Papa

Salif Keita

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 13, 1999)
• Original Release Date: July 13, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B00000JC9J
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #136,540 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #69 in	Music > World Music > Africa > Mali
  #96 in	Music > Indie Music > World Music > Africa

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Mali's Salif Keita might possess one of Africa's great voices, but in the past there have been times when his material hasn't done him real justice. That's not the case here--Papa is as close to brilliance as he's likely to get, with enough of a real roots feel to bring out his emotive qualities. For once, the Western studio overlays (done in New York and Paris) don't overwhelm everything else. In fact, the only time they really intrude is when coproducer Vernon Reid (ex-Living Colour) takes a wild guitar solo at the end of the record, and that's an ideal fit. The title track is Keita at his very best, as his voice cracks and soars. This time he's hit it perfectly. --Chris Nickson

Product Description

New 1999 Release from Legendary African Vocalist, his First in Four Years. Guests Include John Medeski, Grace Jones and Vernon Reid.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Go to Mali for the best beats, November 28, 1999

By	Mr I Graves (Yorkshire, England) - See all my reviews

The latest album by Salif Keita, one of the great singers of Mali, is a revelation - particularly to me. Previously I had read of his stature in West Africa (see the Rough Guide to World Music), but hadn't caught up with the music itself. This album demonstrates that the best beats in the world come from Mali. I defy anyone listening to this disk to keep their feet from tapping, and their hips from twisting for longer than a few seconds. But the groove is not all there is on this immaculate album that hasn't been out of my player for days now. There are delicate instrumental arrangements from, among others, Toumani Diabate; enough western influence to keep most blues or rock fans happy (check out the wild guitar solo on the final track); and real sensitivity on the title track, written in memory of his father. All that and Grace Jones, too. If you like any African blues-influenced music you'll love this. Even if you don't, do yourself a favour and listen to this wonderous record.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just OK, June 14, 2002

By	Kwasi Donkor (West Orange, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Salif Keita is one of the most prolific and gifted West African musicians out there...bar none. However, I think this album does him a little injustice. The soulful lament is still there but the seeming traditional musical element has been replaced by an overwhelming westernized production feel. When I listen to this album I don't get THAT feeling that endeared me to the FOLON disc.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have to buy more!, January 22, 2000

By	Constance Denise (San Francisco, California, USA) - See all my reviews

Heard this playing in a Unicef gift shop and had to have it. Got it home and have listened to it straight for 3 days now. Interesting to read other reviews, seeing those that say this is his worst, others saying it is his best. All I know is I am very excited to have discovered this artist, as his music and lyrics stir my heart. I enjoy the photographs in the CD jacket very much and hearing Grace Jones' voice blended into the songs was a surprise and a delight.