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André Monde de Lang
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | Established. Jan 01, 1999 | SELF
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Andre De Lang 'Homecoming' [De Lang]
If you are expecting to hear a contemporary R & B album, this CD is not for you, but if you enjoy soulful, heartfelt, inspirational roots music, Andre De Lang's 2007 album "Homecoming" is just what you are waiting for. This is an album borne from a journey of life - the past to the present with Andre looking back on his life's story. The fourth track "Hallelujah (I'm Alive) reflects this and almost has a country feel. Given a guitar as a birthday present by a friend with the words "go write that song " it became the inspiration behind this deeply personal 14-track CD. Andre has written all tracks with the exception of track 3 and thirteen. From opening the CD cover with Andre's smiling face on the front, it instantly sets the mood for this uplifting album which starts with "The Spirit Song;" An incredibly powerful native American sounding track. I know not what he is actually singing, but it doesn't detract from the impact – which is spiritually thought provoking, making you want to play it in the mountains of South Africa, as you watch the sun go down. "Awe Mama" gives praise to his Mama, in a spiritually elevating song, which also gives thanks to The Father, incorporating African sounds. "Same Ol' Story" has the lyrics "I am yearning in my soul…give me comfort, make me whole.." The words of someone who is lost, knowing there is more and wanting it deeply, with the harmonica lending emotion to this heavy- hearted track. I always enjoy a good male duet and track 5 "My Music" does not disappoint. Featuring Cecil Mitchell whose voice blends soulfully well with the voice of Andre as they sing the lyrics "this is the music, my song, finds me when I'm all alone, in the silence of my home, the yearning that's inside of me…makes me sing," a simple song being raw and natural in nature. I can imagine André sat up in the middle of the night, with his guitar and a need to make music and write such lyrics. "One In A Million" with Andre's African deeply felt words is another beautiful track. The album title track "Homecoming" features Lefifi Tladi, with African lyrical poetry, in this up-tempo, happy track and all those beautiful African sounds. "Hymn For The Pacemaker" simply features André's vocals, a grand piano and a Hammond in this praising song. "Love Is" follows with the words "let love rain upon the nation to the point of saturation". "Thula Mama" – meaning be quiet mother, acknowledges the influence and love of his mother. "African Child" again featuring Lefifi Tladi follows with a short African poem. "Strength In You" is a song about everyone needing a friend to lean on with the lyrics "when my light has gone from my eyes I know you will lead me home". "Die Stem Revisited" (meaning 'The Voice' – which was the Afrikaans national anthem used during the apartheid years in South Africa), has Andre lending his interpretation, with a soothing bit of harmonica. The CD ends with "Tshoha, Tshoha" meaning 'wake up, wake up' in the South African language of Seswana or Tswana (English translation). A mainly instrumental track with the stunning sound of the alto sax, acoustic guitar and subtle accordion ending with the singing of the title lyrics, tshoha, tshoha. The album transports you to Africa, gives you a feel of Andre and his culture and even has a French flavour at times, using musicians who really seem to feel the passion André had in mind when making the album. The CD is a celebration of life, with hopes and aspirations for the future and refreshingly uplifts and inspires. An original. Well recommended.
Tracey Cope [Just Soul]
- Just Soul
Discography
Worth the wait- Sony/Bmg/Diesel Music
Educate your soul-Sony/Bmg/Diesel Music
Homecoming-Catfish (indie)
Hymn 4 the peacemakers- indie
"This train" single with Martin Terefe
"Gospel days" with Jonathan Butler
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Bio
ANDRE MONDE DE LANG
Andre Monde De Lang boasts a rich and colourful heritage of the Maccatees/Xhosa/Khoi San and Griekwa bloodline, making him more African than most. He is a Music Professional who was born in the town of Port Elizabeth in South Africa and lived there until he acquired a scholarship to study music in Stockholm, Sweden where he still resides today. His music carries a spirit of laughter, love, reconciliation and forgiveness. It may be best described as a refreshing World/Adult Contemporary/Soul sound. His vocals are a clever blend of light, smooth and smokey. Andre has been involved with and contributed to many international projects aimed at empowering South African artists’ and communities. He was associated with the charity ‘Children of Fire’.
Music has always been a part of the De Lang household. Andre would join with his brothers and sisters to pray and sing songs. Prayer and music wrought within them faith and hope and gave them the courage to hold onto their dreams.
Andre has released 3 solo albums. “Homecoming” is most recent on Catfish Recording.
The revised and controversial rendition of “Die Stem – Revisited” and “African Child” both from the Homecoming album, have been selected for the South African film, “Children of Fire”. Favorites are, “Awe Mama”, powerful in delivery as it exalts the heart of Africa. “Spirit Song” beautifully portrays and captures the sentiments and rich tones of the diverse cultures of our nation. Deeply moving is “Hymn for the Peacemaker”, which leaves one with the feeling of wanting more. The title track “Homecoming” is delightful with some light African jazzy/township tones, comprising chants and shouts.
“The principle of love” says Andre, “can be very hard to understand and seemingly impossible in application, but through the Homecoming project one catches a glimpse of the POWER OF LOVE and FORGIVENESS. A love that touched and healed a deprived, lost, hurt and vengeful soul”.
Andre Monde De Lang is more than a musician. From being a deprived farm boy he is now a free man, and an Agent for hope, spiritual and social transformation and a Mentor. His humility belies his musical brilliance and acumen. Needless to say, “Homecoming” is very personal and special to him. It is so much more than a music project. It is about his journey, his songs, and his life. He invites you to participate in his journey and in doing so prays that you too will find your way “home”.
Andre’s heritage is carved into his voice, into his music and into his soul.
Band:
Per Lindvall - Drums
Pablo Cepeda- percussion,vocals
Tommy Tordsson- bass
Glen Scott - keyboards, B3, vocals, MD
Putte Nelson- keyboard, vocals
Staffan Astner- guitars
Wojtek Goral-all saxophones
Band Members
Links