For her major label debut, Ethiopian chanteuse Gigi has found the ideal sonic foil in producer Bill Laswell. He provides a solid foundation for her compositions and airy voice, grounding them with gospel organ, an elasti... more »c rhythm section, and contributions from some top jazz names, including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Pharaoh Sanders, to lend an air of adventure. Gig's Amharic lyrics might not be readily understood by American ears, but her seductive tones are warm enough to translate into any language. Despite its studio gloss and sometime ambient excursions, as on "Adwa," the record was made by real, live musicians, without loops or samples, giving it a richness and depth. The music works superficially as pleasurable background, but listen more closely and there's a definite sophistication to the tracks that gives the album longevity, and marks Gigi as an emerging major talent. --Chris Nickson« less
For her major label debut, Ethiopian chanteuse Gigi has found the ideal sonic foil in producer Bill Laswell. He provides a solid foundation for her compositions and airy voice, grounding them with gospel organ, an elastic rhythm section, and contributions from some top jazz names, including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Pharaoh Sanders, to lend an air of adventure. Gig's Amharic lyrics might not be readily understood by American ears, but her seductive tones are warm enough to translate into any language. Despite its studio gloss and sometime ambient excursions, as on "Adwa," the record was made by real, live musicians, without loops or samples, giving it a richness and depth. The music works superficially as pleasurable background, but listen more closely and there's a definite sophistication to the tracks that gives the album longevity, and marks Gigi as an emerging major talent. --Chris Nickson
LGwriter | Astoria, N.Y. United States | 11/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here's a one-of-a-kind album--an Ethiopian woman singer backed by incredible musicians from around the world. Singing in her native Amharic language, Gigi varies her songs, mixing jazz, folk, and electronica in equal measures to create a truly memorable music experience.In addition to the great jazz names of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Pharoah Sanders, also on hand are Henry Threadgill (sadly underestimated American jazz performer and composer) on alto sax, the always interesting Graham Haynes on cornet, Nicky Skopelitis on guitar, Bill Laswell on bass (who also produced and arranged the album), Indian Karsh Kale on drums and tabla, and Senegalese Aiyb Dieng on African percussion, as well as many of Gigi's fellow Ethiopians on backing vocals, percussion, and Ethiopian instruments masinko and kerare.With Laswell's innovative production and Threadgill's creative horn arrangements, this is one worldbeat album that can be listened to repeatedly. Gigi's voice is clear, lyrical and emotional; she can belt, reach for high notes, plead, or sing softly, and all of these are captivating.This is a unique album, definitely a huge plus in your worldbeat library."
"A" List Musicians, Beautiful voice, outstanding engineering
T. Austin | Van Nuys, CA United States | 03/30/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"First impressions: It's a very layered album with lots of echo and overlapping vocals. The lyrics are soothingly melodic and the back ground vocals are just as nice. The arranger, Henry Threadgill, who did the horns, should get a Grammy or something for tying everything together so wonderfully. It has an African vibe of course but the music behind it has a western influence. The liner notes have the lyrics in both English and Ethiopian which I appreciated a lot. Also, pictures of GIGI inside and some African artwork and lettering are featured within the liner notes. You have Herbie Hancock on piano/syntheizer, Wayne shorter on the soprano sax, and many other famous jazz professionals/icons contributing here. Seriously, how can you go wrong when you have Grammy award winning profesionals providing the music? For the "world beat" purist, this album may be a little over the top since the talents of many accomplished musicians from several different discliplines contributed here. Note, synthesizers and an electric piano were used on this CD with plenty of echo and fades. In other words, it could be a little too electronic for those that prefer a minimalist or more "earthy" approach. The purist may even consider this CD moving a bit towards "New Age". Conclusion: It's a very, very good album but I feel that it does not truly fit into the "world beat" classification.Bye."
The Princess of World Music
nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 02/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is exciting and uplifting. Gigi - a young Ethiopian singer - composed the Ethiopian melodies and Amharic lyrics, and the all-star team of Herbie Hancock, Waine Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, producer Bill Laswell and other top musicians transformed them into a captivating blend of musical styles - Ethiopian (Bale Washinto), Indian (Guramyle), African and Jazz fusion. Despite the mixing of influences, the result is cohesive and attractive.
The CD quickly became popular among Ethiopian youth worldwide who were looking for a breakthrough from traditional Ethiopian pop to a more contemporary sound.
Gigi's personality is positive and charismatic as can clearly be heard on every track of this CD. Her voice is very Ethiopian and at the same time very universal, and her optimism shines through. She is proud of her Ethiopian origins near the Blue Nile falls, and confident in her ability to create substantial music.
I recommend the CD to ALL human beings."
Gigi is magnificent
Gracejoy | New York, NY United States | 06/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was first introduced to Gigi's music when my mother sang background vocals for her in a New York concert not terribly long ago (my mother is a professional singer), and subsequently with the receipt of this CD, which was given to me as a gift and is quickly becoming a favorite. Gigi has a fantastic voice, technically superb and able to perfectly sing and maintain flurrets of melody and unpredictable rhythm that would challenge even the most experienced singers. The music is "exotic" but also, somehow, familiar -- it is different enough to be wholly interesting and yet near enough to be complete accessible and enjoyable to the common ear. Underneath the very Ethiopian flavor is a jazzy mood that will resonate with all jazz-lovers. Instrumentation is great, and many pieces feature soul-stirring, body-swaying percussion and lively, but unobtrusive, bursts of brass. The last song on the recording is a haunting, exquisitely sung "ballad," for lack of a better word, that perfectly showcases Gigi's unique and gorgeous voice. This is a wonderful recording of truly interesting and enjoyable music and superb singing. Very highly recommended to one and all!"
Mesmerizing
Paul Fucich | Palmdale, CA | 10/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Outstanding music from Africa. Superb vocal and musical arrangement. The music exudes rhythm and feel, and the vocal delivery is passionate as well as original. Elements of the elements that make up the best in jazz variety, all the while the backbone being African rhythm. A nice selection of assorted instruments to accompany the changing moods within this collection of great music.I recommend this CD to anyone who loves African music. I also recommend this to anyone who is interested in expanding their world music collection. Time is well spent here as this artist and her music make their mark on your music scene. I love the music on this album because it is raw yet the recording is excellent. I find this recording does something to me, perhaps it is her voice, or perhaps it is in the music itself, I cannot say which. All I can say is that the music produces a feeling, even though I cannot understand the language, I can relate completely."