Franco & TP OK Jazz

[sorekara]

It was exactly two years ago that I discovered the great and 'All Powerful' (Tout Puissant) Franco, the 'Sorcerer of the Guitar', the 'Grand Maitre' from Kinshasa, Congo. He died in 1989 at age 51, but his career started when he was 16, in the mid-1950's. His brand of 'rumba', which by the 70's included 3 guitarists, 3 vocalists, brass, and percussion, is the happiest, danciest, most joyful music I have ever heard. My mission in life is to now spread the genius of Franco to all corners!

For newcomers: go straight to Sterns.com and order his '20th Anniversary' vol.1. an essential purchase, and good intro to his more than 100 albums.

JHC

[lazarus]

Yeah!! I have a couple of cd´s with Franco. Great music!

[John L]

My favorite is probably the Mario LP.

Franco's main guitar rival in Zaire was Doctor Nico, one of my absolute favorites.

[sorekara]

'Mario' is great, just wish I could understand the lyrics.

I just got the compilation 'Golden Afrique Vol 2' which is all Congolese music, thre Dr. Nico tracks on there that are excellent. Will look for more by him.

JHC

[Pete C]

I'm not the biggest soukous fan, but Franco is great.

[mike s.]

hi, I'm interested in learning more about Franco and his music. I notice that most of his recordings seem to be either unavailable or out-of-print, at least at this time. It would be helpful if any of you who have some knowledge in this area to list a few of what you consider to be some of his better recordings.
thanks