Sur la Route des Caravanes

The group’s name suggests they are a drum and dance ensemble. But Les Tambours de Brazza are much more than that. With 20 years experience they have assimilated many musical influences during their travels. Whilst there is plenty of fine drumming, particularly from group leader Emile Biayenda, there is also some terrific instrumentation and singing on this disc. The album opens with a typical fast-pace vocal, drum and guitar generique, which many Congolese bands use to open their shows. However Les Tambours de Brazza show their great versatility on the second track ‘Zanzibar (Sur la Route des Caravanes)’ by having the instrumentation led by violins, accordions, oud, piano and clarinet. The performance is an instrumental, mixing the styles of East Africa’s taarab music, Egypt and tango. The group’s lead vocalist Fredy Massamba shines on several tracks performed in the modern Congolese rumba style. However, on ‘Zebola’ they have as a guest the very sweet voice of Angelou Chevauchet. He is a veteran from the mid-80s, much loved in Brazza, and here he sings one of the best songs I’ve heard in recent years.

In the past Les Tambours de Brazza have shown interest in jazz explorations and on several tracks here they drift into jazz-rock territory, with a fine horn section and great keyboards. Guest pianist Ray Lema is particularly enjoyable, playing a Fender Rhodes against an acoustic guitar on ‘Sun Ray.'

This is a highly varied and musically adventurous album. Whilst their live performances are strikingly visual there is no sense of anything being missing when listening to this recording. Its musicality allows it to stand up on its own.