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Tonton Macoute — Tonton Macoute

RCA

I know absolutely nothing about this album or the group save that they are British, and that this is a re -issue of an album deleted in 1974. Tonton Macoute consists of Chris Gavin (guitars, bass); Dave Knowles (vocals, woodwind); Paul French (vocals, keyboards); and Nigel Reveler (percussion).

The music is unmistakably British. If one had to categorise it; I suppose you could call it "head" music, though its lighter in parts. As with most British music in this category, it is influenced by the usual potpourri of rock, classical, and jazz.

The individual musicians themselves are excellent, and I admire Knowles' flute, and Gavin's acoustic guitar. On first listening, the album struck me as being rather ordinary, which it perhaps is, but the more I played it the more I liked it, particularly side one, with its strong jazz overtones. Its very relaxing music, and great for late-night listening.

Vocally and lyrically they're not hot, a complaint alleviated by the actual music. Its difficult to single out specific tracks as being excellent or otherwise, but for myself, I rather like "Flying South in Winter" and "Natural High". Yeah, a nice record.

— David MacLellan