Nigerian singer/songwriter KUKU made a name for himself with his acclaimed debut EP Love Sessions, and his first full-length disc, Unexpected Pleasures, should keep the momentum going. His attractive blending of world, soul and folk music makes for very nice moments on such songs as "Love," "Perfect Reality," "After and Then" and especially on the beautiful title track. At a time when modern radio has become more fragmented and one-dimensional than ever, KUKU's gentle amalgamation hearkens to the coffee houses of the late 60s and early 70s, when artists like Richie Havens and Bill Withers showed that folk and soul could co-exist in peace. And together with modern artists such as Raul Midon and Sparlha Swa, KUKU makes a strong statement that that can happen again. Recommended.
CR
