it all. Incoudes an excellent 48 page illustrated booklet written by Francophile Ken Braun. From his first recordings in 1953 to his death in 1989, Franco Luambo (to use one of the many possible extensions of his name) dominated the music of sub-Saharan Africa in a way that is difficult to over-estimate. And the fact that he is still comparatively unknown in the world of ‘world music’ is a travesty of justice that these 2CDs, with their rare photos, thoroughly reasearched and eloquent notes, sets out to redress. Read more

More info: Listen to track samples CD 1 01 Esengo Ya Mokili 03:18 02 Tika Kondima Na Zolo 02:59 03 Anduku Lutshuma 03:01 04 On Entre O.K., On Sort O.K. 02:57 05 Tcha Tcha Tcha De Mi Amor 03:11 06 Mosala Ekomi Mpasi Embonga 03:09 07 Sansi Fingomangoma 02:27 08 Bato Ya Mabe Batondi Mboka 02:39 09 Bazonzele Mama Ana 02:47 10 Bolingo Ya Bougie 03:12 11 Ku Kisantu Kikwenda Ko 04:43 12 Tozonga Na Nganga 03:56 13 Annie Ngai Nalinga 04:06 14 Marie Naboyi 07:37 15 Boma L'heure 05:06 16 Nzube Oleka Te 04:36 17 Likambo Ya Ngana 05:23 18 Infidelite Mado 06:42 CD2 01 AZDA 07:34 02 Mambu Ma Miondo 04:58 03 Minuit Eleki Lezi 07:30 04 Mabele 07:25 05 Kinsiona 04:05 06 Alimatou 07:22 07 Cherie Bondowe 2 07:32 08 Liberte 09:37 09 Lisolo Ya Adamo Na Nzambe 09:43 10 Nalingaka Yo Yo Te 10:42 So why isn't he better known outside Africa? One thing to keep in mind is that Franco didn't need us. Simply put, he was popular enough within Africa not to have to worry too much about what went on outside the continent. In a rich world dominated by the English language, a francophone artist has to shout to be heard, and then when the western world finally did start to listen to this "Sorcerer Of The Guitar" from the Congo, this "Grand Maître" who composed, sang, played guitar and ran his band with equal vigour … he got sick and died. 2008 is the 70th anniversay of Franco's birth, next year is the 20th of his death. Sterns celebrate the first and will honour the second with volumes 1 & 2 of "Francophonic – africa's greatest – a retrospective". On the 2CDs of volume one, 28 tracks, carefully selected from hundreds of songs, tell the story of Franco from his earliest years through to his first successes. It's been a labour of love and a long time coming …but now it's time to set the record straight! Before Youssou N'Dour, beyond Fela Kuti, and up there with Miriam Makeba; for Africa and Africans only Franco can truly be called "the greatest" including rare photos, thoroughly researched and eloquent notes these 2CD sets are the first to treat this most important artist with the respect he deserves with volume one in 2008 we celebrate the 70th anniversary of his birth; with volume two in 2009, we honour the 20th of his death

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