ATTENTE

Attente is Toubabou's second album and no less interesting than their live debut. But this time Toubabou is alone but the African rythms and inspirations remains, but they show that they are well assimilated by avoiding to sound fakely authenticly African. It is a much more conventional fusion abum and maybe proggier (in terms of clichés) , but relatively more even - fewer flaws but also less brilliance.

Starting out with asuperb percussion track of African inspiration, the album vees into a uch more contemplative Chant Des Choses with Lise Cousineau between melancholic snging and scatting. Grandiose! Then, the "hit" J'Freak Assez (a play on words with Fricassée - scrambled eggs) and its infectious funky groove: very catchy hooks and impressive musicianship with Séguin on percussion driving the group to perfection. A different Ambush than the one on their debut , not as good IMHO but also completed with brass section and Santana percussion break is next. Pylone has (for once) rather irriatating vocals, but quickly deal way by a guitar solo , but it stays one of the weaker Toubabou track. The return of Doudou (leader of the African guest on the debut album) for one track does not do the mistake to sound African for the sake of the continuity of the album. The title track is very melancholic with Cousineau back on the right track . the album closing with anoher strange mix of MalianDesert blues with an Acadian melody that could originate from the Bayous, somewhere in the creole America

Again the Cd version is coming with three video tracks (B&W and of poor quality but so enjoyable anyway) but visible only on a computer. Odd choice! A must for adventurous progheads!!!! As indispensible as their debut although in a different genre.