From Polynesia, Mako has kept the memory of a background music that played in the bus, in the stores, on the beach You heard traditional Tahitian music and reggae everywhere. In his recording studio, there are ethnic fabrics, Tikis, ukuleles, and Hawaiian steel guitars next to an impressive "made in Kingston" vinyl collection. Not to mention an arsenal of machines to turn out electronic compositions.His experience as tour programmer with Etienne Daho (a very famous french singer) and then producer of his latest album in 2003 gave him the confidence and pushed him to add instruments and voice to his compositions. "While on tour, Etienne asked me to play the keyboard and guitar parts, and I quickly got my bearings again. For the vocals, watching him work allowed me to get rid of my complexes as far as that goes and to find what was missing from tracks like 'IMF' or 'Mister Master.' I called on Dom Farkas (Doctor L, Poesie B) to sing. Two bass players as well: Disco (Philippe Katerine, Roudoudou, Rokia Traore, Kracked, Château Flight) and Kutch (Ultimate K). For 'Tiki Shop,' I asked two Tahitian friends to join us on ukulele."Mister Master pulls up with a more pop register, soul vocals, vintage keyboards and little musical accidents like Money Mark. Youre not sure if youve been beamed to Florida or somewhere else, and youre also reminded of the Getaway People. However, the solemn message warns the masters-of-the-world-in-training to be on their guard (anyone with a W. between their first and last names should feel personally concerned).The frenzied bass of Tell me what you eat (I'll tell you who you are) sets you on a sunny, seaside road where you get buzzed on speed and sea spray.With IMF, theres more of a reggae beat, an English dub matinee. A father addresses IMF bigwigs: so, tell me then guys, how am I going to feed my kids now?Shake yourself off, a smile on your face; youre headed for the Tiki Shop. "Thats where I meet up with my Tahitian friends Teina and Tea" Mako confides. Ukuleles, steal guitars, and glockenspiels welcome you. There are laughing Tikis (Polynesian totem statuettes, very popular in 1950s America) everywhere.
