Baayo [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Baaba Maal | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Palm Pictures (Audio
• ASIN: B00008XS4L
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,240 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #87 in Music > World Music > Africa > Senegal & Gambia

Track Listings

1. Baayo

2. Mariama

3. Joulowo

4. Diahowo

5. Baaba

6. Bouyel

7. Yero Mama

8. Agouyadji

9. Dogata

10. Samba

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a classic in the West African popular music genre, perhaps because of its defiance of "pop." Baaba Maal has become famous as one of the great popularizers of Senegalese music, with big productions and illustrious stars peppering his records. But Baayo was a major change, as he dug deep into the roots of the music and came out with a deeply moving, sonically gorgeous acoustic recording. The interplay of the guitar between Maal and longtime compatriot Mansour Seck is rich and clear. Other acoustic strings and percussion lend it warmth and depth, and a very light touch on the synthesizers enhances a few tracks by remaining almost unnoticeable. Not since the now historic Djam Leelii (a set of guitar duets with Mansour Seck in the early '80s) had Maal reached as deep into the well of time for inspiration. For the traditionalist this is Maal's essential album; for his longtime fans, this is the revelation of the music's long history. --Louis Gibson

Product Description

Remastered reissue of a classic Afro-pop album from 1991. Palm Pictures. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best in Senegalese traditional music, March 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Baayo (Audio CD)

Although Baaba Maal is a complete artist capable of mixing traditional music of Senegal with modern funk and pop melodies -hear recent Nomad Soul, for example-, Baayo is one of the best examples of accurate respect for traditon. A work where the unique talent of this bright star remains with the magic of his voice and the percussion of mbalax, the distinctive rhythm of Senegal. Bada Seck, Baaba Maal's percussionist, brings the perfect feeling together with the sound of the kora. A CD which is a beautiful tribute to their ancestors, the griots. As they say in Wolof language, "Nerna". If you ever have the opportunity to see Maal in a live concert, as I did twice in Dakar, you will realise what a real talent is about. Pure energy! Nothing to do with tasteless, unsubstantial western comercial music.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Title, March 28, 2000

By 

N. Kull "hipechiqq" (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baayo (Audio CD)

I'm new to world music...thanks to the internet...I heard Baaba Maal's voice on an Ambient CD of various artists and was intrigued. After listening to Amazon's samples and reading the other reviews, I decided to take a chance on this recording. I have to say that it is a shame that American music is so commercial that an artist like this might never have a chance to be heard in the mainstream. You don't need to understand the language to appreciate what is being sung. The strings and percussions (especially the percussion) are excellent. The whole CD is great. I don't know anything about Senegalese artists and their music but I appreciate this one very much and fully intend to explore more. If you like the samples here, buy the CD. You won't regret it.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sends shivers through your spine, June 1, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Baayo (Audio CD)

Baayo is by far Baaba Maal's most incredible work. He is truly in his element in this album, expressing his griot upbringing and traditional roots. While some of his other albums venture on pop, Baayo is traditional Senegalese music in the purest sense. His voice will give you chills, and his harmonies with Mansour Seck are spectacular. I have a large collection of African c.d.s, yet I keep coming back to this one. And if you have the chance to see him live in concert, as I have many times, I promise you a breathtaking experience you won't forget.