Customer Reviews

Putumayo Presents: Mali

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

 

 

I am heading for Mali next year and have dutifully researched the country...but what really grabbed me was the music. It is beautiful and relaxing and exciting and mood-setting. Here is the triumph of the human spirit: despite poverty and disease and whatnot...there is music (absolutely amazing music at that)! This collection is a very good sampling of what Mali has to offer. I would recommend it for anyone who appriciates good music, whether or not connected to Africa, or anyone who enjoys the Putumayo series in general.

A really good birthday present, thanks M!

Favorite songs: All of them, particularly: Maninda,Gembi,Bassa Kele and Kanou.

"Mali",like "South Pacific Islands",has a music video,a recipe,AND,most importantly,great music!

Highlights-
1)Maninda-A song about a storyteller.The mbira (thumb piano)keeps this song dynamic.
2)Ouili Ka Bo-I'm not a big blues fan.But this is a pwerful little song,with harmonica accompaniment no less!
3)Amassakoul 'N'Tenere-Tinariwen sing a form of West African blues that's so infectious you want to sing along.I was enchanted the first time I heard them on the radio.
4)Koulandian-A wonderful instrumental duet between guitarist/singer Habib Koite&balafon (xylophone) player Keletigui Diabate.Sometimes,words aren't necessary.
5)Kanou-A song that blends a Bollywood sensibility with Mali blues.Very uplifting.
6)Bana-An exclusive track from the Afro-techno master,Issa Bagayogo!As to be expected,it's great.Still,I wonder why Putumayo sometimes borrows from Six Degrees Records.Six Degrees Records distinguishes itself with its world techno dance music artists/compilations.Putumayo is expert with acoustic music.It's good that Putumayo is getting the music out with Issa Bagayogo not only on this CD but on its other great African compilation "African Groove."
7)Saramaya-A powerful live performance from Habib Koite.You'll understand why the crowd is cheering!

It's great to see Putumayo is encouraging people to explore Malian music.This is a good start.

Not all putumayo collections are great, but this one is. Excellent variety, including some big name acts, and almost every track is a home run. Fabulous compilation of a country that is gaining HUGE respect.

Unlike many compilations, which tend to be superficial, this sampler of Malian music is outstanding. There's not a weak track on the disc. The diversity of styles is a wonder, and the musicianship is impeccable throughout. Clearly, Mali is a musical universe unto itself, one which any music lover would be happy to explore at length. Read the other reviews for more details, and take mine to heart: this unusually fine collection of songs from Mali is both an end in itself and a doorway to musical discovery.

Malian music is absolutely astonishing and indescribeably beautiful. While each of the songs here are unique and stand out as works of art, Amassakoul N Tenere by Tinariwen and Fala by Tom Diakite are breathtakingly songs. The band Tinariwen are brilliant composers and performers. Their story is almost as amazing as their music. Their two records are as good as it gets at any level.

MALI, from the Putumayo catelogue, is gentle, exotic, and inviting. No stressful rhythms or cacophonous vocals mar the grace and intricate beauty of the music. It's unfamiliar but so accommodating, like a new pair of soft slippers that are instantly yours forever.

I gave this 4 stars to get your attention (because for me it's definitely a 5 star) and to make a point I feel the other reviewers haven't. This isn't everybody's cup of tea! Yeah, I think it's great, they do too, but at least half of it is NOT going to be palatable to the "average" listener who can't get past (or better, enjoy) the sometimes repetitive and, to our ears, unimaginative melodies to groove on the rhythms and often complex instrumental accompaniment. Being a rhythm junkie the layering on track 5 of at least 3- to me - conflicting beats played perfectly makes me laugh out loud each time I hear it in sheer joy at the brilliance of the musicians. But maybe not everyone appreciates that, and would have a different, and negative, reaction. There ARE some crowd-pleasers, to be sure. But I think there can be a difference between GOOD music and personally ENJOYABLE music. (I think opera is probably good music, but I'd rather have a root canal.) So, I still think you should buy the CD, just be aware you MIGHT not like EVERY cut on it. I'm just saying.