African Story Book Of Songs - 6 Albums

African Storybook of Songs is the work of celebrated London producer Barney Rattle, compiling two decades of genre-spanning music into one iconic music collection covered in these six albums. The compilation includes collaborations with a diverse range of artists including the likes of South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Lennox Tom, jazz pianist and composer Don Laka and marimba and brass afrojazz ensemble Abavuki.

Stream the album on Soundcloud here:

Covering material from the nineties to the current day, the album takes the listener on a sonic adventure sporting elements of electronica, jazz, reggae and funk, all infused with Barney Rattle’s distinct afropop stylings. Barney Rattle’s career has been one of many exciting twists and turns. At the turn of the millennium, his music could be found being blasted in nightclubs around Ibiza. More recently he has been working with Don Laka who infused afropop (aka KwaaiJazz) with the classical works of Chopin, his album Afro Chopin receiving acclaim from critics. The producer has recently been working on a number of film and TV projects about the great music and history of South Africa. African Storybook of Songs is out November 4th 

Links: 
Website: www.africanstorybookofsongs.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/africanstorybookofsongs/ 
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/album/04uIpSNdiw20rQJX1AsKJj 
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/african-storybook-songs-special/id1146854694?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Various_Artists_African_Storybook_of_Songs_Special?id=Bzkqnvbu7csz5oi3zuybnxfvdlq 
Tidal: http://tidal.com/album/64260733

'Afro Chopin' By Don Laka - Review

Legendary jazz instrumentalist and vocalist Don Laka returns with an exciting release based around the works of Chopin. Don Laka is a seminal mover and shaker in the afro-jazz world and this exquisite take on one of classical music’s greats is both genre defying and interesting.

Laka has is own distinctive style entitled Kwaii Jazz, a heady mix of South African jazz  and the chord structures and rhythms of Marabi and Kwela. It is this fantastic mix that reiterates why Laka is such a brilliant artist.

The album as a whole is cohesive, well produced and instrumentality flawless. The standout track is easily Prelude No 20 (Izulu)" the harmonies and alternative take on a Chopin classic makes it just so listenable it’s hard to not listen to it.

With albums such as ‘Destiny’, ‘Supernova’ and ‘Pyramid’ under his belt this release is sure to have new and old fans alike begging for more

You can check Don Laka out here:

http://www.donlaka.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Don-Laka

http://twitter.com/Don_Laka

Don Laka New Album AFRO CHOPIN Review

Don Laka promises to take Jazz lovers on a musical odyssey with his new take on classical Chopin classics.

A multi platinum selling artist, accomplished classical guitarist and self taught pianist LAKA is known as one of the most innovative artists/producer in South Africa.

The new album has spawned a single entitled Prelude No 20 (Izulu) which is a dynamic song featuring elements of classical jazz and afro music, creating a rich blend of differing genres and a perfect lead track to an already very strong album.

Listen to "Prelude No 20 (Izulu)" taken from the album here:

Don Laka is heading over to the UK from South Africa to play a special show at The Half Moon Putney.

Check him out below:

http://www.donlaka.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Don-Laka

http://twitter.com/Don_Laka