Titi Bakorta - Molende
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 25 / 10 / 2023
Label:
Smithsonian Folkways
Format: LP
intro
Backfiring melodies on stunning avant Afro-pop debut from Titi Bakorta
Titi Bakorta's You Tube pages predicted that he had a stunning surprise debut LP in store with 'Nyege Nyege'. They were mere sketches yet they are now assembled and sorted out on a wonderful LP, the puzzle turned picture perfect. There is square dance music first on 'Elles Vais', yet just when it feels comfortable enough, an unsettling Brazilian shuffle next sets the pace on the title track. Titi Bakorta is a gifted instrumentalist with a volatile voice to match. The melodical gymnastics in his ingenious compositions combine well with his fingers which run across the width of his computer keyboard. One moment you'd think John Fahey has gone haywire, next comes a semi-chanson about Titi's village of birth. Behold, 'Molende' never ceases to surprise. Flat narratives in hiphop style seamlessly melt with cheeky chatter during the course of many a song. Prog folk on 'Libala Makambo' evolves into soulful pop on side 2 of the LP, with probably the best of music I've heard this Year: the unfathomable 'Nyonso Epesameli Nga' track. Cherry picking on snares, plucking bass daisies and rubbing his melody lines into your mind, Titi Bakorta is a multi-minstrel. The Molende album defies labelling. Titi Bakorta rocks your boat yet never lets it slip away. 'Molende' is a most affectionate punch in the belly.
Track Listing:-
1 Elles Vais2 Molende
3 Kop
4 Laisse Moi Dancer
5 Grand Kasai
6 Libala Makambo
7 Ndima Kaka
8 Nyonso Epesameli Nga
9 Motema
10 Titis Haunted House
Play in YouTube:-
Have a Listen:-
bandcamp
soundcloud
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024
Elliott Murphy - Interview
Wreckless Eric - Interview
Adrian Gurvitz - Interview
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #16: Living in the Minds of Strangers
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #17: Tom Robinson
Norman Rodger - Interview
Chris Spedding - Interview
Penumbra - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Groovy Uncle - Making ExcusesBill Wyman - Drive My Car
Hawkestrel - Chaos Rocks
Philip Parfitt - The Dark Light
Ross Couper Band - The Homeroad
Deep Purple - =1
Jules Winchester - The Journey
Popstar - Obscene
John Murry and Michael Timmins - A Little Bit of Grace and Decay
Splashgirl and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe - More Human
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart