Search - Les Nubians :: One Step Forward

Oui!

The Groove | Boston, MA | 04/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Les Nubians' "One Step Forward" is a gumbo mix of underground soul, funky jazz, and dashes of reggae--with a welcome French twist. Featuring the vocals of sisters Helene and Celia Faussart, the CD is a seductive journey through many moods and textures. I'll be the first to admit that my French has been rusty since high school (some songs have French lyrics, others in English), but that didn't stop me from appreciating this disc's many riches. The tracks "Brothers and Sisters" and "El Son Reggae" are lively and deeply rooted in old school reggae, and "Que le Mot Soit Perle" is a quietly elegant number that stands out mainly due to its welcome touches of acoustic guitar and light percussion. Other points of interest are the 8 minute closer, the pretty "Immortel Cheikh Anta Diop" and the laid-back groove of "Unfaithful/Si Infidele." While some may call "One Step Forward" an attempt to make the duo more "accessible" to American listeners, I did find it an overall solid effort. Tres bien!"

"Les Nubian & Higher Octave have done it again"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 03/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Higher Octave offers a jazzy, sophisticated style blends R&B with French duos Helene and Celia Faussart known as Les Nubians. They offer a variety of songs that always take the listener into a hip-hop mixed with plenty of soul influence. Their latest release "One Step Forward", offers a variety of songs from smooth-jazz to French rapping. Their repertoire of African tunes, reggae, jazz, R&B and haunting original songs, plus their love for my of my all-time favorite vocalist Ella Fitzgerald (The First Lady of Song). This CD brings the same joy and entertainment as their previous release from Higher Octave "Princesses Nubiennes"...so it's no wonder that these pretty young ladies have another winner on their hands.Total Time: 70:12 on 15 Tracks ~ Higher Octave 82569 ~ (3/25/2003)"

Cette excellent!

Nse Ette | Lagos, Nigeria | 09/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Les Nubians are French/Cameroonian sibling duo Célia and Hèléne Faussart. This is the follow up to their 1998 debut `Princesses Nubiennes', and following appearances on numerous CDs like the Fela Kuti tribute `Red Hot & Riot', `Bridging the gap' by the Black Eyed Peas, and `Streetsoul' by Guru to name a few.



They have a laid back tropical sound, which is a loose hybrid of neo soul, Jazz, African, and hip hop, sort of like Sade. As colourful and ornate as the markings on their faces on the CD photos. They usually sing in English, French and some Cameroonian language.



The soothing `J'veux d'la musique (tout le temps...)' is a prime example; soft and lilting with beautiful vocal harmonizing from the duo. Performed in French.



Lead off single is the sunny sounding `Temperature rising' sung in English and featuring a stylish rap from Talib Kweli.



The pair of `El son reggae' and `Brothers & Sisters' are reggae songs, the latter featuring reggae group Morgan Heritage (great voices) and flowing freely from French to English. A very bubbly catchy tune about brotherly love and giving thanks to the Almighty for His many gifts to us. Excellent guitar work and harmonizing. One of my favourites. Beautiful!



`Me & me' is really African sounding; the percussion, guitars, and the vocals in English, French, and some Cameroonian tongue. Very joyous sounding!



`Que le mot soit perle' is another standout. A delicate, lilting, tropical sounding song in French with a jazz feel, and all manner of drums tapped all over.



`Saravah' is another light breezy with a male voice adding spoken vocals here and there. Sung in French.



Closing 8 minute track `Immortel Cheikh Anta Diop' is a stunning piece; Half spoken/half sung in French, delicate percussion, a magical chorus with a dreamy feel, flutes drifting in and out, and tinklings of marimba played by Manu Dibango. Everything about this song is perfect.



What can I say?? A brilliant sophomore effort and I look forward to much more from these ladies.

"