In their element is Bokanté a band that takes the stringed instruments, percussion and vocals deep into the very meaning of music and groove. Their performance at Nalen is not divided between your and datt, it is not a matter of compliance with a given style or to adopt postures other than what comes naturally from the music as perhaps the most humane form of creative expression that are available.
On paper, the eight musicians from four continents. One of them is Swedish and the locals: the percussionist André Ferrari. But it was the american multi-instrumentalist Michael League, who formed the band, inspired by his meeting with singer Malika Tirolien.
Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, than in the day a French department. And it is basically her language and culture – Bokanté means ”exchange” in the creole dialect that is spoken in Guadeloupe – that put things in motion.
There is already a cross of different genres – as well as a problem, socially and politically. Music that touches emanates, of course, rarely from just comfort, but at least it is an attempt to survive with a little bit of aesthetics and dignity intact.
The cool thing with Bokanté is not in the least how the whole three slagverkarna – Ferrari, american Jamey Haddad and japanese Keita Ogawa – round the classic sound of a drum kit and also the usual combinations of a drum set and, for example, the conga. Instead, let the drum heads, sheet metal, shakers, grinding noises, bass drum and squeaks – all about every other, and ultimately so irresistible, organic and groovy.
heard stringed instruments: electric guitar, barytongitarr (League), lap steel and electric bass. All in all I will think of including cajun, blues and south african township jazz. But not just the sum of these; nor less than that – but compact and which, out of necessity.
There are a few solos, but not regularly from each one, but as a smooth protrusion from the music as a whole. Tiroliens charisma (actually, more than her voice) is magical. But it is one for all, all for one.
Read more music reviews by John Cornell, for example, if Tanblues elegant intersection of blues and Persian tradition.
