eMusic Review 0
He's not been active recently, but back in the day Rochereau was the Congo's silken soul machine, Otis Redding and Al Green rolled into one. This 1970 live recording captures him at the height of his powers, having come of age with the formative rumba bands before striking off alone. With a laid-back and wonderfully funky band (check the bass on “Paulina”), Rochereau oozes star quality on “Asambela,” and proves equally commanding on the slower “Riverra.” Big horns and flowing guitars provide muscular, elastic support, but it's the voice that's front and center. Masterful, relaxed but passionate, Rochereau is compelling, easily commanding attention in his performance before a rapt audience. There's not a dud among the songs, not a wasted moment, with the excitement building over the course of the set. This is state-of-the-art rumba in the gentle hands of a master — vintage, perhaps, but a choice year.
