It's always hard to separate out the influences on a Malagasy recording - I was sure
D'Gary's guitar would resemble traditional valiha playing, instead it's a complex mixture of East African traditional and European influences (but no
Joseph Spence, despite the blurb). At times he sounds like
Ali Farka Toure without the bluesy overtones (though perhaps not as delicate) - long, fluid runs which reminded me of Portuguese fado, at other times he strums in a way that recalls the South African Citaumvano! Actually, this diversity is not surprising when you consider
D'Gary's island origins . ~ Carl Hoyt