CD Review: Ntjam Rosie's 'The One'

Ntjam Rosie
The One
Gentle Daze Records

Cameroonian, Ntjam Rosie is clearly influenced by the subtle, electronic nuances of down-tempo, jazz, and laid-back pop with a European and African foundation. The vocals are relatively fluid and soft with poetic underpinnings and a slight urban presence. However, this is not a full-fledged hip hop or R&B compilation. Instead, Ntjam's musical concoctions flow from a diverse and multi-layered creativity that is very soothing and memorable. "The One" contains vocals that are very smooth, as well as on "Forever Love." Nevertheless, the entire album features a great mix of musical subtleties, such as the sparse, instrumentation akin to Rokia Traore's music. At times, the vocals imbue a sense of surrealism and utter beauty without adding redundant beats or loud guitars. Some of the supple tones and notes are due to some strings and piano sounds for a truly, world jazz mix. What is more, the vocals are very similar to Binki Shapiro's work with the electronic lo-fi group, Zero 7. Anyone seeking some light fanfare from Cameroon (via The Netherlands), then this is 'the one' for you. ~ Matthew Forss