CD Review: Ibrahima Sarr's 'Danaya Percussion Presents Ibrahima Sarr'

Ibrahima Sarr
Danaya Percussion Presents Ibrahima Sarr
Kanaga System Krush

Ibrahima Sarr is a professional djembe player from Mali that has toured the world over the last few decades. Ibrahima incorporates various djembes, balafons, and vocals on the mostly instrumental and percussive release. The thunderous drums and lighter balafon sounds aptly showcase a dynamic range of sounds that are trance-inducing and memorable. the highly traditional sounds are not bluesy, contemporary, or rock-centered. Instead, the organic arrangements of vocals, drums, and balafons make the album shimmer with a nostalgic and historic presence. The talented group of instrumentalists make the album stand out, along with the various themes revolving around medical issues, ceremonies, and dances. The extensive liner notes illustrate some of the song meanings in English. Fans of Malian drumming and African dance music will love the entrancing melodies and rhythms produced by the drums, balafon, and sporadic vocals. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Zoumana Tereta's 'Soku Fola: Traditional String Music From Segou, Mali'

Zoumana Tereta
Soku Fola: Traditional String Music From Segou, Mali
Kanaga System Krush

Born in Bamako, Mali, Zoumana Tereta began playing music at age sixteen. Originally mastering the Krinyani stringed instrument native to the Fulani, Zoumana moved on to the soku fiddle and bonfle (Fulani flute). The soku fiddle is the primary instrument highlighted on the new album, Soku Fola... However, Zoumana is joined by other instruments, including the acoustic guitar, bass djeli n'goni, and calabash. The acoustic album is very organic and raw with various vocalizations and instrumental arrangements. The soku fiddle and calabash take the spotlight on "Sorre." Zoumana's husky voice is mature and intriguing. There are liner notes about each song, the instruments, and production notes. Anyone interested in learning more about North African music will especially love the recording from a seasoned veteran. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lobi Traore's 'Bwati Kono "In The Club"...Raw Electric Blues From Bamako'

Lobi Traore
Bwati Kono "In The Club"...Raw Electric Blues From Bamako
Kanaga System Krush

Lobi Traore gives us electric blues guitar music straight from Bamako, Mali on his last recording before his death. The album contains nine live tracks with lively, blues guitar music, which is gritty, raw, and organic. The music is jam-worthy and trance-inducing in parts, but Lobi's great guitar calisthenics wins us over. There are traditional instruments that accompany the electric guitar sounds, including djembe and balafon. The spacious beats and inventive delivery make Bwati Kono... one of the best West African recordings in recent memory. Lobi followed in the tradition of Vieux Farka Toure and Zani Diabate. This is not an acoustic guitar album. There are many long instrumentals in between the vocals, which aids in the incredible musicianship for all to enjoy. Lobi will be missed; but his music will live on. Enjoy it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tiecoro Sissoko's 'Keme Borama'

Tiecoro Sissoko
Keme Borama
Kanaga System Krush

Hailing from Mali, Tiecoro Sissoko is a talented vocalist and guitarist in the Djeli tradition of West Africa. Tiecoro is joined by Madouba Camara on kora and Adama Tounkara on djeli n'goni. The rather acoustic offering is rich with scintillating strings and cascading vocal harmonies emanating from the spirit of Malian griot traditions. The relatively acoustic feel is very melancholic, relaxing, and meditative. There is a mix of instrumental and vocal music throughout. Unfortunately, Tiecoro died in 2012, but thankfully, his music will live on every time the album is played. The combination of kora, guitar, and djeli n'goni makes the music come alive and dance around in the listener's soul for a truly engaging and momentous result. Fans of Malian guitar music will appreciate it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chris Berry's 'King Of Me'

Chris Berry
King Of Me
Kanaga System Krush

The laid-back, scintillating sounds of Zimbabwe's mbira has been modified and electrified for Chris Berry's use. The combination of mbira, reggae-type melodies, and urban-pop sounds makes King Of Me shine with superb melodies, infectious sounds, and smooth vocals throughout. Chris is a composer, singer, teacher, and Grammy Award-winner. Mali's Awa Sangho lends her talents on "Sister River." Chris is also joined by top percussionist, Daniel Moreno, as well as singer Deja Solis. The sparkling balafon-esque mbira sounds showcase a diverse instrument that works perfectly. The mix of lounge rhythms, reggae vocals, drums, and delicate pop structures makes King Of Me an exciting and refreshing contemporary release. Twelve tracks feature the diverse stylings of zim-fusion (Zimbabwe-inspired music) and the help of Abou Diarrassouba on drums, Awa Sangho, Daniel Moreno, Deja Solis, and Moussa Camara. This is great, groovy music with heart and soul. ~ Matthew Forss