Various Artists -Tales of the Marimba (Sheer Sound/ Planet MGM)

If there was ever a sound that offered you no alternative but to immediately put a smile on your face it’s the marimba. It’s just that the sound is so distinctive, the warmth of the wood; the ability to play three or four differently toned instruments at the same time creating an incredible situation where rhythm and melody are impossible to separate. There are traditional tunes here played with little accompaniment in a South African style, sometimes with distinctive South African vocals as well as some fusions with percussion, brass and vocals. There are some incredible tunes and some amazing displays of marimba artistry with outfits such as Amampondo and Cissoko, who also use Kora, taking the marimba in some very interesting new directions. The high energy opener Man’ghomebe from Giya Marimba sets this collection up perfectly, it’s music to move to, incredibly warm and uplifting music that can’ help but provoke a physical reaction to. The Marimba has of course infiltrated Western Music, with the likes of Tortoise taking it into new jazz and rock realms, yet it’s impossible not to marvel at the range of approaches, the simplicity of the lines and the stylistic developments within Africa.