CD Review: Zansa's 'Djansa' From Ivory Coast, Africa

Zansa
Djansa
Self-Release

The Afrobeat leanings of Zansa stem from the Ivory Coast influences on Adama Dembele's compositions and arrangements. The music is highly contemporary with guitars, drums, bass, keyboard, and vocals in Bambara, French, English, and Baoule. The West African elements are not only represented by the Afro-jazz leanings, but also from the indigenous instruments, including the djembe, congas, shekere, sangban, dundun, kinkine, kanye ka, tama, kola nut shaker, bell, as well as various electric strings to keep it interesting. The heady rhythms are diverse, richly-textured, and always moving. The dance beats are organic and steeped in African traditions and culture. Zansa is Adama Dembele, Casey Dean, Patrick Fitzsimons, Sean Mason, Ryan Reardon, Matt Williams, and a host of guest musicians. The dozen song track-list is great for percussion fans, as well as contemporary Ivory Coast music fans. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Karim Diouf's 'Adouna'

Karim Diouf
Adouna
Audiogram

The Senegalese culture is rich with musical history by world-reknowned musicians, such as Baaba Maal and Youssou N'Dour. Now, add Karim Diouf to the world's top performers from this interesting and musically-gifted region of Africa. Karim's homeland of Senegal has clearly influenced his latest recording, Adouna. The Senegalese rhythms, language, and arrangements are modern, yet traditional. The grooves are pure Afro-pop with a good degree of Wolof culture represented. There are traditional instruments utilized, but the majority are basic guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. However, the arrangements are very engaging and upbeat. There are eleven intriguing tracks that do anything but keep the listener bored. There are some similarities with other Afro-pop stars of the region, but there are beautiful melodies and vocal arrangements that add another level of texture and professionalism. This is a great album for the Senegalese aficionado or African music listener in general. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Guinea's Macire Sylla Releases 'Talitha'

Macire Sylla

Talitha

Djembe Fare

The Afropop beats of Guinean singer, Macire Sylla, are a follow-up to her 2005 release, Massa. The multi-instrumental repertoire includes a host of African instruments, including the kora, balafon, drums, flutes, and more typical piano, bass, guitar, rhodes, trumpet, and congas. The effervescent 'Aidara' shares the life-affirming qualities of anything by Rokia Traore, Oumou Sangare, or Angelique Kidjo. The bubbling percussion, sweet melodies, and iconic voice make Talitha a must-have among Guinean, African, and world music recordings. The cheery 'Tiama,' 'Artiste,' and 'Cetareia' are some of the best songs to come out of Africa. Talitha seems to cram alot of musical intelligence into one place without sacrificing quality. Fans of Macire Sylla will value Talitha in high-regard, while others may be introduced to her with this recording. At any rate, Talitha is a recording with an Afropop beat that is here to stay. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Senegal's Carlou D

Carlou D

Muzikr

World Village

Senegalese musician, Carlou D, is a fixture in the Dakar music scene. A vocalist and guitarist, Carlou D provides a young, hip voice in the West African music arena. His latest release, Muzikr, is so-named for its reference to music (mu-) and Islamic/Sufi ties (-zikr). This is not your typical traditional Sufi music chants or rock/hip hop album. It is catchy, contemporary music with a variety of instrumentation including bass, kora, ngoni, keyboards, drums, sax, and other instruments. The music is pleasant to listen to and each track is noticeably different. A familiar voice to many, Youssou N'Dour, lends his voice on track six. Overall, Muzikr can be appropriately categorized as a new genre of contemporary West African Islamic pop music. Whatever you call it, Carlou D will move you, inspire you, and make you think. It is very good 'muzik'. The liner notes provide song summaries in English and French. ~ Matthew Forss