CD Review: Habib Koite's 'Soo'

Habib Koite
Soo
Contre-Jour

Mali's Habib Koite releases a stunning album, Soo, which means "home,"  that brings to life the music of North Africa and Mali in particular. Habib is the lead vocalist and guitarist on the album, but he is joined by other instruments, including bass, keyboards, calabash, kora, n'goni, doun doun, djembe, banjo, and others. The eleven-track release traverses the Saharan spectrum of musical ingeniousness. The rhythmic tunes combine with Habib's soulful vocals in Bambara, Dogon, Malinke, and Khassonke, to provide a fascinating listening experience overall. The poignant and catchy "L.A." is an excellent example of trans-cultural musical exchange with the banjo taking center stage with Afro-Latin percussive elements to boot. The sounds emanate in a beautiful delivery without fault. Anyone familiar with Habib Koite's previous works will love this new, adventurous release. Fans of Malian contemporary music will be pleased, too. ~ 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: Kora, Balafon, N'goni, and more....

Lanaya
Soun Soun: La Tradition Mandingue
Terp Records

Lanaya, a wholly instrumental trio hailing from Bamako, Mali, play centuries old music for today's generation. All in their 20's, Lanaya forms a talented group of musicians on kora, n'goni, and balafon. The group's familial history is as iconic as the music itself. Djibril Diabate on kora is the nephew of Toumani Diabate. Fassery Diabate on balaphone is the son of Malian musician Keletigui Diabate. Finally, Mohamadou Kamissoko comes from a family of n'goni players. Their musicianship is astounding and far-reaching. The songs do not include vocals, so the instruments carry the spirit of Mandingue culture to the forefront of this release. The instrumental performance is indicative of other ensembles from select regions of the world. Most notably, the music of China and Southeast Asia comes to mind. The energetic and scintillating melodies of the instruments creates a mesmerizing effect on the listener. Fans of instrumental music from around the world and West Africa in particular, will love Soun Soun. ~ Matthew Forss

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

CD Review: Issa Bagayogo - Malian Master

Issa Bagayogo
Mali Koura
Six Degrees

Mali's Issa Bagayogo produces yet another high quality album of adventurous tracks from Africa's sahel. His instrument of choice, the kamale ngoni (three-stringed lute), provides a perfect link of the rustic and earthy sounds of traditional music with more modern musical elements. For instance, his kamala ngoni is joined by guitar, bass, djembe drum, calabash, flute, violin, kora, sax, accordion, piano, synthesizer, and electronic programming. These instruments and styles meld succinctly with European arrangements and North African sensibilities. His voice catapults the tracks into new dimensions as the songs quickly enrapture the listener's attention. His vocal and musical style is similar to Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi, while distinctly different from the late-Ali Farka Toure. The music of Mali Koura is somewhat danceable, highly addictive, and refreshing. Track highlights on this recording are: "Sebero", "Poye", "Dibi", and "Ahe Sira Bila". Issa brings the world of Timbuktu closer to home for everyone! ~ Matthew Forss