Susana Baca - Afrodiaspora

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 7 / 7 / 2011

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Review

It might seem strange coming from someone who thinks that the sound of the sitar is the most beautiful and fascinating sound in the world, even when it’s not employed in a pop setting, but I’m sure that I’m not the only one who would normally walk away from most albums that have been pigeonholed in the ‘world music’ genre. Also listening to an entire album of music in a language that one doesn’t understand isn’t an entirely pleasant prospect, especially when the actual music is so far removed from that which is normally listened to. Susana Bacs is a Grammy award winning Afro-Peruvian vocalist, who despite winning such awards and releasing a number of well-received albums (the more recent albums being released on David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label), is still a well-kept secret in many parts. But with latest album, ‘Afrodiaspora’, Susana is likely to widen her already large fan base as although, in the singer’s own words, the album is “ our celebration of the African presence in the Americas and the way it has become a part of Latin America” there’s a universal appeal to these sounds and especially Susana’s vocals that make it irresistible and it’s impossible not to let this music flood over you and feel part of it. Susana’s beautiful vocals are obviously the center of attention on each song here (except for the final song, ‘Canta Susana’, where the vocals are handled by Carlos Mosquera on songwriter Victor Merino’s tribute to Susana) but it’s also those Afro-Peruvian rhythms that make the songs on ‘Afrodiaspora’ so appealing. It is music that is instantly appealing. It doesn’t take an eternity to appreciate the beauty in both Susana’s vocals and the brilliant musicianship of all those involved in the recordings. But maybe the strangest thing is that although many people will not understand one single word of what Susana is singing on most of these songs it doesn’t matter; the soulfulness in Susana’s vocals and those rhythms that make it almost impossible to sit still while listening to the album make this a satisfying way to spend almost an hour and an create an urge to check out more of this fascinating music. For all its Latin American, African and jazz influences there is also a smattering of pop music somewhere in the heady brew of each and every one of the songs on ‘Afrodiaspora’ which is another reason why this collection will cross boundaries and be appreciated by a wide range of music lovers. There really is something for everyone on ‘Afrodiaspora’; it’s one of those rare albums that while never losing sight of the artist's vision or the roots of the music played the end result is one that will appeal to a wide audience. Lend an ear to ‘Bendiceme’ if you can for confirmation of just how affecting both Susana’s vocals and her musical backing can be.

Track Listing:-

1 Detrás de la Puerta
2 Bendíceme
3 Yana Runa
4 Plena y Bomba
5 Reina de África
6 Baho Kende + Palo Mayimbe
7 Coco y Forro
8 Taki Ti Taki
9 Que Bonito Tu Vestito
10 Hey Pocky Way
11 Canta Susana

Label Links:-

http://luakabop.com/
https://twitter.com/Luakabop
http://whois.williamonyeabor.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/luakabopp
https://www.facebook.com/luakabop1989/