In what has become typical fashion, the folks at the World Music Network have issued another stellar volume in the Rough Guide to African Guitar Legends. Compiled expertly by Phil Stanton, it contains a dozen representative tracks by widely known and influential practitioners of various guitar styles from numerous African nations:
King Sunny Ade,
Ali Farka Touré,
Oliver Mtukudzi,
Jean Bosco Mwenda,
Shiyani Ngcobo, Henry Makobi,
Franco and & OK Jazz,
Eric Agyeman, and
Kante Manfila all appear here, either in small combos, solo, or in large bands. Liner notes by Dan Rosenberg are authoritative and detailed. This set also contains music a bonus disc by bona fide funky guitar slinger
Syran Mbenza and his Rumba Kongo (
Mbenza is also represented by a cut on the first disc), making this an indispensable introduction as well as a solid playlist of essential African grooves. ~ Thom Jurek