Life affirming music from the congo...

Staff Benda Bilili, a gifted group of musicians whose sound is rooted in Rumba, Reggae + Rhythm & Blues are something of an anomaly. They live around the grounds of a zoo in Kinshasa, capital of the Republic of Congo, & the core of the group are severely disabled. The four piece band are backed by a younger rhythm section made up of abandoned street kids who were taken under protection by Ricky & Theo, the eldest members. The soloist, an 18 year-old boy creates an astonishing sound from a one-stringed lute he designed and built himself from a tin can & disused electrical wire. Staff Benda Bilili begin their UK tour at the Barbican on 10th Nov, and play a further seven dates across the country. Going on the video footage I've seen thus far, I expect their live performances' to be quite something!!

The album 'Tres Tres fort', is available now on crammed discs.

Music - A strange arrangement

This debut album from Mayer Hawthorne, harks back to a bygone era, and that unmistakable sweet sound of Motown.
It is evident from the intro that Hawthorne has 'borrowed' from Detroit's' finest, producing harmonies reminiscent of The Delfonics' amongst others. Nevertheless, unlike many who have tried and failed, he manages to inject a 'freshness' into proceedings, which prevents the record from slipping into a crude interpretation, and into something altogether different.
The catchy hooks coupled with Hawthorne's soothing vocals are infectious, the album cover aside, which is painfully contrived, I'd recommend Hawthorne's' efforts to even the most ardent Motown connoisseur.
The limited edition copy is worth the extra pennies, & comes complete with a bonus 4.5" vinyl.
Enjoy!!

www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne