Francophonic: A Retrospective Vol. 1 1953-1980

I had heard people rave about Franco's music for many years, plus a good friend of mine is a huge fan, and like reviewer platija, I'm also like the music of Tabu Ley Rochereau very much. So, with all those factors in play, I thought this compiliation would be a good way to immerse myself in Franco's music. It was ... and more. This 2 CD collection covers a lot of ground, from the early 1950s up till 1980, so there are some definite stylistic changes in Franco's music over the years. The earlier tunes have a more traditional jazz vibe, while the 60s and 70s tracks get into more intricate rythms and the funky side of things. As another reviewer noted, there is also a slight psychedelic feel to a few tracks too. Very, very interesting blend of sounds and styles, and above all, very danceable. I'm now a believer! Thinking of buying this one? It's a great deal. The two CD are packed with generous minutes of music, plus it includes a 48-page booklet with more info on Franco and his career. Well worth getting.

This is an amazing, luxurious 2-CD collection of classic work from Congolese guitarist and bandleader Francois Luambo Makiadi (better known as Franco) who led the band TPOK Jazz for several decades, starting in the early 1950s. This retrospective spans from Franco's first recording session in 1953, through the funky, hypnotic grooves of the 1970s and early '80s -- all of it amazing, lovely music. If you want to explore classic African guitar pop, you could start here and be off to a great beginning. Highly recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music)

some of the best music out there in my opinion comes from africa. I'm especially fond of 70's afro-pop - an era when modern tape machines had made it into studios in the cities but before pop music was so watered down and over produced. this retrospective of Franco covers about 30 years of his career and is a great addition to your African music collection. there is a major influence from Cuban sounds so it was a little surprising to hear that, but since it fuses so well with the African side it makes for a great music and fun listening. there's a nice booklet with history, etc. included.

There are 3 musicians from this period and place that I adore...Franco, Tabu Ley Rochereau and Sam Mangwana.Forced to select just one, it would be Franco and Le TPOK jazz. The earlier work has a sweetness, that was perhaps replaced with more polish and confidence in the later years. The mid 70's , for me, were the high point.This collection gives you a taste and will no doubt inspire further collecting.Sterns Music have produced so many great albums and may they continue to do so!

If this is your bag, this is a wonderful overview of the golden age of Central African Francophone music. Wonderful.

I am a great fan of Tabu Ley Rochereau's music, and Franco is frequently mentioned in this context. This retrospective was really my first exposure to Franco, and I must say it's an absolutely splendid collection. The sound is similar to Tabu Ley's gently lilting rhythms and the etheric guitars and propulsive percussion. Franco is a particularly great guitarist, though, and the music has a kind of psychedelic quality to it that took me completely by surprise.

I have enjoyed having this cd. It contains my favorite music and was happy to get it to have it in my list.

No problem

Franco is along with Fela perhaps the greatest African music star of the last 50 years. And this, along with Volume 2 is a lovingly put together compilation that combines great music with extensive notes on the man and his band as well as the politics that surrounded it.Franco developed a way of meandering a little at the beginning of his tracks with routine African musical workouts, which would then, after about two minutes explode into the most wonderful grooves. For me 'Lisolo Ya Adamo Na Nzambe' is a terrific example of that style and a personal favourite. The final track 'Nalingaka Yo Te' is an almost trance-like piece which unexpectedly flowers at the end with some rare swirling keyboard sounds and chopped guitar from the great man just as you think it's going to carry on as it has been, ad continuum. Perhaps that track demonstrates best the way Franco can throw surprises into his music when you least expect them.Volume 2 features his most famous piece 'Mario' but it's unfair to single anything out. There isn't a weak track anywhere to be found.

brilliant

Awesome!