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(thehottentots@the hottentots.com)
The Hottentots are a duo consisting of Carl Cleves, acoustic guitarist/vocalist
and Parissa Bouas, lead vocalist/percussionist. They have been
recording and performing throughout the world since the early
90’s. Turn Back The Tide is their 4th recording, I believe
and a follow-up to the excellent Graceful which was reviewed a
couple of years ago when Diaspora was a fishwrapper. I’m
not sure if the Hottentots are really world music, whatever that
terms means. Not that it matters. They evince a completely personal,
quirky folksy sound that is immediately identifiable. It is an
Australian sound that generously embraces the sounds and rhythms
of the world’s music to create a beguiling yet warmly accessible
tapestry.
The opening track Party At My House is a very good example of
their modus operandi, a jumpy little number where swing, pop,
folk, African and Latin elements flow in and out without disturbing
the good-natured momentum. 11 of the 12 songs are original compositions
and they cover a broad expanse of moods, melodies and tempos within
the Hottentot parameters…blues, Gaelic, Brazilian, blues,
African, reggae whatever…all disarmingly presented in a
direct yet multi-layered fashion. As always Parissa proves she
is a singer with few equals in this country.
Try to imagine anyone else tackling the Cesaria Evora masterpiece
Sodade, the only cover here, and pulling it off in such a beautifully
soulful fashion without sounding imitative. One thing I really
love about the Hottentots music is its complete lack of pretence
and trendiness. And the lyrics address real issues from a personal
and political viewpoint… another corporate sin. The contributions
from the supporting musicians provide apt commentary in a multitude
of contexts be it bluesy harmonica, one drop reggae beat, shimmering
violin or Carl’s artful guitar playing, but they’re
superbly subordinated to the songs. As a result Turn Back The
Tide represents most closely the duo’s infectious sound
and is highly recommended. Richard Jasituowicz
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