Customer Reviews

Mali Lolo: Stars of Mali

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

 

 

"MALI LOLO" provides a cross-section of what Malian music sounds like today. Here you can sample a wide variety of styles, from the droning songs of Wassoulou hunter societies to the bluesy inflections of desert-dwelling Songhai singers like Ali Farka Toure. Some, like Neba Solo, Yoro Sidibe, and Toumani Diabate, play only traditional instruments; others, like Habib Koite and Kasse Mady, blend local melodies and rhythms with electric guitars and drumsets. Tartit, an ensemble of Tuareg nomads from the north of Mali, offers a minimalist mix of voices and hand-drums. Then there's Les Escrocs, young rappers from Bamako. You couldn't ask for a more eclectic collection; it truly reflects the marvelous cultural diversity of Mali.

If "MALI LOLO" has a drawback, it's that this eclecticism can make for an uneven listening experience. One minute you're grooving to Yoro Sidibe's trance-inducing sounds, next you're off on an up-tempo dance excursion (complete with drum machine track) with Oumou Sangare, and after that you're treated to several minutes of a placid kora duet by Toumani Diabate and Ballake Sissoko. But then, imagine if someone tried to put together a collection of "The Stars of the USA," combining Springsteen, Eminem, Alison Krause, and Keith Jarrett.... So it's probably unreasonable to expect musical consistency. You just have to enjoy each track for its own worth. And for most of us, that's enough to merit the purchase price.

In the vast universe called 'music' there exists a 'galaxy' called 'international' and within it, it is the musical 'stars' of Mali who shine the brightest of all ... !!!

This compilation does indeed bring the best, the brightest, the traditional as well as the newest musicians together - each enhancing the heritage and classical music for which Mali has become recognized. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings never ceases to amaze me with their oustanding compilations. Their forward thinking, to cherish and collect music from around the world before it changes or is lost forever is *very* much recognizned and appreciated.

This is the seventh CD of music from Mali that I own and certainly not the last ... Kasse Mady Diabete provides impressive vocals on track #1, accompanied by traditional African instruments, ngoni fitini, ngoni ba, "ngoni" being a type of lute or harp, djembe (an hour-glass shaped drum), and my favorite, the balafon, which is a type of hammered dulcimer. I am very fond of Habib Koite and Bamada, on track #2 they demonstrate their unique style and talent, by weaving together the sounds of an acoustic guitar and harmonica. Since the Manding Empire (1235 AD), the role of the "griots" has been established, this clan has honed their oratorial skills, musical talents and story-telling abilities, which is clearly evident by the singing of Kandai Kouyate, a female vocalist. Tinarwen, people of the desert, provide another variation in the vast musical culture of Mali. I love their ability to combine traditional vocals with modern instruments. [Refer to review "The Radio Tisdas Sessions" also highly recommended}
There are many moods and feelings expressed on this CD, all of which evoke the timeless beauty of the vast continent of Africa and especially the country of Mali. The crystal clear universal message expressed on this CD is "the brotherhood of mankind". Erika Borsos (erikab93)

I first heard this album via files acquired through file sharing on the internet. I quickly developed an interest in this music and purchased the CD. In a time when many music CDs are over-priced and represent poor artistic quality, the Smithsonian series uniquely stands apart from the rest. What great music! The insert, a 32 page booklet, is packed with background information and photos for your own personal enrichment. What a pleasure to get great value, artistry, and a window to another part of the world for a modest price! (...and in the back of my mind I think...I am not lining the pockets of Beverly Hills executives. I am supporting a non-profit institution.)

MALI LOLO! rocks from the first beat of a drum-based display of dance music by Kassy Mady Diabate in his powerful 'Eh Ya Ye', continues with Kardia Kouyate's 'Sam Baranc', and highlights the sparse guitars unique to Malian style along the way.