The young man's harp

"This blind young man (...) has adapted and expanded the range of the instrument of the album's title (kamala ngoni) to produce the remarkable sounds heard here with wide tonal ranges and using the hand that is not plucking to produce effects similar to bending strings, hammering on, harmonics etc. There is even a section where he makes his instrument sound like a primitive flute or whistle. Vieux died in 2005 at the age of 31 and made few recordings. The seven tracks that make up this album have only emerged recently and they must be regarded as a great and important find. He works with some great singers - male and female - and a very nifty djembe player ... Some fine photos and a fine introductory essay by Banning Eyre in the well-designed booklet add to the pleasure this release brings".