La Sève is an interesting and unique Drôme, France-based quartet that draws their inspiration from West African music, particularly Cameroonian Bikutsi and Congolese Rumba. La Sève is comprised of guitarists Guillaume Cornuel, Gregory Brustier, Samuel Paris and drummer/percussionist Frédéric Jebejian. All four also contribute vocals.

La Sève’s new album Chlorophylle explores Ternary Form, and in particular Bikutsi, which was originally healing music sung by women. Ternary music, in 6/8 time, is fast, rhythmical dance music. While there are no women providing vocals on this project, it’s no wonder that La Sève is making appearances at many regional venues and music festivals throughout France. Their groove is intended to get the hips swaying and the feet stomping. La Sève means “the sap,” and they create an organic sonic experience and primal energy akin to the life force that flows through plants. They call their music “a vital fluid that flows through the body in the rhythm of the dance.”

Playing Bikutsi with their own distinctive signature stamp, La Sève reinvents the traditional repertoire with jazz, rock and reggae influences. La Sève’s music has flux, fluidity, power and strength. With some stronger vocalists (and perhaps a few backup vocalists), I think the quartet could easily channel the fun grooves of top traditional performers from The Congo, Cameroon and Nigeria. Standout tracks include the rousing opener “Feville,” “Foula” (with the addition of keyboardist Fabi Marais), whoop-whooping “If,” and swaying “Couronne d’Or.”  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)