Customer Reviews

Baayo

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

my all time favourite from african music and the best record by Baaba that I know. I have heard this cd at least a thousand time and its magic spell has not fade away. If you want to get into african music this is a must and should be your first choice. .

It is a scandal that people do not know about this man. This is just beautiful music played with a generousity and spirit and skill that leave you gobsmacked. I would like to say something emotional but I'll end up sounding like a bloody hippy. Well worth buying even if you can't eat for a week.

I prefer this album to "Nomad Soul". Baaba Maal is best in his cultural element. Especially the first few tracks... breathtaking, so intense, and dancable. This is African music at it's best: Pop but not silly transmixtures of culture. It's close to western music in it's pop sensibilities, but it's African to the core... once you listen to it, it drives the energy inside... and it gets better the more you listen to it.

Another superb collaboration between senegalese singer BAABA MAAL and his close friend guitarist MANSOUR SECK .Western african harmonic folk melodies are alternated with a sweet emotional and sentimental guitar playing through the whole recording very vividly .Among the best voices worldwide and one of the best world ethnic recordings ever made .

Pure poetry, pure music. This speaks to my heart. His voice when he sings about the loss of his mother is like a universal cry of sorrow and love. Having been a fan of Baaba Maal since 1987 my respect and awe for this remarkable, and very special talent only increases. I keep coming back to this CD. All of the songs are a delight. I have owned this CD since it first came out and NEVER have tired of it.