by Harold McMillan

The female vocal ensemble Inkululeko has just released their debut self-titled CD. And I have to tell you, listening to this first effort from Caroline Lyon and crew is one of the most enjoyable in-home musical experiences that I have had lately. And I listen to it most every day. I admit that I am personally proud of the group and what they and producer David Barrow accomplish with this 16-cut, all a cappella disc.

Clear, soulful vocals, edgy layered harmonies, thick and compelling drummer-less poly-rhythms that weave together songs and stories from South and West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Eastern Bloc of Europe. Solo voices and emotional, moving harmonies that tell musical stories, in languages that most of us don't understand. This is what makes this album -- especially as a first recording -- so musically satisfying, emotionally powerful, and artistically successful.

You don't have to speak the language to feel the message of the music. Although the literal text of these songs represent praise shouts (Bara Suayu), to laments -- Bahleli Bonke -- to vocalesse improv -- Cauldron -- to freedom songs -- Thula Sizwe -- love of life and celebration of the human spirit -- Coro Coro -- celebration of song is the universal message here. I also suspect that a good portion of the ethos behind Inkululeko -- the individual women, the band and the music they choose to write and interpret -- is too an expression of sisterhood, in its most sublime sense.There is something about this group, in their live performances, in the way they promote themselves, in the "culture" of their band, that really sets them apart from Austin's average male rock and roll wannabes and grrrl-group pop star strivers.

It translates to the CD. On this record, you hear and feel sisterhood: a group of women artists who care about the music, the culture, the international human condition and each other. For those of us who follow the music of folks like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Zap Mama, it is hard not to compare Inkululeko to these internationally acclaimed vocal groups. That, in and of itself, is a positive endorsement. But remember, the tradition of female praise shout ensembles goes back hundreds of years. Like Sweet Honey and Zap Mama, Inkululeko is merely drawing on traditional forms of expression from cultures with roots that predate all of us.

Do yourself a favor, go out and buy this disc. You'll love it, it will make you feel good, and you too will be excited about the promise of wider exposure for this group of really exceptional Austinites.