Think of this as a live greatest-hits disc, and you're remarkably close to the mark. What makes it special, however, is its lack of affectation.
Papa Wemba simply sings, and when he opens his mouth, the listener is transported. How he can sing so high and clear is beyond any easy explanation, but he's in wondrous voice on many familiar cuts, even covering the late, great
Otis Redding on "Fa Fa Fa," although he brings some changes to the soul classic. The band matches him step for step -- completely on the money, and for the most part playing with passion, rather than flash (the few solos are delicious and pertinent). Recorded in Paris, this is vintage
Wemba, going through material that most fans know well (notably he sticks to this instead of his more African songs). He puts on a great show, but this time its not about appearance, but substance, he delivers that in spades. ~ Chris Nickson