CD Review: Ballake Sissoko's 'At Peace'

Ballake Sissoko

At Peace
No Format/Six Degrees Records
 

Mali’s kora master, Ballake Sissoko, once again joins with cellist Vincent Segal on an addictive, nine-track release that is aptly-titled, At Peace. The soothing, melodious echoes of the kora, gentle guitar picking, classical cello, and harmonious balafon make At Peace a required listen for fans of Malian music, world fusion, classical, and instrumental music. The album is void of vocals, which accentuates the instrumental prowess from Vincent, Ballake, Fassery Diabate, Aboubacar Diabate, and Moussa Diabate. The scintillating sounds of the kora provide a relaxing, though somewhat jaunty, musical result. The instrumental exchanges between Vincent and Ballake are very fluid and seamless—the result of joint African and European connections over hundreds of years. Fans of Malian fusion will love the rustic nature of the compositions, though they are recorded with very high quality equipment. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Makan Badje Tounkara's 'Sodjan'

Makan Badje Tounkara
Sodjan
Buda Musique

Mali's Makan Badje Tounkara is a gifted composer, arranger, singer, and n'goni soloist. Makan is joined by bass n'goni, djembe drum, tama drum, fle gourd, krin scraper, and several vocalists. Nana Coulibaly, Gedon Diara, Adama Diabate, Fatoumata Kouyate, Modi Tounkara, Yakouba Sissoko, Djifili, Modibo Diabate, and Mamadou Tounkara round out the personnel. The lilting strings and plucked lutes combine with light percussion and energetic vocals to produce a very organic result. The n'goni is the star of the album. Having been popularized by Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba, the n'goni is a charming little instrument with aural sound qualities and raw outcome. The melodies are slightly blues-tinged, but Afro-folk melodies are the main concern here. There are a few wholly instrumental tunes, but vocals are presented on almost every track. Fans of Malian folk music should not leave this one behind. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kora, Kora, Kora....

Djibril Diabate
Hawa
Terp Records

Djibril Diabate, from Mali, plays the kora, a 21-stringed gourd harp. On Hawa, an ode to his second mother, Djibril bridges the past with today using nothing but his hands and kora. In fact, no vocals or additional accompaniment is provided. This does two things: It allows the listener to be entranced by the lilting sounds of the kora strings, and it showcases a rich, traditional heritage and cultural staple for West Africans. Of course, the kora is easily accessible to everyone. The kora strings are a peaceful companion to any form of relaxation. Anyone with an interest in very good instrumental string music should find Hawa extremely palatable. ~ Matthew Forss