Album: Various artists, Roots of OK Jazz (Crammed Discs)

Reviewed,Phil Johnson
Saturday 03 July 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Like rockabilly and rocksteady, the generic sound of Congolese rumba is strong enough to support almost any song.

This terrific collection, subtitled "Congo Classics 1955-56", brings together the immediate antecedents of bandleader Franco's famous OK Jazz group. Recorded on borrowed instruments and eagerly lapped up by the Congo's own rebellious teen subculture, the Afro-Cuban influenced music went on to become the soundtrack to African independence. Check out the Solovox organ, as used by Sun Ra.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in