CD Review: Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba's 'Ba Power'

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Ba Power
Glitterbeat

The power of the Malian ngoni lute is highlighted by Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba's powerful rhythms, rock-tinged arrangements, and bluesy vocals ripe with African panache and deep, historic roots amidst a contemporary setting. The ngoni's stirring and entrancing sounds are intensified by the fact there are five ngonis that make up the band's sound. Traditional drums, calabash, keyboards, guitars, and horns provide a modern tone, but the music is still rooted in Malian blues and soul. There are vocal pieces, but the real charm comes from the instrumental grooves and punchy rhythms found throughout the album. Ba Power is a musical gem with occasional rock guitar displays and earthy, traditional instrumentation with a trance-filled soul. There are nine tracks in all. The vocals are in Bambara. Not to be missed! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba's 'Jama Ko'

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Jama Ko
Outhere Records

Mali's ngoni masters, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, bring us another amazing treat, Jama Ko. The ngoni lute, an instrument hailing from Mali, Africa, creates scintillating sounds that are kora-like. This is Afro-pop at its finest. There are featured artists, including Khaira Arby, Zoumana Tereta, Taj Mahal, Kasse Mady Diabate, and Amy Sacko. There are chilling male and female vocals that would win-over fans of Mali music without a doubt. Some of the songs are more upbeat and include organ, drums, and electric guitar. However, the majority of songs are steeped in the rich, cultural history of Malian music traditions in a contemporary format. Overall, the fine list of guests and engaging ngoni blues are something worth listening to. If you get a chance to see the group live, do not miss it. There is a limited, 2-LP release of this title, too. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Andra Kouyate and Seke Chi's 'Saro'

Andra Kouyate and Seke Chi
Saro
Studio Mali

With a name like Kouyate, you know the music is going to be good. Hailing from Mali, Andra Kouyate and his band, Seke Chi, are joined by a plethora of top artists from the region, including Amadou & Mariam, Mah Bara Soumano, Bassekou Kouyate, Ami Sacko, Harouna Samake, and Lassana Diabate. Andra's specialty is the n'goni lute, which is a staple in North African folk music. The acoustic and earthy feel of the instrument is matched with the varied vocals. Overall, the tunes are laid-back and take on the characteristics of Ali Farka Toure's instrumental music, as well as Rokia Traore's instrumental repertoire. The n'goni instrumentation, balafon, calabash, and other infectious instruments are very easy to listen to. This is a contemporary release, but the guitars, and other typical rock elements are nowhere to be found. Fans of North African percussion, Malian music, and n'goni lute aficionados will love Andra's latest venture. ~ Matthew Forss