This is a beautiful and highly unclassifiable record. Boni's Family is French avant-garde guitarist Raymond Boni accompanied by Bastien Boni on double bass and Geneviève Sorin on accordion. The music, almost thoroughly written, lies somewhere between musette, tango, gypsy, rhumba, and free. The accordion is used in a traditional way and is often responsible for the melodic structures and references to established styles. Raymond Boni's guitar work, mostly on electric, goes from looped soundscapes to feverish strumming and freeform soloing.
After the Rap features nine pieces, with contributions from all three musicians. Very spirited, the music draws the listener into an irresistible dance. The opener, "Les Feuilles," is a tango-like number that follows a southern French vein reminiscent of the Femmouzes T. It has a nice melody and some interesting rhythmic features, but at nine minutes it is obviously overstretched. "La Redonne" brings a softer moment, a waltz that segues into "Sabine," a riff-based piece that is also a bit repetitive. But those are minor details. The interest of
After the Rap resides in its joyful mood, unusual instrumentation, and even more unusual pairing of traditional music associated with the accordion and moments of free improvisation ("Azur," "After the Rap"). Fans of experimental accordionists such as
Kimmo Pohjonen and Guy Klucevek will surely be appreciative. ~ François Couture