Rough Guide to Manu Dibango

A rich retrospective of the long career of the Cameroonian star of sax (tenor, baritone, and soprano), singing and composing. The tracks follow him from Congolese dance to serious funk and deep jazz. The final track is an extended and updated version of his signature tune (wow!). Every track is a winner (well, maybe except for 6 which is a bit much) and the versatility of this artist is truly impressive.

1. Warm, midtempo & happy w/a sweet ska-flavored sax.
2. Sweet and jazzy marimba-driven instrumental.
3. Upbeat, high-energy dance w/a great vocals.
4. Small-club jazz w/ a sophisticated smoothness. Relaxed.
5. A light & swaying thing w/great sax & marimba.
6. Lush strings & orchestra, slow. The only one I don’t like.
7. Fast and funky. Great sax, great energy.
8. Midtempo jazz w/wailing soprano sax & marimba.
9. A big, rocking sound w/lots of funk.
10. Sexy organ/sax/vocal highlife number w/serious coolness.
11. Bouncy marimba, subtle bass. Warm & catchy.
12. A funky urban, Afro-European groove.
13. Scratching, vocals, sax, bass, guitar, a funk jam. Way cool.
9/2004