Label: Polyvocal
Distribution in Scandinavia: Rootsy-Playground
Genre:
Vocal magic
This is a
voice that knows no limits, when it comes to bass, treble, genres or
expression. His vocal range extends four octaves, and it is almost hard to
believe that all the voices that we hear belong to him. Of course he could be
compared to Bobby McFerrin, somehow they could be classified in the same
musical genre. But the world is actually big enough for both of them, and there
is really nothing on this record that I have ever heard before!
Sitson
lives in his own musical landscape, and as an African who has moved to New York
via Paris he has actually made a trip in the opposite direction, compared to
McFerrin. His native country Cameroon is full of vocal traditions, and these
are very evident in his compositions. This would have been strong and
interesting enough, even if the whole record would have been a capella, as the
first track – but a jazz comp in absolute world class is of course no
disadvantage. How about Ron Carter, Jeff "Tain" Watts and pianist
Helio Alves?
His
virtuosity is no aim in itself but the versatility of this expressive voice is
often amazing, no matter if he uses his falsetto, his dark bass voice or does
vocal percussion. He also sings polyvocally – please don’t ask me how! And the
record in general is a very clear evidence of how related bebop and African
music really are.
Annika Westman
Review published
in Lira Music Magazine, Sweden, April 2006 (www.lira.se
)