Search - Franco & O.K. Jazz :: Merveilles Du Passe: 1972-1974

Great introduction to Franco's Creativity

Christopher Spadone | new Orleans, LA USA | 10/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Azda" is a fantastic introduction to the music of Franco and TPOK Jazz and to Congolese music in general. "Azda" is one of Franco's masterpieces, featuring some of his greatest hits recorded during one of his most creative periods. Franco Luambo Makiadia was the leader of TPOK Jazz from 1956 until his death in 1989. During this time he revolutionized the sound of modern Africa music, released hundreds of records, trained hundreds of musicians, and achieved a status equivalent to Elvis or the Stones. Of the thirty plus Franco CD's and LP's I own, "Azda" is my favorite. Recorded between 1972 and 1974, at the height of President Mobutu's Authenticite movement, the album is a collection of hit singles ranging in style from Congolese rumba to electrified folklore. During this time, Franco was important spokesman for Authenticite and many of the album's songs have an anthemic quality and draw deeply on Congo's traditional music. The band is loaded with talent, many such as Sam Mangwana, Simaro, Josky, and Wuta Mayi went on to be stars in their own right. The title track "Azda" is actually and advertisement for Volkswagen. (Each musician received a VW Passat as a reward). It's catchy chorus and hornlines make it an oldies favorite and was recently re-recorded by Cameroon's Kotto Bass. "Assitu" is a gorgeous love song with featuring Franco's famous guitar shimmers alongside a powerful horn riff. The album features several serious songs including song "Mabele" (the Earth) Franco and Simaro's meditation on the nature life and death; how man comes from the earth, and in the end return to the earth. Kinshasa's music magazine Salongo named it the song of the year in 1974. The song hints at the elaborate song cycles that will become a Franco staple in the 1980s. The CD is filled with other classics with evocative titles and music. "Kinzonzi Ki Tata Mbemba"- Wisdom of Mbemba, "Mambu Ma Miondo"- Problems of Land, "Monzo"- a persons name, and "Luka Mobaali Moko"- Look for a Man. In all these songs Franco combines traditional and modern instruments with his blend of Congolese folklore. "Kinsiona" has a psychedelic Latin flavor revolving around Franco's deep voice and florid guitar. Franco's singing and guitar playing make these some of the most memorable of his entire oeuvre. The album is rich and satisfying. Unfortunately, Sonodisc doesn't include any liner notes with the CD, much less song translations. To find out what is going on in the songs, you have to seek out other sources. While it is a serious artistic work, don't be put off, the album really swings. If you don't know Franco or are beginning to explore his older music, "Azda" is a great starting point."