Customer Reviews

Desert Blues 1

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Desert Blues. Ambiances du Sahara(2CD box) is unusual release for Network label which produces CDs by its own means. This time several Eastern & North/Central African musicians are united under one cover, which seems to me not quite justified. I won`t comment on the "Eastern" part of this album but pay special attention to the other which explains the title "Desert Blues". I`d just like to point out an absolutely fantactic composition of Mahmoud Ahmed from Ethiopia - "Ere Mela Mela/Meche Neu"(a real masterpiece).

You can`t come across "western" blues in Africa. The most comprehensible out of many is Ali Farka Toure`s music(such well-known blues stars as Ry Cooder, "Diaraby" and Taj Mahal,"Roucky" took part in its recording). However, if you still treat this album with the "blues feeling", "Sama Guent Guii" by Youssou N`Dour(quite rare song from Yande Codou Sene & Youssou N'Dour`s "Gainde/Voices from the Heart of Africa") and "Saa Magni" by Oumou Sangare will turn out to be the true blues. They sing about the pain, the loss, the tiredness and hope. The terrific Youssou N`Dour`s voice just looks better with the simple guitar accompanement.

Sahara`s Baly Othmani, Tuareg`s nomad, collaborated with a famous "multi-cultural" figure Steve Shehan(an original cherokee), which lead to the sound of pre-electrified blues last years. One more extreme sample of this sound is Abou Djouba`s music(unfortunately, I know nothing about him). There are two unusual compositions by Baaba Maal, one of the recognized African musical rebellers; the instrumental "Samba" is the most wonderful, almost pure blues.

Ebraim "Tata Dindin" Jobarteh from Guinea presents Manding music, which hardly associates with blues-feeling; but these tunes allow to hear the clear sound of kora. The real surprise for those who knew him only in "Salam" group.

Sali Sidibe shows more "rawer" version of Wassolou style, popularized by Oumou Sangare. And luminous and warm final song "M`bore" by Sona Diabate from Guinea sounds similar to Louisiana cajun music reminding of the general french influence.

The album leaves a good impression(thanks to well-built ending) but does not create a feeling of a whole. In my mind, it would be more interesting and justified to place music from such different regions on separate CDs,- each part would look like a completed powerful fusion, and a convincing contrast would appear.

Network have assembled a brilliant cast of musicians to introduce non-African listeners to the power & diversity of sounds in the vast, northern zones of the continent. There is no ambient blur or incidental sounds one might anticipate from 'ethnic', unsophisticated field recordings. The 'blues' moniker is probably more a marketing decision, albeit the neatly slotted inclusions of Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder, household names to affiacandos. This double CD, in excess of 2 hours, rings clear, and what voices are showcased! Youssour n'Dour, Baaba Maal, & Ali Farka Toure are possibly familiar names to western listeners. I'm pressed to discern any flaws, but my enduring favourites are two chantreuses, Aster Aweke & Dimi Mint Abba, who are less well known away from the European club circuit. Their vocals are truly extraordinary & will lead you to pursue their other work. Aster's contribution is from an early recording and fans should be aware that her subsequent recordings have a more westernised, disco/jazz setting; somewhat of a diminishment for my ears.

I was in Egypt and thought I had discovered a CD which wasn't available normally. So I was surprised to see it's listed here. I've listened to this album a thousand times and can sing N'Dour's "Sama Guent Gun" almost by heart (though I don't understand what it means).

You're depriving yourself of a true musical wonder if you pass up this one.

I was in Egypt and thought I had discovered a CD which wasn't available normally. So I was surprised to see it's listed here. I've listened to this album a thousand times and can sing N'Dour's "Sama Guent Gun" almost by heart (though I don't understand what it means).

You're depriving yourself of a true musical wonder if you pass up this one.

If you like authentic African Music, this is the CD you are looking for. 20 of the greatest musicians of the Continent will fill your heart with warmth and melody. A must get!!

loved the entire album. unusual music, but very addictive and intriguing. "sama guent guii" - by Youssou N' Dour is my favorite and makes me cry. its beautiful.