Dorothee Munyaneza (CD+DVDA) [DVD AUDIO]

This is the debut album from Paris-based Rwandan singer Dorothee Munyaneza, who first came to prominence on the "Hotel Rwanda" movie soundtrack and on Afro Celt Sound System's 2005 album "Anatomic." Co-written and produced by ACSS's Martin Russell, it is the debut release on Russell's new surround-sound label, Luminary Records.

The first thing you notice when you open the package is that the DVD-A is Disc 1, while the CD is Disc 2. In other words, the surround mixes are the main attraction here--listen to them in 5.1 if at all possible! The DVD-A offers all 14 album tracks in either DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1, or stereo configurations, plus a bonus track ("Batanu"), artwork, and even mp3 files for quick transfer to your iPod. And if all of those incentives aren't enough, there's still the CD version on Disc 2 for those who like to kick it old skool.

As for the music itself, it is beautiful. The lyrics are not in English, but the songs draw you in even if you don't understand the words. The liner notes reveal a wide palette of emotions... there are songs about genocide and corruption but also songs focused on marriage and childbearing. Through it all, Dorothee's voice is a powerful, maternal presence. It is at times fragile and gentle and at others bold and assertive, often spanning both styles within the same song.

Is this "world beat" music? That label might apply. The sound is reminiscent of Geoffrey Oryema's albums on Realworld Records, and perhaps more recently, of Angelique Kidjo. "Njyenyine" is gentle and sad, with some beautiful saxophone accompaniment. "Godeliva" is more synth-y, upbeat and celebratory. The upbeat feeling continues on "Iteka," with handclaps and chants. "Agaciro" has big drums and rock guitar, while "Ingoma" features some tasty live bass and more saxophone.

Overall, this record is defined by its rock, jazz and blues influences. The songwriting is more concise than your typical Afro Celt Sound System 10-minute epic, and the sound is more organic and less programmed. Dorothee Munyaneza and Martin Russell have put together a great collection of songs and sounds. Hopefully this album will get the recognition it deserves, both for the music and for the awesome DVD-A mixes.

Drawing inspiration from her roots as well as western music Dorothee Munyaneza has produced one of the best albums of this year. The album mixes African rhythms and instrumentation seamlessly and Dorothee has a superb singing voice. I hope this album does not get overlooked just because its on a small label and its `world music' it has in my opinion a great deal of appeal, me as a rocker, my wife who love `Heart FM' and my Daughter `Lady Ga Ga' all have fallen in love with this album, and its stunning surround mix more of which later.

To the album the music as previously stated is western and African influenced `Iminsi' the opening track has a real dreamy quality to it, though its heavily rhythm drive, I can see quite a few bands sampling this. This is followed by 'Njyenyine' a more conventional song which would not have been out of place on Dire Straits brothers in Arms, the vocals again a quite captivating.
The rest of the album follows in that way sliding between a stronger African then western influence effortlessly. Other Stand out tracks `Akaririmo' the best use of sound, `One Minute' Lovely lonely song with a hint of Africa and a hint of something else. And the closer `Igihe' leave the listener wanting more
The great album comes as a double disc with the DVDA as disc one this can be played on pretty much any DVD/Blu ray player. A CD which while sounding excellent only further shows why the surround mix is so good.
The surround field on the album treads that delicate balance between using all speakers while not distracting the listener from what really counts the music.

A great album and one of my albums of the year I hope this does well for both Dorothee the label I want more surround music, especially of this quality.

This record is a a surprising experience in terms of high resolution surround music.
Excellent recording fidelity comes along with music that envelopes you with mystic melodies, rhythmic sections and well produced instrumentation. Definitely worth giving a try, although you will not understand the lyrics (but this is also explained in English in booklet and DVD menu. I hope to see further efforts of this new label.