Afwoyo

Here's an album of nine tracks that's taken nine years in the making. That's not to suggest obsessive production values, but rather the ‘countless hurdles’ this big band from Uganda had to overcome on the way. Afwoyo means ‘thank you’ (to those who have sustained the group). Taking their name from the rhythmic ankle rattles that complement dance performances, Milégé perform music that Manu Dibango might have dubbed ‘Afrijazzy;’ Afwoyo shares the reflective quality of the late-lamented giant's 1987 album and the contemplative mood of Ray Lema's music.

A two-woman chorus and founding member Manana Birabi F handle the vocals with distinction, while his crystalline guitar playing contributes much to an abiding sense of restraint; only on ‘Latin Kok Pi Ngo’ does he take off into Carlos Santana territory. Throughout, discretion is the better part of valour. Even the two kit drummers – heard to good effect on ‘Kankutwale’ – are never overpowering. The longest track, ‘New Era’, is representative: tasteful and intriguing, it meanders a bit without ever quite taking off. Lovely vocals, fine musicianship, but a bit more bounce to the ounce please.