Customer Reviews

Macire

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Boubacar Traore has taken my understanding of the blues, and to music in general, to a higher level. Together with Habib Koite, another Malian pioneer, this album is about as tight as I've ever heard. The recording is sharp, the solos and vocals hold nothing back, and it can be played for all occasions. The overall tone of the album is subdued and patient. It bounces you along slowly into a soundscape entirely Traore's. Every instrument is masterfully played, but again, I've gotta stress the vocals. Koite and Traore have incredible voices, friendly yet impassioned and colorful. This album is also an entirely different style than Ali Farka Toure - don't rank either artist over the other - it's basically futile to compare them except to say that Traore's work has a bit more of a beat. Both Toure and Traore have worked at Radio Mali and both artists are accepted as blues Masters in their home country. Macire has become my soundtrack for the world. Try it with headphones.

This is one of the most moving albums of African music -- or of any genre -- I've ever experienced. Kar Kar's voice is so deep and soulful as he pours himself into these songs. They deal with life, love, death, loss and hardship -- and more. Accompanied by Habib Koite and his incredible band Bamada (see his fine recent release BARO), the arrangements are kept relatively simple, but they are so very beautiful and effective. The acoustic guitar work on all of the tracks is exquisite -- Keletigui Diabate's work on balafon and violin is also memorable. All of this is gifted to the listener through a crystal-clear recording.

The package is attractively designed as well -- as I have come to expect from the French company Label Bleu. Even without full translations, the feeling and soul of these songs comes across very clearly.

The music on this album can be universally appreciated -- by afficianados of world music as well as by those who would like to expand their musical horizons.

Some of the finest music ever recorded. This incredible collaboration with Habib Koite is a treasure. My fellow reviewers have already spelled why quite eloquently. All I can say is, if you like guitar, you will love this album. Note to parents: My 2 year old has actually come to me and sighed, "Mommy, I need Boubacar please."

....just beautifully crafted blues. Some poet started a brief ode with "Watch what can be done with a little". Well in this case listen to what can be done with a little. A very spiritual, polished disc. Highly recommended.

If you like intersted earthy music you should buy this, every track will grow into your soul the more you listen to it