Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Roots of O.K Jazz Congo Classics 1955-1956 various artists

 

 Originally released on Crammed in 1993, this beautiful 20-song collection - re-released as part of the "Congo Classics" series on Crammed that began with "Roots of Rumba Rock" in 2006 - documents the fine early work of the "Tout-Pouissant Orchestre Kinois de Jazz" or Almighty Kinshasa Jazz Orchestra, as led by the imposing "Grand Maitre" Lokanga La Ndju Pene Luambo Makiadi aka FRANCO. 

These artists were creating a style of music that was to conquer all of Africa and strongly influence several generations of musicians. 

                                                     Congo Classics