Tchamantche

Rokia Traore (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

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 (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,153 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #11 in Music > World Music > Africa > Mali
  • #68 in Music > World Music > Africa > General AAS
  • #72 in Music > World Music > Africa > General

Editorial Reviews

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

13 of 13 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
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Tchamantche (Audio CD)

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.

11 of 13 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: Tchamantche (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gem among gems, July 18, 2009

By 

Friederike Knabe (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tchamantche (Audio CD)

Rokia Traoré, one of Mali's most talented creative musicians, has such a distinctive voice that you will always recognize her and each time you listen to her music you are enraptured! The songs on her new CD are no exception. They are softer and gentler in tone and also more worldly than those of her previous collections, bringing elements from other music cultures into her harmonies. Yet, the ten songs, all but one written, composed and arranged by her, are very much her unique blend.

Five years after her great hit CD, the exquisite Bowmboï, whose rhythms and tonality enchanted audiences all over the world, TCHAMANTCHE will in no way lack in enthusiastic listeners. Still grounded in the traditional Mali tunes, rhythms and instruments, Rokia Traoré has found her own musical style.

Singing primarily in her own language, Bambana, Tchamantché, meaning "balance", Traoré's songs beautifully capture general human themes from personal love, spirituality and respect for Mali's traditions. (The accompanying booklet provides English and French translations). Even with her tribute to Billy Holliday, THE MAN I LOVE, the only song in this collection not written by her, she succeeds in making it very much her own song. The more you listen, the more the songs get under your skin. [Friederike Knabe]