CD Review: Daby Toure's 'Amonafi'

Daby Toure 
Amonafi
Cumbancha

Daby Toure comes from Mauritania--a Saharan country in North Africa. However, his music is trans-African and even trans-global in nature. It is filled with catchy Afro-pop hooks from the get-go. He achieved worldwide fame with Stereo Spirit and Diam--and now Amonafi continues to celebrate his unique voicings and guitar styles. Many of the songs build upon earlier song styles on previous albums, but Daby creates all new music that is slightly different overall. There are a few very characteristic Daby Toure songs here, including "Oma," "Emma," "Little Song," "If You," "Debho," and "Soninko." Amonafi, which means, 'once upon a time,' in the Wolof language, is a great analogy to what Daby does best: tell stories in an infectious, musical pattern with diverse vocal ranges and scintillating guitar-work. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kel Assouf - Tin Hinane

Kel Assouf

Tin Hinane

Igloo Records

The Tuareg blues bands have flourished after the rise of the late-Ali Farka Toure. The Tamasheq-language group, Kel Assouf, is made up of members from Niger, Mali, Togo, Algeria, Mauritania, France, and Ghana. The music is a mix of flute, voice, guitar, karkabou, kora, bass, calabash, percussion, and pandeiro. The sounds of the Sahel are breezy and the vocals are superb. The Tinariwen-esque playing styles resemble other North African guitar groups, including Etran Finatawa, Tidawt, Toumast, Tartit, Tamikrest and Terakaft. The jaunty "Afrik" and the beautiful "Tiliadene N'Ashra" rivals that of "Tinariwene" and the solemn "Talit". Kel Assouf is Tamasheq for 'son of the desert' and Tin Hinane is Tamasheq for an ancient Tuareg queen. The importance of the guitar as an instrument of rebellion pervades North Africa and permeates the tracks of Tin Hinane. The incorporation of traditional instruments provides a fine balance between ancient and modern elements that shine through on every track. Travel to the Sahara and let Kel Assouf welcome you into their world. Liner notes in French with Tamasheq song titles. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The 'Hospitable' Maria de Barros

Maria de Barros
Morabeza
Sheer Sound

The Cape Verde islands not only evoke images of swaying palm trees, but they are also home to the swaying hips of charismatic songstress, Maria de Barros. Steeped in the Criolu music traditions of Cape Verde, Morabeza is a welcome addition to the plethora of recent global releases of music from this region. In fact, Morabeza means 'hospitality' in Creole. Essentially, it is a reflection of the close-knit communities and spirit of Cape Verde. The music draws upon African, Latin, Caribbean, and European elements. The far-reaching music could be due to Maria's eclectic background being born in Senegal to Cape Verde parents, living in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and various places in the U.S.A.. Thanks to Maria's beautiful and sincere voice, Morabeza is sure to energize any party or occasion. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mauritanian Blues

Boolumbal
Fuuta Blues
Playasound

The border between Mauritania and Senegal is rich in history, music, and traditions. It is also home to Boolumbal band leader, singer, and guitarist, Malick Dia. Malick teamed up with French musician and producer of blues music in Paris, and in the process, created a stunning album of Senegal River blues. To be more exact, Fuuta Blues contains earthy tunes and vocals in the Pulaar language. Musically, there are resemblances to Guinea-Bissau's Bidinte, Mauritania's Daby Toure, Senegal's Vieux Diop, and Mali's most recognizable export--the late-Ali Farka Toure. There is a nice mix of traditional instruments, including the ngoni, kora, balafon, Peul flute, djembe, and shakers. The more modern strings, piano, and guitar are not as prevalent. Fuuta Blues is an album unique to Mauritania and the Francophone musical genre. It is steeped in traditional instrumentation and simple, catchy vocals. Liner notes are in English and French. Take a trip down the Senegal River with Boolumbal. ~ Matthew Forss