Sweet Soul of Kenya

1950’s Kenyan guitar folk. Sweet and simple, with plucked guitar and two harmonizing female voices. See sticker on jewel case for more info. The simplicity of the delivery at first masks Nzomo’s impressive skill as melodist. If you are inordinately annoyed by out-of-tune playing, check the notes below for track by track info. Recommend 2, 4.

1) 85 bpm. Lullaby like melody, guitar, harmonizing female voices, slightly out of tune in an interesting and possibly purposeful way.
2) 80 bpm. Similar to 1, perhaps slightly nicer.
3) 66 bpm. Guitar is a little out of tune. Male vocals.
4) 66 bpm. Really pretty, subdued melody.
5) 80 bpm. Titled “Unity.” Possibly the mellowest protest song ever.
6) 80 bpm. Another pretty track.
7) 74 bpm. Nice, gentle swing on this track. It would be interesting to know if Nzomo had any exposure to jazz, or if this results from musical convergent evolution.
8) 70 bpm. Singing a bit out of tune, but otherwise interesting harmonization.

Alex D.