Wednesday, December 17, 2008

CD Review: Hooray for Mali's Traore

Rokia Traore
Tchamantche
Nonesuch


To be released January 13th, 2009, Tchamantche is Rokia Traore's stellar album of Afro-pop that is uniquely 'Traore'. In order to shed the familiar pop sound, Rokia creates the music from a personal point-of-view that doesn't follow mainstream pop expectations. Some tracks are laid-back, while others are upbeat and percussive. I could also picture some of these songs as part of a soundtrack of an African film. Instrumentally, the n'goni, guitar, bass, harp, drums, and 'human beat box', complete the ensemble. However, Rokia's voice floats effortlessly through the tracks at just the right consistency, tone, and energy level. Tchamantche will be climbing the world music charts, so get your hands on it before it is too late! ~ Matthew Forss

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