(Richard Bona – electric bass, vocals; Etienne Stadwijk – keyboards; Ernesto Simpson – drums; Taylor Haskins – trumpet; Samuel Torres – percussions; John Caban – guitar)
This disc, Bona’s fifth as leader and first live recording, brings out the best of his many virtues. His voice first catches one’s ear, perhaps optimally showcased on the a cappella number “Samaouma,” with either three other uncredited singers, or prerecorded harmonies he sings over. In any case it’s a virtuoso performance, but also very endearing. The band also stands out; led, of course, by Bona’s Joco/Marcus Miller-inspired electric bass. Equally impressive is the versatile Taylor Haskins on trumpet, who seems to be showing up everywhere. But the entire band totally tunes in. Indeed, this is one tight and grooving outfit, no matter whether they’re laying down a West African, Caribbean, boppin’ blues, or South American vibe. And Bona’s rapport with his Hungarian audience astounds, transcending cultural and language boundaries with ease, highlighted by their entirely natural sing-along on “O Sen Sen Sen.” Finally, Bona knows how to get people moving: yes, he makes you sweat, even if you’re sitting at home, with such rousing numbers as “Te Dikalo” and “Engingilaye.”
All but three tunes, “Indiscretions” (sung in both English and Douala), “I Wish” (including another sing-along) and “Trains” (a rousing funk outro), appear on his other albums. Many of the tunes seem entirely familiar to his Budapest audience, who cheer the opening bars of several numbers and whistle in appreciation now and again. Strangely, it all fits in seamlessly.
If you have even the slightest affinity for this eclectic Afro/pop world music, Bona Makes You Sweat should be entirely satisfying. If you’re new to Richard Bona, this is as good a place as any to start.
TrackList: Engingilaye/Ekwa Mwato, Kivu/Suninga, Kalabancoro, Samaouma, O Sen Sen Sen, Indiscretions/Please Don’t Stop, Djombwe/Wish/Trains, Te Dikalo
– Jan P. Dennis
