Bembeya Jazz National - The Syliphone Years

Bembeya Jazz National - The Syliphone Years - CD
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cd cover Bembeya Jazz National
The Syliphone Years (2 CD set)
$20.99

Two CDs with 26 tracks from the 1960s and 70s, in chronological order from their first single, 'République Guinée,' a celebration of Guinea's independence, to 'Petit Sékou,' one of their last recordings for the Syliphone label. Those shrill horns, those watery, reverbed guitars, that heavy bass and percussion... and those voices! This is damned near perfect African pop. Highly recommended!

Many of the hits, plus several songs never before released on CD.
Extensive sleeve notes by Bembeya fan and expert Graeme Counsel.

Listen:
République Guinée
Sabor de Guajira
Dembaly

From the record label:
Fêted by presidents, lauded with awards and prizes - not many groups in the world can boast such a legacy. The story of Guinean popular music is so closely tied to the story of Bembeya Jazz that the two are virtually inseparable.

Formed in 1961 and still playing today, Bembeya Jazz perfected a sophisticated blend of indigenous musical styles, Congolese influences, Islamic traditions and genuine Cuban rumba.

During the 1960s and 70s, the period covered by this compilation, they toured widely in Africa, made occasional visits to Moscow to consolidate Soviet-Guinean ties, and were one of the few African bands to visit Cuba.

Bembeya Jazz - The Syliphone Years covers 26 tracks in chronological order, from their first single, "République Guinée", a celebration of Guinea's independence, to "Petit Sékou", one of their last recordings for the Syliphone label. Both songs showcase the talents of one of Africa's greatest guitarists, Sekouba "Diamond Fingers" Diabate, but by the time "Petit Sékou" was recorded, the band's star vocalist, the sublime Aboubacar Demba Camara, had died in a car crash, and the golden age of Guinean popular music was coming to an end.

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