Farsighted Fly Girl,
CD Review
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This marks the 100th post for Farsighted Fly Girl and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with a dose of funky South African sounds. Dance Mama by singer/songwriter/composer Christine Vaindirlis, stirs up the most infectious party music that I've heard in a while. Born in London, raised in Johannesburg and trained in Milan at La Scala, she also reflects on irresistible cultural jambalaya. Despite such a global experience, it's clear that her heart remains in South Africa. From the vibrant geometric designs of the CD jacket and disc, created to recall Zulu bead work and Ndebele house paintings, to the references to South African music icons Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim, South Africa is all over Dance Mama.
The 10-track album bursts open with "Indaba" (home) a joyful, bouncing, display of township party music. Christine's well-honed funk chops inform "Call To Freedom" and her classical training shows up for "Fighting Or Surviving," where her soaring vocal range is highlighted. But my favorite tune and the one that compels me to play over and over, is the title track. "Dance Mama" simmers soulfully with melodic references to Miriam Makeba's classic "Pata Pata," and then charges into township jive, complete with flugelhorn solo. There are many layers to the CD, including sassy jazz riffs and intricate rock/funk arrangements, which slowly unfold after several listens. I'm offering a lucky reader the chance to do just that. Tell me how your upbringing has informed the music that you choose to listen to most often. I'll send a new Dance Mama CD to the person who gives the most in depth answer. Feel the Funk with Christine here: 10/01/09
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