Kabasele, Joseph -a.k.a. Le Grand Kalle-
Le Grand Kalle - His Life, His Music
Joseph Kabaselle - or the Grand kalle, as he was known to his fellow musicians, his fans and even to Heads of State - lies at the very centre of the great mosaic that is African populair music. Without him the picture would be unrecognisable. Kabasele led Orchestre African Jazz, the seminal Congolese rumba band which included the preeminent guitarist of the time, Dr. Nico, the singer and songwriter Tabu Ley Richereau and the saxophonist Manu Dibango. In the turbulent times before and after Congo's independence in 1960. Kalle and his band were the most influential in Africa, and today their sound is still a key foundation upon which its popular music is built. Sequenced chronologically and featuring recordings, some taken from shellac and vinyl that have been unavailable for decades, together with Kabasele's most famous works, this double album features a 104 page book in both English and French. Eloquently written, well-illustrated and insoghtfully researched with lyric excerpts translated from the original languages, it reveals the man, the music and its context as never before. Finally, Le Grand Kalle receives the testament he's always deserved!