Timbuktu

Issa Bagayogo

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 5, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Six Degrees
• ASIN: B00005Y1T8
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,413 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > Africa > Mali

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The mission of Six Degrees Records is to prove that different cultures and musical styles do have some common ground. Malian singer Issa Bagayogo reaffirms this commonality on Timbuktu, finding the middle ground between traditional West African music--created with his six-stringed lute, acoustic guitars, and the djembé--and modern down-tempo electronic programming that wouldn't be out of place at the Buddha-Bar or any other hip club in Paris or New York. Amidst this gentle and hypnotic fusion, Bagayogo maintains the griot tradition of teaching and politics, singing about such issues as racial tolerance, regional pride amidst the globalization of culture, and drug abuse among Mali's youth. Bagayogo presents his ideas in an evenly modulated midrange voice with ethereal-sounding female backup singers who answer and reaffirm many of his lyrics with haunting effectiveness. All in all, this seductively laid-back album is another chapter in the ongoing tradition of great Malian music. --Tad Hendrickson

Product Description

Issa Bagayogo is at the forefront of African musical innovators, melding the sounds of electronic dance music with the roots music of his homela\ nd, Mali. Dub and dance beats are woven together with ancient melodies of the Sahara dese\ rt on Timbuktu.

Issa's virtuosity on the kamili n'goni (a six stringed hunter's lute) and acous\ tic guitar reflects his upbringing on the edge of the Sahara. The ingenious hybrid of tra\ ditional and Afro-electro sounds created by Issa and producer/engineer Yves Wernert is evide\ nce of a new direction for African music in the 21st century.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sonorous wonder, March 15, 2002

By	Shannon (Rockford, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This album is simply beautiful. This is the first of its kind I've heard and I was blown away by the combination of suble, sophisticated arrangements and tight techno-like beats that would put most rap or techno albums to shame. The production is second-to-none and even though I don't understand a word, every song feels poignant and perfectly blended. This is an album with both rhythm and genuine musical quality. If you have ears, they will want to hear this.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful african fusion album, February 7, 2002

By	"thirdearth" (denver, co) - See all my reviews

the latest installment in the travel series from six degrees, we find ourselves with mali records' issa bagayogo. this particular release is a fusion of soft electro and african chanting/singing/speaking, but without the synth lines of prior african fusion acts. what intrigues me the most is the method in which both the vocals and the instruments fuse and blend so wonderfully. this album contains great tracks inspired by all manner of electronic music, including hip-hop, drum'n'bass, breaks, and house - but done softly so as not to make the vocals a mere sample in the song. while this album is produced quite well, it is nothing that grabs you, sits you down, and forces you to listen. on the contrary, it is nice for background music and music for the car on an afternoon drive to a nearby city.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Work On Any Continent, April 9, 2002

By	gary lagasse (New York) - See all my reviews

The musical sensability of this album stands up to the best creations out there. It's not only infectious, it is also masterfully composed.