Sakesho
Sakésho is a quartet built around the characteristic sounds of the steel pans, as played byAndy Narell. He's the band member most familiar to American audiences, but this is truly a group enterprise, and the roles of pianist Mario Canonge, bassist Michel Alibo, and drummer Jean Philippe Fanfant are all well matched. Their self-titled debut features the polyrhythmic music from the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe calledbiguine. It's a sort of near cousin to the calypso, and includes some assorted Afro-Cuban strains. There is a celebratory nature to the music, with all of the players except Narell contributing vocals--primarily as melodic choruses that add another syncopation to the proceedings. Recorded with warmth and clarity, the genuine and friendly interplay between the four musicians is nicely captured as well.--David Greenberger