Keturah: “Keturah” (2023) CD Review

Keturah is a singer and songwriter from a village in Malawi, a country in eastern Africa. She traveled to the United States to record her debut album, a self-titled release that features all original material, written by Keturah, Jason Tamba and Harlan Steinberger. The tracks were recorded at Hen House Studios in Venice Beach, California, and feature talented musicians backing her, including Mermans Mosengo and Jason Tamba of Afro Fiesta, and some special guests such as John Densmore and Mark Pender.

The album opens with “Ku Nyumba.” There is such a pleasant and positive vibe to this track, and I especially love that percussion. Mermans Mosengo is on drums, and Magatte Sow is on congas and shaker. Keturah has a beautiful voice that seems to promise a brighter day, and here she delivers a reminder that it is up to us to make it happen, and to keep our roots in mind, something I’ve been thinking about more and more lately. Jason Tamba delivers some really nice and rather catchy work on guitar, and Kaveh Rastegar adds a wonderful bass line. The sound and spirit of this song lift my mood each time I listen to it. “Mvula” has a more introspective feel to it, while the percussion remains a prominent element. On this one, Mermans Mosengo plays drums and shaker, Harlan Steinberger plays surdo and conga, and Magatte Sow plays djembe and talking drum. In this track’s steady rhythm, there is something peaceful, something comforting. It seems to say we will persevere, that things will be okay. And Keturah’s voice assures us with a gentle power.

“Kwanumkwanu” was released as a single in March, and a video of a live performance of the song was released at that time. There is a sweet and comforting vibe to this song. And on this track John Densmore (yes, of The Doors) plays shaker. Both Jason Tamba and Louis Mhlanga play guitar on this one. And on this one, a few lines are delivered in English. “Take me around the world/Show me beautiful places,” Keturah sings. Most of us have a longing to visit beautiful and exciting places, but it’s wonderful to know that home is there awaiting our return with warmth and love. Her voice has that warmth to it, particularly toward the end. That’s followed by “Nchiwewe (Ode To Willie Nelson),” which was the second single from the album. It has quite a different flavor from the other tracks. Part of it is the presence of piano (that’s Chris Tuttle on piano) and part of it is Mickey Raphael’s work on harmonica. This track also has a relaxed and soothing rhythm. But the main draw of this track is Keturah’s vocal performance. At times her voice is soothing, yet there are some powerful, striking moments. It is a captivating performance. This is one of my personal favorite tracks. John Densmore plays tambourine on it, and Chris Pierce provides some wonderful backing vocal work. Oh yes, there is quite a bit of a talent here.

“All The Way From Africa” is cheerful right from the start, touching again on the themes of travel and of home. And, as you likely inferred from its title, some of it is sung in English. The joy of her delivery can’t help but have an effect on you. This track also features some really nice work by Jason Tamba on guitar. Then “Sukulu” has a different sound. While there is still a strong rhythm, on this one the strings stand out. In addition to some wonderful guitar work by Jason Tamba, this track features excellent playing by Prince Diabate on kora, as well as some beautiful work by Jake Falby on violin, viola and cello. And of course at the center is Keturah’s voice, which seems to offer support, warmth and guidance. “Udzafele Zina” comes as a surprise, with its delicious jazzy element. Mark Pender (yes, the Loveman himself) plays trumpet on this track, delivering some excellent work right from the start, and his playing is a part of this track’s great appeal. This song also has a catchy groove. It is another of the disc’s highlights.

On “Samala,” the backing vocalists come in before Keturah, establishing the tone. Mermans Mosengo, Bella Mosengo, Simone Mosengo, Satchita Mosengo and Meagan M. Ryck provide those backing vocals. This track features some beautiful work by Prince Diabate on kora. And Matt DeMerritt adds some wonderful touches on saxophone. There is a positive bent to this track as well. This music is relaxing me and restoring my optimism (something I seriously needed after making the mistake of reading the news, reading of more and more shootings). Prince Diabate delivers more wonderful work on kora on “Chimbalame.” This track’s steady rhythm tells us to keep going, to not give up, reminding us we have the ability to follow our dreams. And Keturah makes doing so sound as natural as rain falling or sun shining, as natural as breathing or a heart beating. The album concludes with “Wewe,” which was written by Keturah, Jason Tamba, Harlan Steinberger and Kaveh Rastegar. It eases in with some pretty work by Jamael Dean on piano, and then soon kicks in to become a dance song with a funky edge. You’ve got to love that bass work by Kaveh Rastegar. It’s a dance song with a great beauty. Chris Pierce again lends his tremendous vocal talent, delivering backing vocal work, and this time he is joined by Kara Mack. And Jamael Dean’s piano work throughout the track is excellent.

CD Track List

1. Ku Nyumba
2. Mvula
3. Kwanumkwanu
4. Nchiwewe (Ode To Willie Nelson)
5. All The Way From Africa
6. Sukulu
7. Udzafele Zina
8. Samala
9. Chimbalame
10. Wewe

Keturah was released on May 19, 2023.