Madagascar is an island rich in rhythms and vocal harmonies, but also, as we have known ever since the virtuoso D’Gary made it big in France, it is a land of guitarists. Putting down the traditional kabosy, these young musicians have transposed traditional Malagasy rhythms and musical logic to the guitar, crossing them with rock, jazz and folk techniques. Teta Jean-Claude has made a name for himself with several albums produced for Buda Records. He hails from Toliara, the home of the frenetic and transcendental tsapiky rhythm. Chryzanto Zama comes from the same region and is a member of the Ny Malagasy Orkestra, which has been presenting the diversity of Madagascar tradition to Western audiences for a decade now. He specialises in the rodaringa, which is played at wrestling matches and the tsinjabey, and which is often heard at funerals. Joël Rabesolo is a young virtuoso who was brought up on Jimi Hendrix and Keith Jarrett. This first album, celebrating their fascinating move to 18 strings, was produced by Tao Ravao, multi-instrumentalist and high-class Malagasy author (whose back catalogue includes Rajery, D.Gary, Ba Cissoko and Sékou Diabaté…). As precise and impressive as any world-champion wrestler, this virtuoso performance rests on an attention to music which is profound, and shared. © Benjamin MiNiMuM/Qobuz