Search - Tarika Sammy :: Bibiango

A great introduction to Tarika and modern Malagasy music.

Paul Grindrod | Salt Lake City, UT USA | 04/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a really good introduction to Tarika's music and a wonderful CD. This first release from the revamped Tarika Sammy features sisters Hanitra and Noro, backed by three extremely versatile multi-instrumentalists. The 13 songs cover a range of topics: childhood games, marital relations, rituals, drought, and the sorrow of parting. Alternately exhuberant, jaunty, rhythmic, melodic, soulful, and lyrical, the voices and instruments blend and weave beautifully. My personal favorites include Taraina (track 3), a playfully upbeat argument between a man and a woman; Jejy (track 10) a song about, and featuring, the traditional Malagasy gourd dulcimer, the jejy voatavo; and the stunning Zanane (track 12), an a cappella number highlighting the singing abilities of the band members. If you already know Tarika from their later recordings, don't miss this opportunity to expand your experience. If you are new to Malagasy music, this is a good introduction."

Lively Madagascar roots music from new lineup

woburnmusicfan | Woburn, MA United States | 04/13/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first album after Hanitra Rasoanaivo and her sister split off from Tarika Sammy to form Tarika (Malagasy for "group"). The revised lineup continues Tarika Sammy's use of many instruments native to Madagascar (especially from multi-instrumentalist Donne), but with a more rhythm-oriented emphasis. Tarika is a dance band. The rhythms are compelling even though there isn't a drummer per se. Every member of the five-piece band takes a turn on hand drums or percussion. The individual songs just aren't as memorable as on "Fanafody", or on later Tarika albums like "D" or "Soul Makassar". The songs "Taraina", "Bibiango", and "Jejy" are highlights. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull produced the album."