APHRODESIA

Lagos By Bus

2007-12-30

West coast American band Aphrodesia present their take on West African music with Lagos by Bus, featuring a blend of funky Afrobeat with the smoother highlife style. Lara Maykovich and Maya Dorn sound larger than a vocal duo with their mostly chanted, occasionally interwoven singing, which wafts rich harmonies on the traditional Afro-Cuban hymn for healing "Ago Mado." Although their ecstatic voices open "Ochun Mi" massed horns and a stabbing electric piano straight out of Afrobeat founder Fela Kuti’s stylebook dominate the extended groove. “Holy Ghost Invasion” pits its English language invocation against fierce percussion, a theremin effect, and sonic collage in an energetic ditty that ends almost as soon as it begins. Best track honors go to instrumental "White Elephant," which beautifully modulates quiet tension and full tilt boogie, then erupts into Charlie Gurke's throttling baritone saxophone solo. -- Bob Tarte

For over 1,000 world music CD reviews by Bob Tarte, visit BobTarte.com and click on 'Music Reviews.'

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Nouvelle Vague
    Nouvelle Vague

  • reviewed 05/2009

    PLAYING FOR CHANGE
    Songs Around the World

  • reviewed 05/2015

    Matt Black
    Peace To Matteo

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Various Artists
    Congotronics 2 – Buzz ‘N’ Rumble From the Urb ‘N’ Jungle

  • reviewed 08/2012

    LEON FOSTER THOMAS
    Brand New Mischief

  • reviewed 11/2009

    LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS
    El Arte De La Elegancia De LFC

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.