argile

Line up

Abdulaye M'bengue (jenbe, bolon)
Charles Blackledge (drums, perc, voice)
Dieter Weberpals (flute, percussion)
Peter Horcher (accordion, perc, piano)
Sylvie Nahounou (bass-drums)

country:
Germany
style(s):
Afro Fusion
label:
bibiafrica music edition
type:
Band
artist submitted by:
bibiafrica music edition

The group surrounding the German bandleader and flutist Dieter Weberpals plays some intoxicating "imaginary folk music for cosmopolitans".

Between trance-grooves, West-African polyrhythms, Zagazougou-accordion, oriental ballads and Balkan-dances flavored with jazz, Argile establishes ties within the difficult cultural environment between Africa, the Orient, and Europe.

The German daily, "Nürnberger Nachrichten", says, "The strengths of Argile are on the one hand its good musicians, and on the other hand its concept, which doesn't mix European and African elements into an undefinable pabulum, but preserves the distinctiveness of both."

In the USA, ethnomusic-specialist Michael Wall writes succinctly, "Herbie Mann meets Mamady Keita". Sure enough, "Filefola"* Weberpals' music reminds one of the great American flutist. But in "Kinkeliba," Jethro Tull fans can find a song on the current album that has the potential to become a hit -- like "Locomotive Breath" with just a slight African touch.

*Bamana language; in English: flutist