From Congo: Orchestre Vévé

 

'African grooves with a more laidback feel can be found on this excellent retrospective. Leader Verckys is one of the titans of Congolese music, a former Franco associate whose exploration of the region's folkloric rhythms like the cavacha was laregly responsible for the soukous beat which followed. The ten tracks here are magnificent, upful rhythm zephyrs.'

Verckys Kiamuangana Mateta is one of the most influential figures in the history of Congolese (Zaïrean) music. As a saxophonist, composer and bandleader he was able to rival both Franco and Rochereau. He developed his own honking, gutbucket style of sax playing which characterised some of the most exciting music of the 1960s and 70s.

Verckys was a great showman who liked to play up to the crowd. He really let fly during the sebenes occupying a musical space which had previously been the preserve of solo guitarists only. After generating some raucous excitement as a member of OK Jazz he founded Orchestre Vévé in 1969. He has been credited with creating the cavacha beat that led on to soukous. In effect, Verckys’ unique studio sound, his unerring ear for talent and unquenchable enthusiasm turned him into the godfather of modern Congolese music.

retroafric.com

 Tracklist

1. Sakumuna 5.11
2. Baluti 9.33
3. Marcelo Tozangana 5.27
4. Ah Ngai Matinda 5.49
5. Bea 5.20
6. Bilobela 10.19
7. Londende 9.30
8. Mama Djele  4.40
9. Mikolo Mileki Mingi  8.02
10. Vivita  9.42