Celebrating 20 Years - Riverboat Records 2009 Releases
O Shakuntala!
Debashish Bhattacharya
(Riverboat, TUG1053)
With a Grammy nomination and BBC World Music Award under his belt, Indian slide-guitarist Pandit (master) Debashish Bhattacharya’s remarkable virtuosity is winning international critical acclaim. O Shakuntala! is a sublime interpretation of the immortal Indian masterpiece of eternal love and features three slide guitars designed and developed by Debashish himself. A musical adventure fusing two great Indian musical traditions – Karnatic music from the south and Hindustani music from the north – it celebrates love in all its many wonderful rasas (emotions).
Syran Mbenza & Ensemble Rumba Kongo
(Riverboat, TUG1050)
Franco was Africa’s unrivalled guitar legend whose music changed the sound of a continent. Twenty years after Franco’s death, Congolese guitar maestro Syran Mbenza brings together a host of stars to celebrate his incredible musical legacy. Led by Mbenza, widely acknowledged as one of Africa’s best guitarists, this album features the honeyed voice of Wuta Mayi and bassist Flavien Makabi from Franco’s OK Jazz band.
Celebrated for his talents in West Africa, Daby Balde returns with more smoothly hypnotic sounds and gently lilting rhythms. Inspired by the music he regularly performs in Le Marigot, his popular Dakar club, this album showcases his stunning compositions based in the Fula traditions from the south of Senegal, incorporating the sumptuous sounds of the West African kora, balafon and acoustic guitar.
Malian bluesman Samba Touré is a protégé of the legendary Ali Farka Touré. Touring with Farka Touré, Samba was profoundly influenced and began creating his own style of Songhai Blues. Bursting with energy, this is Samba’s tribute to his mentor and the continuation of a desert blues legacy.
