Sixteen talented hands and a whole-body approach to the rhythms of Zimbabwe make
The Balafon Marimba Ensemble a wonderfully unique and totally delightful recording. The five women and three men of
Balafon really "work out" on their instruments, each player focussed on their particular portion of the whole composition, and the intricate cross-rhythms mix together so well that irresistible is one label that definitely works. Two compositions by
Thomas Mapfumo stand out in their concern with everyday life, loves and the struggles inherent in the striving for liberation. The slower pieces that lead off with the delicately compelling sounds of the Mbira (also known as Kalimba or "thumb-piano") are especially effective. For the most part, however, it is the blazing rhythms which are most memorable as they share folklore and non-verbal story-telling through the combining of bass, baritone, tenor and soprano marimbas, congas, timbales, hoshos (gourd rattles), bells and other percussion. This group is a delight to see "live" as well, having recently performed in concert with
The Grateful Dead,
Mickey Hart, Olatunji and others. ~ Backroads Music/Heartbeats