Muntu Valdo: The One & the Many

Muntu Valdo

The One & the Many

(Warner Jazz)

Muntu Valdo is a literal one-man band, providing all the singing and playing every instrument from guitar to harmonica, like a Cameroonian Phil Collins. The comparison half fits his anguished, betrayed lyrics wrapped in lushly summery tunes, never more than on “Ate Aye”.

The water calabash splashes like a river, and crickets punctuate “Djongo”’s massed chorus. “Timba” is lolloping country ‘n’ west African.