Search - Waldemar Bastos :: Pretaluz

Simple yet beautifully complex

wm | ...onward....thru the fog! | 12/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When David Byrne decided he would turn a few (hundreds of) thousand people on to the music he'd been getting into in the form of "Beleza Tropical" in 1989, legend has it he had no idea how successful the vehicle for it, his record label Luakabop (www.luakabop.com) would become.



Since then, the label has grown into much more than a label for "world music" (a term Byrne loathes). The roster now reflects an almost impeccable taste in music that goes far beyond any genre.



One of the most beautiful albums the label has released is unquestionably 'Pretaluz'. The music here embodies the sadness and violence that Angola has seen through its torn history pre, during, and post imperialism. An incredible sense of joy and hope also emanates from the interplay of guitars and African percussion. Speaking of the guitars, I've always suspected, but not yet confirmed, that David Byrne lends a hand on several tracks. Some of the stylings and effects seem to have his unmistakable signature sound.



Bastos, who now lives in Portugal, variously sings in Portuguese, and at times in a dialect that may be unique to Angola. There really isn't a bad song on this album, but the centerpiece may be "Muxima". This is the story of Our Lady of Muxima. In the story, the pilgrim who returns from visiting Our Lady of Muxima, but hasn't repented or become pure of sin, will drown as he crosses the river.



This is a great record that still sounds fresh almost a decade after its release and countless spins through the CD players. If you're reading this, you may have at least some understanding of how the African diaspora has influenced American culture in ways most people don't recognize or acknowledge. Assuming you do, this is an essential piece to add to that mosaic."