Toubabou ~ Canada ~ Quebec

Le Ble et Le Mil (1974) + Attente (1975)

---12/27/07

Pre-dating Embryo's world fusion focus by a few years, Toubabou were a Quebec-African-Haitian ensemble, mixing indigenous tribal rhythms and themes with Canadian French rock / folk / blues. The Quebec portion were made up of members of the Contraction / Ville Emard Blues Band clan, and some would move on from here to the more folky Harmonium. The Embryo metaphor can be taken further as guitarist Robert Stanley proves he could go toe to toe with Roman Bunka.

Lise Cousineau adds anguished wordless voice, somehow predicting the arrival of those French wackos Gutura and Noa a few years later. I suppose with all the percussion and guitar soloing, one must think of Santana, though Toubabou are not Latin in any way. This is true world fusion, played at a time when rocking your ass off was still cool.

---11/26/23

The 1974 debut is a live album and not necessarily a world class recording. But it does kind of go with the Third World ambience that the album offers. This isn't an easy work to digest, and at times it's pure African music with some annoying vocal chanting (to be honest). Listen to 'Man Yaka Ghane' if curious. All the same I found myself enjoying this more than prior and experienced a +1 listen.

Better is the studio follow up Attente, which the label decided should make up Disc 1 (though I recommend listening in chronological order). With a clearer recording and focus, Toubabou is able to achieve the goals of their premise. There's more of a rock element here, along with some strong jazz funk moves, especially the guitar work. A3 through B1 are the highlights and reach an apex that moves the album into the +1 category.

Ownership: 2004 ProgQuebec (2xCD). Loaded booklet including historical details. Includes five video clips which I've yet to see. Acquired in 2008.

12/27/07 (notes); 2008; 11/25/23 (review / new entry)