RAIVO

"When I lived in Madagascar there were still hotels from the colonial era that kept upright pianos. Local musicians and hotel guests would play the pianos although years and sometimes decades of neglect would make them almost unplayable. For a moment, let us put aside French colonial rule of Madagascar of the 1940's and 1950's and contemplate the music scene. Imagine impeccably dressed women and men filling restaurants, hotels and theatres and the music, starting with the piano and spotlighting the wondrous singing skills of the Malagasy people. This is the era of R. R. Majunga and trascribing his music from decaying 78's gave me special insight into this period." --Dean Pallen