Amara Touré - Amara Touré: 1973-1980 (2015)

 

I first stumbled across the music of Amara Toure while exploring Analog Africa's Senegal 70 release (2015) a few months ago. Toure provides the compilation album its highlight with the song 'El Carretero', which supplies a infectious Latin groove that begs incessant rotation. 

I found this particular album while rummaging through the Analog Africa section on International Record Store Day in one of my favourite record stores in Melbourne - Plug Seven Records. Of course what struck me first about the album is the beautifully vibrant artwork by Kathrin Remest, radiating a certain captivating and intriguing mystique. I had also been looking to increase my collection of Analog Africa's catalogue (this would be my third addition), which has been growing as one of my favourite current record labels compiling top-notch compilations of unearthed gems from Africa and Latin-America's finest, unsung (pun most-definitely intended) musical heroes.  

This self-titled compilation (named after the album's vocalist) offers 'the best of the best' of African-born Afro-Cuban music, which was adopted passionately by African patrons after its introduction to West African shores in the 1940's by Cuban sailors. Information included in the album's gatefold (2015) follows the fascinating life of vocal extraordinaire Amara Toure and his rise to fame in the music scene throughout Africa in the late 1950's - 1980's. Originally born in Guinea, Toure was scouted for his talent by a prominent Senegalese nightclub owner who requested for him to perform regularly in his venue. After dominating the nightlife of Dakar for 10 years, Toure moved to Cameroon to join the prestigious 'L'Ensemble Black & White' orchestra which performed frequently at the nation's top nightclubs and resorts, where we would perform regularly to the President Ahmadou Ahidjo. The first six songs of the album are recorded with this outfit. The final four are recorded with Orchestre Massako in Libreville, Gabon in 1980, where he would play for another fifteen years into the end of his career. 

The album takes the listener on a playfully sensual ride, opening with 'N'nijo', delivering a strong start to the album and setting its mood perfectly with a strong groove assisted by slick guitar work, bouncing percussion, tantalising horn work and - of course - incredible vocals from Toure himself, singing in his Susu native Guinean dialect. While the album more or less carries the same feel consistently through all its tracks, it does very well to share a diverse spectrum of energy to the listener. The track 'Salamouti' offers a high doses of passion through invigorating percussion work, incredibly expressive singing on Toure's part and truly unique raw-sounding horns. Powerful. 'N'ga Digne M'be' on the other hand allows for the Toure to lighten his grip to deliver a slower, more soulful performance. 'Cuando Llegare' - a personal favourite - offers a more traditional Cuban style with an addictive groove that guides a series of delicate yet confident guitar solos and striking horn work. The vocal chants on this one are particularly infectious. 

Overall, this album goes balls to the wall with dope energy, rhythms and instrumental work. Above all though - Toure's vocals reign supreme, supplying a truly unique and passionate listening experience. I would recommend this album to any listener interested in African or Latin music alike. Containing 10 tracks and running for just over an hour, Amara Toure offers no little weak points (apart from the final track). Shit goes hard, what can I say?

Favourite tracks: Cuando Llegare, N'nijo, Afalago

Listen/purchase: https://analogafrica.bandcamp.com/album/amara-toure-1973-1980 

In Between The Grooves Instagram: @inbetweenthegrooves_

Analog Africa: https://www.analogafrica.com/