The Wassoulou Sound: Women of Mali

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 8, 1994)
• Original Release Date: March 8, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Stern's Africa
• ASIN: B000008I1X
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #230,532 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXOTIC BEAUTY, July 3, 2000

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

The musicians from the Wassoulou region of Mali sing about everyday prblems and how to deal with them. Themes include true love versus arranged marriages. Included here are established stars such as Kagbe Sidibe and Coumba Sdibe who have been famous in Wes Africa since the 1960s, as well as younger singers like Sali Sidibe and Dienaba Diakite. The Arab-influenced music mixes traditional instruments such as the Kamal Ngoni (a type of 6-string guitar) and the Djembe (deerhide drum) with modern keybords, electric guitars, flute, strings and bass, to harmonious effect. The best tracks are full of infectious riffs but the vocals are really exceptional: tough and earthy, rousing and soaring. Their purity is underlined by the Arabic call and response delivery. As starkly beautiful as a cathedral of bones at midnight.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice sampler of the Wassoulou sound, March 24, 1999

By A Customer

This captivating CD presents nine tracks by five female vocalists from Mali's Wassoulou region. One track is by Oumou Sangare with the others being sung in similar (but not identical) styles. The sound is a unique synthesis of west African and northern African influences from a country on the southern edge of the Sahara. Exotic but soulful. Also includes some fine instrumental work. Nicely recorded.