Angélique is a Benin-born and Paris-based vocalist who mixes a wide variety of musical styles. On Black Ivory Soul, Angélique explores the musical and cultural kinship between Africa and Brazil, specifically her homeland and the province of Bahia. She incorporates numerous musical styles and influences varying from funk, salsa, soul and jazz to more traditional African musical chants and beats. There are so many musical highlights in this album that only I’ve picked out a handful to describe and discuss.
Olofoofo is a slow mellow tune that combines Spanish flamenco influences with traditional African vocals. A rich, unique sound is produced that is heavenly. Imagine Carlos Santana working with Enya – that’s the sound you’ll experience!
Black Ivory Soul – this has a distinct Latin-American/African influence. The amalgamation of Brazilian salsa beats with soothing background vocals gives a sense of mellow chill. This track would be a cross between ‘Everything but the Girl’ and ‘Ladysmith Black Mambazo’, a surreal marriage of contemporary and traditional styles.
Iemanja has rich, mesmerising vocals that swirl around in your head – I have no idea what she’s singing about but the vocals and music work in harmony with each other to produce yet another stunning track.
Afrika – Combines traditional Benin vocals with an uplifting funky calpyso beat. An energising track that makes you want to get down with your bad self!
Ces Petits Reins is a slow, seductive soul song which was originally by Serge Gainsbourg . Sang in French, it oozes style and class. Melancholy vocals combined with a laidback backing track. Sounds like a traditional jazz standard – probably is – but my knowledge of French Jazz is limited.
Kidjo uses her trademark lush harmonies throughout the album, and she's in great voice, even content to play second fiddle to Dave Matthews on Iwoya.
This is a ‘pleasure you can’t measure’ album. It has beautifully crafted songs that evoke a multitude of emotions. A musical journey that takes you through various uplifting songs, cool mellow tunes, hot Latin sala and jazz classics. My verdict - get this!
Tracklisting:
1. Bahia (Hebrail/Kidjo) - 3:33
2. Iwoya performed by Kidjo / Dave Matthews - 3:48
3. Olofoofo (Cantuária/Kidjo) - 4:14
4. Tumba (Brown/Kidjo) - 3:49
5. Black Ivory Soul (Faragher/Hebrail/Kidjo) - 4:36
6. Refavela (Gil) - 4:16
7. Iemanja (Brown/Kidjo) - 4:27
8. Afirika (Hebrail/Kidjo) - 4:14
9. Okam Bale (Brown/Kidjo) - 3:34
10. Ominira (Cantuária/Kidjo) - 4:23
11. Mondjuba (Hebrail/Kidjo) - 3:03
12. Ces Petits Riens (Gainsbourg) - 2:14