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.

Toubabou confirms that the Quebec progressive scene has many hidden gems: this record belongs to this category. You have to be mentally prepared here to receive an overdose of infernal Afro-Latin rhythms: the TONS of percussions, combined with a funky bass and fast drums, contribute to make this record a very original and jaw-dropping exhibition of impossible rhythmic section performance. Lise Cousineau's delightful female lead vocals are among the craziest & most excentric ones i have ever heard: her heavy breath G-spot tornado performance on "J'Freak Assez" makes me want to hear more...WOW! That's very sexy. Many parts remind a complex Frank Zappa's music, featuring George Duke on Fender Rhodes, especially on the "Ambush" track, even containing an ultra pleasant winner ambience made of dynamic brass arrangements. The slowly but surely accelerating rhythm outrageously loaded on "J'freak Assez" is a real success. The track "Pylône" really has similitudes with the Italian progressive artist Il Baricentro. The tracks sound quite varied, but they mostly remain in the fusion territory. Maybe only the first and last tracks are a bit out of place.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's another great album that came out of Quebec in the 70's. We have a very talented female vocalist who was already a part of the Quebec music scene and the guitarist came from the band CONTACTION. This is Michel Seguin's baby though as he wrote the music, produced it and even did the cover art. He plays percussion, congas, bongs and a few ethnic instruments like djemebe, cuica and berimpau. The guitarist and drummer would go on to play in HARMONIUM after this. A lot of percussions on this album and the guitar really appeals to me. Trumpet and sax along with several backing vocalists. There's also flute, electric piano, organ and clavinet. I find this to be a consistent album, not really any highs or lows so it's tough to pick a top three. There is an Avant element here too at times and the female singer can get theatrical. A very entertaining release with samples too adding to the enjoyment. I strongly recommend this jazzy record, my kind of music.