Search - :: Retrospective, Vol. 1

If I could give this more stars, I would...

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 07/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite of the RetroAfric albums, since it highlights such a different, older musical style. Kenyan guitarist Fundi Konde began his career during WWII, and started recording in the late 1940s. This mellow, acoustic version of the popular rumba style has a distinct calypsonian feel to it, and an unusual instrumental flavor -- accordions and a light clarinet poke up next to a gently picked acoustic guitar. Konde's vocals are similarly whistful and relaxed, underscoring the sense of novelty and antiquity in these classic tracks. There's not a lot of African pop (that I've heard) that sounds like this -- it's a real treat, and highly recommended for anyone in search of something *really* new and different to check out."