Black Ivory Soul

Black Ivory Soul

ASIN: B00006348E

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Angélique Kidjo's previous albums have been decidedly patchy affairs, with tracks ranging from the sublime to the abysmal. With Black Ivory Soul, however, Kidjo strikes a lovely and generally consistent note. Exploring the connections between her native Benin and Brazil's Bahia region, she makes beautiful music flavored by two continents on songs such as "Tumba," with its crisp but subtle percussion driving a lilting melody, or "Afrika," where the cascading notes of the kora help bridge the Atlantic. Co-writing with talents like Carlinhos Brown and Vinícius Cantuária has helped; they've toned down the R&B influence than ran through Oremi and replaced it with something more individual. Kidjo sounds strongest when she's very rootsy, as on her cover of Gilberto Gil's "Refavela," which stands in stark contrast to the bland "Iwoya," a duet with Dave Matthews that sounds like nothing more than a calculated shot at radio airplay. Even the odd track out, a version of "Ces Petits Riens" by Serge Gainsbourg, works because of its spare delight. In following her muse and her history, Kidjo has produced her best work to date. --Chris Nickson

Tracks:

Bahia
Iwoya (w/ Dave Matthews)
Olofoofo
Tumba
Black Ivory Soul
Refavela
Iemanja
Afirika
Okanbale
Ominira
Mondjuba
Ces Petits Riens

Amazon.com

Angélique Kidjo's previous albums have been decidedly patchy affairs, with tracks ranging from the sublime to the abysmal. With Black Ivory Soul, however, Kidjo strikes a lovely and generally consistent note. Exploring the connections between her native Benin and Brazil's Bahia region, she makes beautiful music flavored by two continents on songs such as "Tumba," with its crisp but subtle percussion driving a lilting melody, or "Afrika," where the cascading notes of the kora help bridge the Atlantic. Co-writing with talents like Carlinhos Brown and Vinícius Cantuária has helped; they've toned down the R&B influence than ran through Oremi and replaced it with something more individual. Kidjo sounds strongest when she's very rootsy, as on her cover of Gilberto Gil's "Refavela," which stands in stark contrast to the bland "Iwoya," a duet with Dave Matthews that sounds like nothing more than a calculated shot at radio airplay. Even the odd track out, a version of "Ces Petits Riens" by Serge Gainsbourg, works because of its spare delight. In following her muse and her history, Kidjo has produced her best work to date. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful new find.......2007-05-12

I heard her music over a crowd at a museum opening event and found the DJ to get the name of the musician. I just bought this CD as a first sample and I love it! I'm coming back for more Kidjo. If you love Latin and world music and want something for a great party atmosphere that is not over bearing, this is delightful!

Great Singer.......2006-10-11

This is a great and beautiful singer, her style is cool and uptempo, easy to listen to all day. I have all her CD's, I give this CD and "Logozo" a 4 score only because my favorite is "Oyaya!"

Have Passport, WILL travel.......2006-10-01

From Bahia to Refavela to Ces Petits Riens...the range of Angelique is astounding. The obvious next step is...to see her live in concert!

PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC, BLACK GIRL!.......2006-09-04

BLACK IVORY SOUL by Angelique Kidjo was a 2004 birthday gift to me from one of my few true friends, Melanie. [Thanks, MelNel!] She was turned onto it by the receptionist at her dentist's office. Melanie immediately determined to get me a copy too, knowing that I'm the hippest, most soulful White dude this side of RESTAURANT 28 - an excellent soul food joint in Glendale, AZ. [restaurant28bbq.com] And did I like the music immediately? Did Louis Armstrong like red beans and rice? Does a bear like honey? Does Albert Pujols like a hanging curve ball? Does Terrill Owens like Donovan McNabb? (Oh, I guess I went too far.)

What I don't like is this bovine excrement that passes for music amongst our brain-dead youth today. (I call all of their bands `THE NAKED EMPERORS.') If it's not Bimbo Pop pap, it's Rap crap, or what's called "Alternative" (meaning: alternative to "music.") I don't buy music anymore; having an I.Q. over 50, I don't watch MTV; I don't go to dance clubs; and the only contemporary music [sic] I'm exposed to is through commercials and the half-wit sitting next to me at the red light. So although my familiarity with it has been limited, I'd say that Angelique Kidjo's BLACK IVORY SOUL is the best music yet to emerge from the 21st Century.

From the liner notes: "Kidjo has crossed musical boundaries by blending the tribal and pop rhythms of her native West African heritage with a variety of styles, including Funk, Salsa, and Jazz. On BLACK IVORY SOUL, Kidjo explores the musical and cultural kinship between Africa and Brazil, specifically her homeland and the province of Bahia."

Now, if that sounds like a real potpourri of influences, I can assure you that it does not come off as being some patchwork quilt of disparate styles. BLACK IVORY SOUL is a very unified and unique musical statement. The whole piece is tied together by intriguing , exotic rhythms and (though few of the lyrics are sung in English) the album is loaded with catchy melodies and hooks galore. It's as memorable as any Pop album ever created by an English-singing music stylist.

The musicianship - especially the drumming and percussion - is first-rate throughout, and Kidjo displays remarkable vocal control and an expressive instrument that conveys many emotional shadings regardless of language. Man, this is stellar stuff! You could dance to it, sing to it, contemplate to it. The only thing you won't be able to do is sleep to it; it's entirely too energetic for that. There's not a single track that I don't really like on BLACK IVORY SOUL, but if I had to pick a favorite, I'd probably side with OMINIRA. Thanks to the English translations provided in the accompanying booklet, I know that Angelique Kidjo is singing: "Everybody wants freedom / Everybody wants to find one's soulmate / Take my hand / I can promise you / Life will bring us freedom." From Kidjo's lips to God's Ears!

The only negative comment I have to make is directed at Dave Matthews who duets with Kidjo on IWOYA. While I like the song and also Dave's voice, it kind of irks me to hear him singing, "You don't have to be old to be wise / Don't you hear the baby crying?" I just happen to know that Dave Matthews associates with Planned Parenthood, and a few years ago his band did a benefit concert on behalf of that organization which is the nation's largest promoter of abortion. I've got a question for you Dave: How `bout you? Don't you hear the "unborn" baby crying?

Other than this "insensitive" singer/songwriter's participation, I really dig Angelique Kidjo's BLACK IVORY SOUL. It makes my own Irish / German / Scottish / American Indian soul sing. (I may be a mutt but I ain't no dog!) If you're the soulful sort and can appreciate great music regardless of its origin or the language of its lyrics, then you're gonna love BLACK IVORY SOUL, and I wouldn't Kidjo `bout that. (Ha! Sorry.)

Black Magic.......2006-07-03

This could be Kidjo's best ever, although she's still young, and no doubt, has more tricks up her sleeve, as the more recent, Caribbean-influenced OYAYA! would indicate. This collection of songs is largely inspired by Brazilian music, but as usual, Ms. Kidjo likes to mix things up, so her Aftican rhythms combine with French, South American and other shadings, and most of the melodies here are not only beautiful, but memorable; "Iemanja" and the kora-backed "Okan Bale" are particularly lovely. Even the fairly commercial duet with Dave Matthews is fine, and the one track I've heard on the radio, "Tumba" is joyfully infectious. Angelique Kidjo is an international treasure who has grown as a singer. She has become subtler, while retaining the power and soulfulness that first caught my attention in the early '90's. If you have the opportunity, catch Kidjo live, as she is an energetic, animated stage performer who can move even the most reserved audience to dance in the isles!

Don't Turn Around: A Golden Classics Edition

Average customer rating:

They sound...Just Like The Delfonics
Major Omissions
WHERE????????
Not All Original But Good
Very SOulful

Don't Turn Around: A Golden Classics Edition
Black Ivory
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000008IS
Release Date: 1993-08-05

Tracks:

It's Time To Say Good Bye
Time Is Love
Just Leave Me Some
Loveland
No If's And's Or Buts
Wishful Thinking
Our Future
Don't Turn Around
Surrender
I'll Find A Way
I Keep Asking You Questions
She Said She's Leaving
You & I

Customer Reviews:

They sound...Just Like The Delfonics.......2004-02-03

Having worked personally with the guys in the 70's on the east coast in a showcase as an opening act for them I can tell you they "Black Ivory can really Jam". Their choreography is as tight as their sound. They gave my group and band stiff competition. "Don't Turn Around, You and I" are the main hits. They even did a powerful live rendition of The Delfonics hit " For The Love That I give To You". If you decide to buy this music....you'll also open the doors to your mind.

Major Omissions.......2003-02-21

No Black Ivory album is worth the title of 'classic' with out including 'Spinning Around'.

WHERE????????.......2002-12-27

What ever happened to these guys. And then it seems to be the only thing in print by them. They had great harmony and wonderful music arrangements. This CD is great, and it would have gotten 5 stars from me, if we were not cheated out on the "You and I" song. This was one of their stand-out songs with the original version stretching out a little over 7 minutes long, with an opus-like ending full of strings and stacks of harmony, almost chaotic, but wonderful. No this karaoke throw-back version that is heard here.

Not All Original But Good.......2002-10-08

This album will have you wanting to go back to that time in your life when everything was simple.Basement parties with the black light.With the acception of "You and I" which is not the original,but still enjoyable to listen to, this is a good album to take you back down memory lane and have you wanting more.A blend of harmonies and melodies that you won't hear in todays music.Enjoy the music.

Very SOulful.......2000-05-21

Black Ivory Sounds Fantastic.Time is Love is the Jam.I Miss Real SInging Groups that could Blow your mind with their Talent.Pure Quality&Great Music To Go Along with it.This is what's Missing from Today's Music.You Hear these Brothers Sing&it Still Sounds as Tight as it did when it first came out.Very Essential For Folks that DIg Strong Vocal Groups.

Average customer rating:

Spinning Around: The Today Sessions
Black Ivory
Manufacturer: Castle Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007SL2H0
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Don't Turn Around
Surrender
I'll Find a Way
I Keep Asking You Questions
She Said That She's Leaving
If I Could Be a Mirror
You and I
Our Future
Find the One Who Loves You
Got to Be There
Baby, Won't You Change Your Mind
Just Leave Me Some
Push Come to Shove
Time Is Love
Spinning Around
(It's) Time to Say Goodbye
One-Way Ticket to Loveland
No Ifs, Ands or Buts
Wishful Thinking
We Made It [*]

Average customer rating:

The fact copies are still availible....
one of the best old school groups in the world

Battle of the Bands: Round One
Black Ivory , and Odds and Ends
Manufacturer: Sequel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000PSM
Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

Don't Turn Around - Black Ivory
Surrender - Black Ivory
I'll Find A Way - Black Ivory
Got To Be There - Black Ivory
Spinning Around - Black Ivory
I Keep Asking You Questions - Black Ivory
Time Is Love - Black Ivory
Find The One Who Loves LYou - Black Ivory
Our Future - Black Ivory
We made It - Black Ivory
Just Leave Me Some - Black Ivory
You And I (See Today) - Black Ivory
Foot Track - Odds And Ends
Who Could Doubt My Love - Odds And Ends
Apples, Peaches, Pumkin Pie - Odds And Ends
Let Me Try - Odds And Ends
Give Me Something - Odds And Ends
Talk That Talk - Odds And Ends
Love Makes The World Go Round - Odds And Ends
Yesterday My Love - Odds And Ends

Customer Reviews:

The fact copies are still availible...........2006-02-11

at the time of this review is interesting. This cd was released in 1997 by UK's great reissue company Sequel Records. It is "Round One" of a 4 "Rounds" set titled "Battle Of The Bands", whereas the label put two groups on each cd. At the time of release, based on alternative availiblity (if any), and comparative quality of recording, this set was at the top of the food chain! Two of the other "Rounds" are no longer availible, since the production deal on this series is long expired. What we see remaining to purchase at this time is IT! Two of the groups in the set, ("Chocolate Syrup" & "Odds 'N' Ends") never had an album release, only several 45s each. Odds on collectors finding all the 45s of the two groups at this time are at the furthest reaches of "slim". "Chocolate Syrup's 45s remained high on the "bounties" list. "Odds 'N' Ends" were label mates of Black Ivory at Today Records during the early 70s. Supply of their 45s was never that great in the first place, with the bulk of what was produced receiving East Coast regional distribution. This cd has been the only cd ever released commercially with "Odds 'N' End" records on it, thus the surprise of the writer that it has remained availible this long, with the set long out of print? Furthermore, the other very interesting fact is that this cd is the only cd released on Black Ivory that contains the original Today Records version of "You And I" on it. Even the cd titled "Spinning Around, The Today Sessions", does not contain the original Today recording. All other commercial cds contain the version from the 1984 Panoramic Records (Hackensack, NJ) album, "Then & Now" (which is an interesting album in it's own right). As to why? Good question, since all the other reissuers were working with the Today Records studio tapes anyway? Nevertheless, bottom line, this is a unique cd, that's out of print, no other source to obtain the music on it. Need it be said, it's buy time! History shows, when copies of out of print rarities start to disappear down to "0", numbers can and do go up. Buy while the buying's good.

one of the best old school groups in the world.......2005-04-20

well i had the pleasure to meet those gentlemen in baltimore this cd well give you that old school feel like never before my favorite song in the world is -I'LL FIND AWAY ( THE LONELIEST MAN IN TOWN) you can't beat that and by the way another group cover that song that called their self THE EIGHT MINUTE they were under the same sister label call today records and perception records

Average customer rating:

Japanese versions!

Black Ivory Soul
Angelique Kidjo
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Benin | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000063VSU
Release Date: 2002-04-24

Tracks:

Bahia
Iwoya
Olofoofo
Tumba
Black Ivory Soul
Refavela
Iemanja
Afirika
Okan Bale
Ominira
Mondjuba
Ces Petits Riens
Ne Cedez Jamais
Les Enfants Perdus

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring Two Bonus Tracks

Customer Reviews:

Japanese versions!.......2005-02-12

It is probably one of Angelique Kidjo's best albums!!!
She didd really good job on her French songs. Two bonus songs, that the album is featured with, are rhythmically really beautiful songs! Ne Cedez Jamais, translated as a "Never Give Up", and Les Enfants Perdus - "Lost Children", are worth to buy the whole album, even you've already bought original "Black ivory Soul"! You won't be upset!
In this album Kidjo shows her as usually superb and vocally strong voice!:)

Average customer rating:

Black Ivory - What happened to the original LP version

Spinning Around: The Today Sessions
Black Ivory
Manufacturer: Sbme Castle Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008DCTH
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

DON'T TURN AROUND
SURRENDER
I'LL FIND A WAY
I KEEP ASKING YOU QUESTIONS
SHE SAID THAT SHE'S LEAVING
IF I COULD BE A MIRROR
YOU AND I
OUR FUTURE
FIND THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU
GOT TO BE THERE
BABY, WON'T YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND
JUST LEAVE ME SOME
PUSH COME TO SHOVE
TIME IS LOVE
SPINNING AROUND
(IT'S) TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
ONE-WAY TICKET TO LOVELAND
NO IF'S, AND'S OR BUT'S
WISHFUL THINKING
WE MADE IT

Customer Reviews:

Black Ivory - What happened to the original LP version.......2005-02-17

I'm a fan of Black Ivory, so when I saw the two album set of what I thought was the original LP version of the Don't Turn Around Album(CD).I was very excited. One of my favorite tunes was "YOU and I". To my disappointment it was not the orignal Vinyl cut. I have the Collectables version of Don't Turn Around which again "You and I" was not the original cut. We "Old School" generation appreciate the original versions, it's what we're use too. Why produce it any other way?

With that exception, I found the CD to be wonderful!

Average customer rating:

Black Ivory...
Spinning Around-Today Sessions~Black Ivory
A Classic Comes Back to Life

Spinning Around: The Today Sessions
Black Ivory
Manufacturer: Castle Music (UK)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000050XNC
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

Don't Turn Around
Surrender
I'll Find a Way
I Keep Asking You Questions
She Said That She's Leaving
If I Could Be a Mirror
You and I
Our Future
Find the One Who Loves You
Got to Be There
Baby, Won't You Change Your Mind
Just Leave Me Some
Push Come to Shove
Time Is Love
Spinning Around
(It's) Time to Say Goodbye
One-Way Ticket to Loveland
No Ifs, Ands or Buts
Wishful Thinking
We Made It [*]

Customer Reviews:

Black Ivory..........2007-02-03

They captured the essence of young Soul Singers in the mid 70's. We were them, they were us...except they could sing! Four stars!

Spinning Around-Today Sessions~Black Ivory.......2001-06-01

This is the BEST of Black Ivory. This CD contains most of there hits, very few are missing. It also includes one of my favorite songs which is not on their other CD, "Find The One Who Loves You". A great blast from the past.

A Classic Comes Back to Life.......2001-05-08

If you are a big Black Ivory fan as I am, then you will really enjoy this one. It takes you back to all of the hits from the 70's. If you've never heard of them, then you are in for a treat. These three brothers out of New York have their own distentive sound which will put you in the mood for everything. With their classic hits "You and I, Don't Turn Around, Time Is Love, and Find The One Who Loves You" all on one CD, you will find yourself playing this one over and over. Although I thought this CD was Black Ivory coming out with new songs, just hearing the old songs takes me back to my high school days. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Black Ivory Soul

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002TKQH6
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Average customer rating:

some oddities, but plenty of full length hits too
Its Title Says it all...Groovin' You
This cd is good to have

Big 12 Inches: Groovin' You
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Buddha / BMG
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IPYG
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Turn The Beat Around - Vicki Sue Robinson
Happiness Is Just Around The Bend - Main Ingredient
Mainline - Black Ivory
Don't Tell Me, Tell Her - Odyssey
Behind The Mask - Greg Phillinganes
Automatic - Pointer Sisters
Express Yourself - New York Community Choir
Groovin' You - Harvey Mason
Dancin' - Grey And Hanks
I Don't Know Anybody Else - Black Box
I Don't Know If It's Right - Evelyn 'Champagne' King

Customer Reviews:

some oddities, but plenty of full length hits too.......2005-08-05

This volume of the 3 disc series isn't ripe with many big hits, but it has enough to make it worth the purchase. All of them are full length 12" versions!!! Other volumes are titled "More More More" and "So Excited." Track times are:

1. turn the beat around (5:33)
2. happiness is just around the bend (6:19)
3. mainline (6:56)
4. don't tell me tell her (5:15)
5. behind the mask (6:30)
6. automatic (6:06)
7. express yourself (11:42)
8. grooving you (6:15)
9. dancin' (7:04)
10. I don't know anybody else (7:02)
11. I don't know if it's right (6:17)

Its Title Says it all...Groovin' You.......2002-09-01

An excellent album, that does what it says. A signiture aspect of most disco music was the extended (12") versions of the songs. Unlike the majority of disco complications out on the market, this CD features the 12" versions of some of disco's more hard to find, yet unforgetable songs, that will take you back to when dancing was part of everyday activity. Vickie Sue Robinson kicks off the album with her most popular hit 'Turn the beat around'. Black Ivory's 'Mainline' gives a taste of the late disco, in '79. 'Behind the Mask' is another great hit that shows disco's evolution into the retro era. A disco group that cant be mistaken, The pointer sisters sing one of there greatest hits 'Automatic'. Harvey Mason, Jr. belts out his hit which the album is named after, 'Groovin' You'. Dancin' by Zane Grey & Len Ron Hanks is another one of Big 12 inche's great songs that keep you on the floor groovin all night. The album is then closed with Evelyn "Champagne" King's massive vocals on 'I Don't Know If It's Right' a true disco diva. If your looking to re-live the disco years, with the great 12" music, Groovin' You is the ultimate alblum.

This cd is good to have.......2002-04-12

Long versions from all songs. Good sound quality. A collection of rarities. Where else would one find Vicky Sue Robinson's Turn the beat around aos? Not spectacular disco, but good groovy tunes.

Average customer rating:

Simply Wonderful!!

Black Ivory Soul
Angélique Kidjo
Manufacturer: Sony/Columbia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Benin | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006JM7A
Release Date: 2002-09-16

Tracks:

Bahia
Iwoya - Angque Kidjo, Dave Matthews
Olofoofo
Tumba
Black Ivory Soul
Refavela
Iemanj
Afirika
Okam Bale
Ominira
Mondjuba
Ces Petits Riens

Album Description

Aussie edition of 2002 album includes one exclusive bonus track, 'Ne Cedez Jamais'. Columbia.

Album Details

Includes Bonus Track "ne Cedez Jamais".

Customer Reviews:

Simply Wonderful!!.......2003-04-19

If you're new to Kidjo this is an excellent introductory album. If you're a fan, this is her best thus far. All tracks revolve around a fusion theme...her native Benin and Bahian (Brazilian) blends. Kidjo sings in a variety of languages; Yoruba, Fon, French, and the title song is partially sung in English. You don't need to understand a lick to enjoy the rhythms and her powerful, melodious vocals. The woman can sing.

My favorites - Bahia has a hauntingly sweet prelude and gentle beat, Olofoofo, also sweet and sentimental. In both Kidjo smoothly sings through with controlled restraint. Black Ivory Soul is an outstandingly beautiful song. Plaintive yet proud, it's an anthem and the chorus (in English) is infectious. Tumba, Refavela and Afirika are upbeat with jamming percussion. Ces Petits Rien is sung in French and the accompaniment, an acoustic guitar, allows the listener to experience Angelique Kidjo's excellent voice. Simply Wonderful!!

Benin does not traditionally produce female vocalists, indeed, the notion was scandalous. This gifted singer puts her homeland on the musical map.

Album Review:

Album Review

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