Missing You (Mi Yeewnii) [ENHANCED]

Baaba Maal

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 5, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 15, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Palm Pictures (Audio
• ASIN: B00005A7PH
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,294 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #32 in	Music > World Music > Africa > Senegal & Gambia
  #63 in	Music > Indie Music > World Music > Africa

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The material on this incandescent release evokes the Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal's previous acoustic stunners, Djam Leeli and Baayo. Maal's piercingly gorgeous, stratospheric Islamic wailing soars over melodies constructed along austere yet sensuous lines as he sings of Africa's imminent heyday, romantic love, and ancient tales. He interacts with constantly shifting strands of song fashioned by guitarists Mansour Seck (Maal's best friend from childhood, who also sings second voice) and Kante Manfila, plus the nimble-fingered kora, or West African harp, of Kaouding Cissokho. The lead trio ripples and leaps among woodsy balafons (xylophones), rattling and swooping talking drums and sabar percussion, and resonant, gutty plucked strings. The ambiance recalls Maal's legendary small-venue live performances or dusk in a small Fulani village, where musicians who have played together all their lives still surprise each other while everybody else sings along. Seasoned fans and newcomers alike will be challenged, astonished, and delighted. --Christina Roden

Product Description

Following on from the success of his 1998 album Nomad Soul with it's state of the art fusions and collaborations, Missing You (Mi Yeewni) presents Baaba Maal focusing on the acoustic, poetic side of his heritage. Baaba Maal is a world renowned artist and spokesperson for Africa, and on this release he remains true to himself - it is passionate and honest, simple and complex, traditional and contemporary. 11 tracks. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful music from start to finish, August 18, 2001

By	M. H. Bayliss "book queen" - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Baaba Maal is a master musician with all his talents on display on this CD. Every song is excellent in terms of instrumentation, vocals and sensitive lyrics. Thanks to the producers who included translations of all the songs so we can follow along. With his soaring voice he inspires as he tells traditional stories and recounts traditional African themes. This is one of his strongest overall CD's. With its acoustic quality I think almost everyone will appreciate the musicality of this recording. Great photos too.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best albums, period., October 4, 2001

By	Aaron D Bornstein (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Rarely does an album work on so many levels. I don't even know what the words mean, but somehow with his extraordinary voice and the stunning orchestration I feel like I know exactly the scene and emotion that Baaba Maal is writing about. This album absolutely transports you to where he is. It is one of the few albums that are truly transcendant in that way. I had my introduction to "world music" and African music through Peter Gabriel's "Passion" soundtrack, and while this album's tone is much different, it is every bit as evocative. It is such a shame that so many people are unaware of how much magnificent music there is in other parts of the world. Hopefully this album will open up eyes and draw new listeners to what is real and true in music.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars embrace this, October 14, 2002

By	Angus Brewer (Monson, Massachusetts United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal is one of Africa's greatest singers. Known best in America for his contributions to Passion, Peter Gabriel's groundbreaking score for The Last Temptation of Christ, his blend of Islamic wailing, French singing, and sensual melodies is a treat for the ears. A worthy introduction to life-affirming African world music and yet, not even necessarily his best work (check out Firin' in Fouta from 1994 or Djam Leeli from 1998).