Joe Loco: Bailemos Con Joe Loco Su Piano y Ritmo

On this record, Joe Loco plays arrangements of romantic classical songs backed by a rhythm section and a vibraphone player. Loco's salsa-tinged style on the piano makes the fusion between these genres feel comfortable and natural. The bass lines are simple, the percussion is full and heavy, and the piano tends to focus more on harmony with relatively few melody-based solos. Not sure of the year on this one, but I would guess it is from some time in the 1950's. From the Tropical label.

Piano Concerto by Easyjams

Etoile de Namaco: La Mauvaise Politique, 1981

A great album from from either Cameroon or Gabon. I've been told both, but I suspect that the band is from Gabon because they sing about Gabonese politics. This one is a personal favorite of mine. The second track, Chere Maman, is a French cover of Sweet Mother by Prince Nico Mbarga from Nigeria. The last track is addressed to Omar Bongo, then-president of Gabon, who was widely known for the extent of his corruption. He recently died and was succeeded as president by his son. Great guitar work and solid musicianship throughout. The last track was also posted here: http://www.africambiance.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=24957&sid=3c7f4247484fb8bb8d6d14fe69154711

La Mauvaise Politique by Easyjams

fuck the giants