My interest in Congolese Rumba has had me seeking out records from His Master’s Voice G.V. series – which were quite influential in the development of African music in the 40s and 50s.
The G.V. series was made up of Cuban and Latin American music made by Victor in the U.S. They started releasing records in 1933 and the series was marketed to audiences in Africa as “Hits from Cuban and South American Shores”.
This early disc from Trio Matamoros features the son clave rhythm that underlies much Afro-Cuban music and prominent guitars. I was struck, in particular, by how the melodic guitar part that here begins at 0:32 and ends at 0:43 resembles one of my favorite guitar parts played by Papa Noel in Léon Bukasa’s “Monique Wa Baba” starting at the one minute mark. Could Papa Noel have been paying homage to the Trio Matamoros quoting the line from this record? It sure sounds like it!
Recorded in Camden, New Jersey on May 29, 1928.
Released as His Master’s Voice G.V. 8.
Originally released as Victor 81614.
Credits:
Miguel Matamoros – guitar, tenor vocals
Rafael Cueto – guitar
Siro Rodríguez – claves, baritone vocals
Go listen to Léon Bukasa’s “Monique Wa Baba” and compare the guitar part mentioned above!
https://youtu.be/Zl6hNQ0xtv8
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