Also this issue: Oh, the Humanity International male Vikter Duplaix says no way, computer. -A.D. Amorosi Jig Stars Danú turns heads by doing the same old thing. -Mary Armstrong Big Entrance PJ Harvey's pal John Parish makes Animals Move. -A.D. Amorosi Review: Common, Gang Starr, Talib Kweli, Floetry -Elisa Ludwig Review: Philadelphia Orchestra -Peter Burwasser Ike -Patrick Rapa Danielle Howle -M.J. Fine The Eyeliners -Sam Adams

March 6-12, 2003

musicpicks

Les Nubians

Like the heady wines distilled from their home of Bordeaux, France, Franco-Cameroonian sisters Helene and Celia Faussart -- Les Nubians -- take their time with the fruits of their fancy. Their debut, 1999's Princesses Nubiennes, was a mysterious, emotional highlife-hip-hop sound with dueling Nina Simone-esque vocals chattering and cooing atop graceful lilting grooves. While Princesses had its share of American production twists (including The Roots), the Nubians' second CD, One Step Forward (Omtown/Higher Octave), is homebrewed and familial, a mostly self-produced effort that's sumptuously rough-hewn but no less beautiful than their first. Recorded in Cameroon, Jamaica, London and points beyond, Forward's sonic scenario takes on the ambient qualities of each locale, a quilt-like bit of foreign intrigue resulting in noir-ish scat-bop ("Nu-Hymne"), Parisienne wine bar ragga-jazz ("El Son Reggae"), trembling balladry ("Immortal Cheikh Anta Diop") and chirpy R&B ("Temperature Rising"). No matter what setting or city, the sisters Faussart swoop and swoon over smooth harmonious refrains on each track, kissing or smacking each song with their own brand of radiant sunshine.

Mon., March 10, 8 p.m., $15-$17, The TLA, 334 South St., 215-336-2000.

—A.D. Amorosi