Mambo Yo Yo

Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca's second outing echoes their reputation as one smoking live band. Congolese born, but schooled in Cuban music from an early age, Lemvo explores his two loves, Zairean Soukous and Cuban Son Montuno, creating an original blend aimed right in the middle. Singing in Lingala, Kikongo, and Spanish, and backed by a band with arrangements leaning towards Cuba, Lemvo's rich African baritone leads through a succession of songs rich in both cultures. The title track refers to the African "mambo" meaning trouble, event, or gathering. You'll be dancing the mambo all through this hard-swinging release full of delights for both Latin and African aficionados. --Derek Rath