Message

Alpha Yaya Diallo, ?????????????? | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 9, 1999)
• Original Release Date: February 9, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00000HZQ8
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,100 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #2 in Music > World Music > Africa > Guinea
  • #6 in Music > World Music > Africa > Mali
  • #32 in Music > World Music > Africa > General AAS

Track Listings

1. Fissiriwaly

2. Badenma

3. Faybhe

4. Kakande

5. Duniya

6. Africa

7. Amour

8. Fatumata Diallo

9. Vancouver Venez Voir

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Right on the heels of his North American debut (a compilation entitled Aduna) comes the first fully produced new album from this Guinean guitarist and writer. Alpha Yaya Diallo has played for a number of the famous Mande bands, including a stint with Bembeya Jazz. This albums has its ups and downs, starting off in full-blown overproduction mode (blast those damn drum machines!) in a sound far too reminiscent of Youssou N'Dour, but after a few tracks it settles down and finds its roots. His use of acoustic guitar and kora pulls the best music out of his band, and the mix of technology with tradition makes for some worthy new music. The shining roots moment of the CD is "Kakande," a solo-overdubbed effort with acoustic guitar, percussion, balafon, and bass all played by Diallo on a flowing and beautiful piece of folk-inspired pop. On the pop side, the winner has to be "Fatumata Diallo," which shows (with real drums) that a Western pop feel can coexist with and thrive in the West African heritage. Open-minded fans of both Afro-pop (à la Salif Keita) and acoustic traditions will both find moments to cherish in Alpha Yaya Diallo's Message. --Louis Gibson

Product Description

ALPHA YAYA DIALLO The Message - 9 Track CD: 1. Fissiriwaly 2. Badenma 3. Faybhe 4. Kakande 5. Duniya 6. Africa 7. Amour 8. Fatumata Diallo 9. Vancouver Venez Voir - Produced by Kevin Finseth - 1999 Wicklow (BMG) 09026 63407 2 - Made in the E.U.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent recording of modern West African music., May 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Message (Audio CD)

This is an excellent recording of modern West African music, from a guitarist, composer, singer from Guinea. It won the Canadian Juno award this year for best global recording (he lives in Canada). There is a good variety of traditional and modern instruments and rhythms, and it's well produced. As a result, the music is consistently stimulating. Also, the retro Blue Note style cover is great. Of his 3 CDs, I enjoy this one the most.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but not so original, May 20, 2000

By 

B. Farenell "Africaphile" (Glens Falls, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Message (Audio CD)

This was a not bad effort by Alpha Yaya Diallo. It's a nice listen but a little disappointing. You don't need to read the notes to realize he lives in either Europe or North America. The music has a very noticeable western influence to it, which is perhaps understandable since Diallo now lives in Vancouver. If you're looking for something a little more purely Africa, try Ali Farka Touré...

4.0 out of 5 stars Weak in originality, April 26, 2000

By 

Giulio Mario Rampelli - See all my reviews

This review is from: Message (Audio CD)

It's a good record of West African music, with strong influences from Senegamese mbalax, Mali nad Guinean styles. The acoustic lines are sophisticated, especially the Diallo's guitar and some piano solos. The only defect of this CD is lack in originality. Diallo's singing is too similar with Youssou N'Dour, Baaba Maal or Selif Keita, melodies are something already heared. Finally, this is not the first African CD to buy. Weakly reccomended.