Customer Reviews

Tchamantche

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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]

I have all the Rokia Traoré albums and I looked forward to hearing Tchamantché very much. It was worth the wait. This would easily be one of the finest albums of 2009, so far. The range of music is quite wide, from very pensive and intimate songs with only one or two accompanying instruments to much more extrovert songs sung with a full band. Rokia Traoré's singing is always improving and she sings with great precision and style. However, what one notices is the passion, intelligence and variety in her singing.

Every song on this album is a little universe of ideas, emotions and melodies.

Seriously, I really hope that many, many people give this album a chance. It is a very, VERY good album.

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.

This CD is so varied that you must buy it. Her voice is at time almost haunting, yet, full of life. I bought it for one song, and enjoy almost all of them. Because I enjoy the range of an artist, I don't download singles from the internet. I have listened to this for a year now and do not tire of it. I would suppose she would be classified as "world music", I just call her wonderful.

sounds like rokia - haunting, beautiful, otherworldly. definitely worth every penny. however, there's not as much variety as i expected (granted, this is the only rokia album i own, having downloaded all the other songs as singles). i think artistic freedom suffers a bit whenever artists try to crossover to the US market, but overall, it sounds fantastic and original! i also had the pleasure of meeting her at a concert, and she's the sweetest thing ever!

Rokia has such a stunning voice... it is rich and deep and lively all at once. I especially loved listening to it whilst on the London Underground... it seemed to transport me to a different world, with all the chaos around she offers a rhythmic journey that intensifies and softens. Highly recommended!

I really liked the blend of African and western jazz-like music. A real winner as far as I'm concerned!

this woman never ceases to amaze me.
this is yet another beautiful album from her.
varied and outside the box.
she's a true artist.