Tchamantche

Rokia Traoré (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B001C0NMY8
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,772 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #5 in

  Music > World Music > Africa > Mali

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
On Rokia Traoré s 2005 Nonesuch debut, Bowmboi, the Malian-born, European-bred singer and songwriter drew inspiration
from the rich musical legacy of her homeland, but added a decidedly contemporary lyrical sensibility and a sophisticated persona.
Her shaven-head look was as elegantly spare and immediately striking as the arrangements of her songs. Ali Farka Touré, the
legendary Malian bluesman, had been one of her earliest champions, and European audiences eagerly embraced her.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Otherworldly to western ears, but oh, so lovely--, January 21, 2009

By	Storylover (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

How can I describe such a unique album? This album of subtle wonders from Malian/European songbird Rokia Traore is like little else that you are likely to hear this year or any other (unless you live in what must be the musically blessed land of Mali), and is such a marvel. Rokia's voice flutters and caresses, her vibrato bringing to mind a less husky Nina Simone, a sweeter Billie Holiday. She sings in Bambara, a language that I have never previously heard, but one which seems to have been designed for singing. Instrumentation is simple but compelling-a plucked stringed instrument and a steel drum are the most prominent, and the music is wonderful. String sequences are often plucked over and over, but never seem overly repetitious when backed by Traore's lovely lovely voice. I am not certain what she is singing about, but ah, the aching, the beauty that my heart feels when she sings! This album is intimate, quiet, yet passionate and tuneful--share this one with your friends who will take the time to get to know the ins and outs of music outside their usual comfort zone.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Import does does NOT have Billie Holiday cover track., January 31, 2009

By	P. Teary Ova - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchamantché (Audio CD)

Please note: the import CD does not include the Billie Holiday cover. Check carefully which CD you are purchasing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The seductive slow burn of Rokia Traore, February 26, 2009

By	George De Stefano "Author and Critic" (Long Island City, NY) - See all my reviews

Malian singer/songwriter/musician Traore is one of the most outstanding of contemporary African artists, a vocalist with a seductive, slow-burning style and captivating sensibility. If you felt that Amadou & Mariam, also from Mali, have gone too far in pursuit of crossover with their latest, you may just love Traore's new release.