****ALPHA BLONDY - MERCI****

.....

MERCI


1. Wari - (featuring Saian Supa Crew)
2. Who Are You - (featuring Ophelie Winter)
3. Quitte Dans Ca - (French)
4. Souroukou Logo - (French)
5. God Bless Africa - (French)
6. Zoukefiez Moi Ca - (African Languages, French, featuring Bibi Dens)
7. Ato Afri Loue - (French)
8. Politruc - (French)
9. Hey Jack
10. Vanite - (French)
11. Si on M'Avait Dit - (French)
12. Feu, Le - (African Languages, French)


Label Shanachie
Orig Year 2002
Discs 1
Release Date Jun 25, 2002
Engineer Hubert Salou; Cedric Louis
Personnel Jacques Bolognesi - trombone
Alain Hatot - saxophone
Philippe Slominski
Phillipe Slominski - trumpet
Abou Bass - bass
Alpha Blondy - vocals
Charles Lalibe - drums
Hakim Hamadouche - oud
Jorge Arjona - panpipes
Koro Abou Ouatt - percussion
Mad Mohamed - guitar
Michel Lorentz - programming
Patrick Rondat - acoustic guitar
Ras Tea - keyboards
Robin Deffiyes - cello
Julie Mourillon - guitar
Fr+¬d+¬ric Moreau - violin


Also: Ophelie Winter, Saian Supa Crew

MERCI was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album.


In addition to being Alpha Blondy's first recording in four years, MERCI also commemorates 20 years of being an international reggae star. Eschewing any hint of dancehall ... Full Descriptiontrappings. Blondy instead utilizes live instrumentation and robust vocal arrangements layered over bubbling keyboards and springy bass. Keeping to his trademark multi-lingual style, this native of the Ivory Coast easily moves between the French of the brassy and bright "Zoukefiez-Moi" and the English of the Ziggy-like "Who Are You." Other highlights include the ethereal "Le Feu," snappy "Zoukefiez Moi Ca" (featuring Bibi Den's) and horn-driven "Politruc." Always a fan of western music, Blondie also includes a pair of interesting interpretations: a loping reworking of Free's "All Right Now" entitled "Hey Jack" and "War!," an infectious cover of The O'Jay's "For the Love of Money" that works an irresistible groove and features contributions by French toasters Saian Supa Crew.


1st New Studio In 4 Years


Recorded at Studio Harryson, Paris, France.


Adapter: Alpha Blondy.


Personnel: Alpha Blondy (vocals); Bibi Den's, Ophélie Winter, Saian Supa Crew, Samuel (vocals); Julie Mourillon (guitar); Patrick Rondat (acoustic guitar); Hakim Hamadouche (oud); Frédéric Moreau (violin); Alain Hatot (saxophone); Phillipe Slominski (trumpet); Jacques Bolognesi (trombone); Michel Lorentz (programming).


Recording information: Studio Harryson, Paris, France.


Arranger: Boncana Maïga.


Personnel includes: Alpha Blondy, Saian Supa Crew, Ophelie Winter, Bibi Den's (vocals); Mad Mohamed (guitar); Hakim Hamadouche (oud); Frederic Moreau (violin); Robin Deffiyes (cello); Jorge Arjona (panpipes); Philippe Slominski, Alain Hatot (brass); Ras Tea (keyboards); Abou Bass (bass); Charles Lalibe (drums); Koro Abou Ouatt (percussion); Michael Lorentz (programming).