| ARTIST | TITLE | NUMBER | FMT | PRICE | BUY |
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| AFRICAN VIRTUOSES | THE CLASSIC GUINEAN GUITAR GROUP | STCD3024 | CD | £ 13.20 | |
| One moment you think it's Spanish, the next you are convinced it is from Peru, until, hearing echoes of Django Reinhardt, you decide on Paris. But each time you are wrong. Classic instrumental recordings that showcase the gorgeous acoustic guitars of this legendary Guinean group beautifully re-mastered editions of hard-to-obtain tracks, long- prized by collectors of historic music - yet one that is as valid and relevant today as when first recorded in the 70s and early 80s full-colour, 20-page booklet with detailed notes and full-page reproductions of the original albums. | |
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| ALHASSANE BARRY | BAYO-BAYE | BGDA003 | TC | £ 5.00 | |
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| ALSENI KOUYATE | ALLAH NIKKI | BIP103CD | CD | 11.99 | COL |
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| AMADOU BARRY | DJIBA MANE | BGDA2167 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Amadou, known as the 'Super accordeon du Fouta' has put together a great album of traditional music with a very upbeat sound. Mohammed Cissoko plays the kora, the lovely flutes are by Kikala Dioubate & Sona Barry, guitars are by Sekoumar Guisse & Kova Bavogui. The chorus girls do a great job especially on 'Lumbeh' where they come to Amadou's rescue. (F.T.Index: Fewndaare, Djiba Mane, Attyouta Houbhan) | |
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| AMADOU DIOULDE BALDE | DOUA | DOUA | TC | £ 5.00 | |
| A very strange one this as it sounds distorted but is it meant to sound this way? You think the sound is going weird and then clear as crystal comes in an instrument or a voice over it that sounds perfect.........? (8T) | |
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| AMADOU SODIA | CA VA SE SAVOIR | STCD1107 | CD | 12.70 | COL |
| | 1. ADIANANCO
2. CA VA SE SAVOIR
3. SINI
4. KOUROUSSA
5. ISSIN
6. FANTA KEITA
7. DIADONDIALA
8. KANA PRESSER
9. NTAFO
10. TAGNONGO
11. KABA
12. DEMBO
13. AFO PARDON
14. TIBILILA
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| AMADOU SODIA | TOUMA SERA | SYLAF96079 | CD | 12.35 | COL |
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| AMINATA KAMISSOKO (AND Kemo Kouyate) | LA PRINCESSE | BGDA95002 | TC | £ 7.00 | |
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| BABA DJAN | FEELING MANDINGUE | AMP112 | LP | 10.00 | COL |
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| BABA DJAN | KAN KAN | MCS5510 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
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| BALLA ET SES BALLADINS | OBJECTIF PERFECTION | ADC302 | CD | £ 13.20 | |
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| BALLA ET SES BALLADINS | REMENICIN IN TEMPO - OBJECTIF PERFECTION | PAMADC302 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
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| BARRY THIANGUEL | NDIYAN WULDHAN | NDIYAN | TC | £ 7.00 | |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | BEMBAYA JAZZ | C1011 | TC | 6.00 | COL |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | BEMBEYA | 46802-2 | CD | £ 14.40 | |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | DEFI AND CONTINUITE | 38217-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | JARDIN DE GUINEE | 38218-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
| Hello! I have a correction for the listing above. Although the CD says 'Bembeya Jazz' on the spine, Orchestre du Jardin de Guinee is actually an expanded version of Balla et ses Balladins, under the direction of Onivogui Balla himself. Just more laziness from the Syliphone CD reissue series, as apparently the vinyl versions of the Discotheque 70-76 discs have generous liner notes explaining the origins of the songs, artist information, etc. But I love this stuff so much that I'm willing to take it anyway I can get it. Thanks for the website. Keep up the good work. Charlie Beesley charlesbeesley@comcast.net | |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | LIVE - 10 ANS DE SUCCESS | 76024-2 | CD | 12.35 | COL |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | MEMOIRE DE ABOUBACAR CAMARA | SLP65 | LP | 10.00 | COL |
The 14 track Hommage a Demba Camara - 38222-2 is the CD version of LP Memoire de Aboubacar Camara - SLP65 but has 5 additional tracks Armee Guineenne, N'watoi M'barale, Camara Mousso, Festival National and Whisky Soda. However it is missing two tracks from the LP - Boiro and Doni Doni. Also some of the spellings are different.  | 1. MOSSOGBE
2. BENI BARALE
3. LA GUINEE
4. DAGNA
5. FATOUMATA
6. BOIRO
7. BALLAKE
8. ALLA LAKE
9. WARABO
10. N'BORIN
11. DONI DONI
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | SABU | ESP8442 | LP | 8.00 | COL |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | TELEGRAMME | CD8491 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | WA KELE | CD8460 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ | YEKEKE | ESP8431 | LP | 8.00 | COL |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ NATIONAL | HOMMAGE A DEMBA CAMARA | 38222-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
| The 14 track Hommage a Demba Camara - 38222-2 is the CD version of LP Memoire de Aboubacar Camara - SLP65 but has 5 additional tracks Armee Guineenne, N'watoi M'barale, Camara Mousso, Festival National and Whisky Soda. However it is missing two tracks from the LP - Boiro and Doni Doni. Also some of the spellings are different. | |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ NATIONAL | THE SYLIPHONE YEARS | STCD3029-30 | CDx2 | 13.20 | COL |
| This 2CD The Syliphone Years' features gems from the legendary Bembeya Jazz National. Comes complete with a 44-page illustrated booklet with comprehensive notes by renowned expert on Guinean music: Graeme Counsel includes some of the most important recordings together with rare and previously unreleased on CD tracks. | |
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| BEMBEYA JAZZ NATIONAL | THE SYLIPHONE YEARS ( 2 x CD ) | STCD3021-22 | CDx2 | £ 13.20 | |
| The original double CD FROM 2004 featuring 26 songs recorded for Guinea's legendary Syliphone label by the orchestra at the height of their creative powers. Heaps of hits plus several songs never before released on CD. Extensive sleeve notes by Bembeya fan and expert Graeme Counsel. Track List : Republique Guinee, Sabor De Guajira, Armee Guineenne, Dembaty Galant, Air Guinee, Guinee Hety Horemoun, Montuno De La Sierra, Waraba, Dagna, Doni Doni, Camera Mousso, Super Tentemba, Mami Wati, Alalake, Beyla, Fatoumata, Moussogbe, Sou, N'gamokoro, Ballake, Mussofing, Dya Dya, Sina Mousso, N'temenna, Telephone, Petit Sekou. | |
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| BIJOU LA REINE | SOROMBA | SOROMBA | TC | £ 7.00 | |
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| BINTA LALY SOW | FOULANIOU | BINTA001CD | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| CAMARA ABOUBACAR | BABA MOUSSA | BIP93CD | CD | 11.99 | COL |
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| CAMAYENNE SOFA | Vol. 1 LA PERCEE | 38215-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| CHEICK PENOR | KELEA | 9820 | TC | £ 7.00 | |
| Nice vocals from Cheick and his girl backing singers plus some natty kora sounds and guitar backed by a solid base and drums. No details inside so can't say much more about who is playing what. | 1. SORDASSIKE
2. MARAFANNA
3. SUPER SABU
4. DIAMA DJIGUI
5. KELEA
6. N'BESSOMA
7. DINIMESSEA
8. KULUMBA
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| DIANKA DIABATE | SIRE FOULA (DIANKA LA DIVINE) | 03070-2 | CD | 12.35 | COL |
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| DJANKA DIABATE | DJANKA | JD160274 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
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| DJELI MOUSSA DIAWARA | MARIAM SAO | AS90005 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
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| DJELY MOUSSA DIAWARA | CIMADAN | 66910-4 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Manding magic from Kora maestro Djely Moussa but this time with an overdose of bass from, funnily enough, 'Abou Bass' making it somewhat Disco orientated in style. However there is some lovely original style guitar and balafon from Ibrahima Soumano and Abdoulaye Bangoura backed up by percussionist Moussa Cissoko. Well known singer Djanka Diabate provides the perfect accompaniment to Djely's stunning vocals and Kora playing. Definitely set to become a 'CLASSIC'. | |
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| DJESSOU MAMA DIABATE | KOUROU KORO TATI | SAV001 | TC | 6.75 | COL |
| The explosion of sound from the title track which opens the album is akin to an atomic bomb going off! Djessou's voice booms out the songs with tremendous power, mind you, to be heard above all that wonderful music you need a good pair of lungs. Cora player Kemo Kouyate keeps up a steady stream of notes while Kaly Kamara plays a blinder on the balafon., the guitars though tend to be a bit hidden but do get to shine occasionally. The linn drums of Pamphile de Souza are ever present but essential to the fast pace of the music. Also in there are Aminatta Kamissoko and Hama Cissoko who provide the lovely chorus. (F.T.Index: Kourou Koro Tati, Sabou N'gnuma, Tromperie . ) [8T/46M] ( 7T really as Tromperie is repeated) | |
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| DOUSSOUBA DIABATE | KARIFA | KARIFA | TC | £ 7.50 | |
| La Majestueuse as Doussouba is known is certainly has a very beautiful and commanding voice and also great backing from the trio of Maimouna, Oume and Mimi Barry. The music comes from a well crafted line up of guitars, keyboard, lin drums and percussions and is enhanced by a bit of kora, balafon, saxophones, trumpet and trombone. Recommended. (10T/47M) | |
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| ENSEMBLE NATIONAL DES PERCUSSONS DE GUINEE | | 82501-2 | CD | £ 12.50 | |
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| FATALA | GONGOMA TIMES | 7867902 | CD | £ 6.99 | |
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| FATALA | GONGOMA TIMES | RWMCD4 | CD | 9.40 | COL |
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| FODE BARO | URGENCE | 121837 | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Absolutely pure dance magic as the styles of Mali mix enthusiastically with the modern up-beat sound of Paris. Fode and Sekouba Bambino's vocals just grab your ears and won't let go and are in turn perfectly matched by the gorgeous singing of the chorus girls Djanka, Sona and Sayon Diabate. That famous horn line-up, without which most top Paris productions couldn't happen, Hatot, Slominski and Bolognesi and believe me they go wild in places. As if that wasn't enough to wet your appetite Fode also got guitarists Lokassa Ya Mbongo and Nene Tchakou to guest on 'Koumayema'. (F.T.Index: N'na, Niamakoro, Nkoro, Diaraby Kanou, Koumayema, Fantagbe. ) [10T/48M] | |
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| FODE KOUYATE | ADAME NYINGUI | ADAME | TC | £ 5.00 | |
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| FODE KOUYATE | SAGESSE | SAGESSE | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Quite an atmospheric album even if it is a bit hi-tec music wise. | |
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| FODE KOUYATE | SOROMBAYA | FODE2004CD | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| FOUSSENY DIALLO | KO SISSE | BGDA95003 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
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| GOUDIA KOUATE | KAMME | CK7193 | TC | £ 7.00 | |
| A very nice album from gravelly voiced singer Goudia who doesn't really get too much of a look in. The music is led by synth wizard Jean Phillip Rykel with some nice guitar from Djeli Moussa Kouyate, percussion from Ibrahima Kone and programming by Franck. However it's the chorus, which includes Kande Diabate, Sona Diabate, Boubacar Diallo and Thioub Yatera, that tends to steal the show with their singing as on Kouraba and Gunduna where they are all up front. ( F.T.Index :Gunduna, Sany, Kouraba, Leoure Gadlo, Kamme, Kamme Remix, Leoure Remix, Kalle. ) [8T/41M] | |
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| HADJA KOUYATE AND LES GUINEENS | YILIMALO | FRIKCD1755 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| HOROYA BAND NATIONAL | ZOUMANA | SLP41 | LP | 0.00 | COL |
One of the many orchestras in Guinee Conakry during the 1970s. Under the regime of Sekou Toure, the best bands were awarded with the title Orchestre national and had the possibility to travel to Cuba to learn more about Afro-cuban music. Horoya Band achieved the title of national orchestra in 1971. The band was led by Mitou Traore and halfway through the 1970s, they recorded this LP, entitled Zoumana, on the state record label Syliphone.
Further info can be found on Frank Bessem's web site. | 1. ZOUMANA
2. KONIMBA
3. PAYA - PAYA
4. LA GUINEE HOROYA
5. TOURAMAN !
6. DJAMA - BA LABO
7. N'FALA DYAMANA
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| IBRO DIABATE | ALLAH NANA | RB001 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Hi-tec Paris production from Boncana Maiga which has a much more modern feel than any of the other Guinean albums featured here. Fast paced and with a sound not unlike that of Salif Keita's Soro album. Boncana once again makes great use of the girls in the chorus and also the horn line up to push his Paris/Manding fusion to new heights. Ibro's singing is perfect throughout and I expect we are going to hear a lot more from him in the future. (The F.T.Index: L'Islam, Lilah, Gate ) | |
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| ISMAEL TOURE | NAFAY | BGDASS03 | TC | £ 5.00 | |
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| JALI MUSA JAWARA | YASIMIKA | HNCD1355 | CD | £ 55.00 | |
| A very rare English version released in the USA by Hannibal Records was first issued in France in 1983. Two koras, a balafon, and a splendid female chorus backing for Djeli Moussa Diawara's lead (as he is known in Francophone Africa) makes for a deserved bestseller among Africans in France. This is contemporary-traditional Mandingo music, purely and wonderfully performed and admirably recorded. John Storm Roberts, All Music Guide John's write-up slightly amended by me so that there is no confusion as to who the artist is.[4T/33M] | 1. FOTE MOGOBAN
2. HAIDARA
3. YEKEKE
4. YASIMIKA |
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| KADE DIAWARA (L'Archange du Mandingue) | DJINAN MOUSSO | DDU001 | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| Kade, who is known as 'L'archange du Mandingue' is endowed with a tremendously rich and powerful voice which she uses with devastating effect. Recorded in the Ivory Coast at Studio JBZ by Pamphile de Souza the album explodes from the speakers with music in all directions. No matter if you're trying to listen to the lovely sounds of Adama Conde's balafon, Garba Tounkara's n'goni or Amara Kante's cora they are all firmly put in place by the wonderful singing of Kade and chorus girls, Kouta Camara and Maimouna Barry. (F.T.Index: Gnaman Kante, Lamban, Mone Magni.) [7T/40M] | |
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| KADE DIAWARA (L'Archange du Mandingue) | DJOULA | CK7267 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| It's pin back your lugs time as Kade, known as 'L'archange du Mandingue' and who is endowed with a tremendously rich and powerful voice tries a new line-up of musicians. Picking the guitars are Djeli Moussa's, Dioubate and Kouyate plus Lassi Diabate while Sissokho Yakhouba is on cora and Mamadou Kouyate is on balafon, not forgetting the super djembe of Bako Keita. Assitan 'Mama' Keita and Kande Dioubate add to the fun with their lovely chorus singing. A smashing album. (F.T.Index:Touba, Olga, Sanoutigui, Khame Militante, Djoula, Keba.) [6T/33M] | |
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| KALOUM STAR | FELENKO | 829332 | CD | £ 11.99 | |
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| KANIBA OUELE KOUYATE | DIYA | CK7009 | TC | £ 7.50 | |
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| KANINBA OULEN KOUYATE | DEMOCRATIE | BGDA9410 | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| A real cracker of an album with Kaninba's rich but crystal clear vocals backed by super singers Mama Keita and Djanka Diabate. The guitars of Saky Kouyate, Djelimoussa Kouyate & Fode Baro are gorgeous to listen to especially on the more traditional tracks such as Adama Diarra. Djelimadi Kouyate's sweet balafon playing is perfectly complimented by Jean Phillip Rykel's unobtrusive keyboard backing which comes to the fore on the more dance orientated Democratie. An album that is definitely not to be missed - stunning! (F.T.Index: Talassa, Mariam Konate, Koulounikou, Democratie, Adama Diarra, Adama Diarra.) [8T/44M] | |
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| KANKOU MOUSSA | KANKOU MOUSSA | BIP90 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| Recorded in Paris and rather nice but the drum machine tends to get on your nerves. | |
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| KANTE MANFILA | N'NA NIWALE (MERCI LES MERES) | PAM402 | CD | £ 13.20 | |
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| KANTE MANFILA | TRADITION | STERNS1021 | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album released back in 1988 which shows guitarist and singer Kante at his traditional best. The twinkling sounds of the kora come courtesy of Mory Kante while backing vocals come from Djanka Diabate and Oumou Diabate. It mighy only be 37 minutes but all of it is sheer bliss. | 1. MAIMOUNA DIABY
2. DOUMANY
3. ALLAH BARA HOKE
4. DIYAGNE
5. MOBEREYA
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| KANTE MANFILA AND BALLA KALLA | KANKAN BLUES | 0A201 | CD | 11.55 | COL |
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| KANTE MANFILA AND SORRY BAMBA | CLASH MANDINGUE: 60S DANCE MUSIC | 6139172 | CD | 15.95 | COL |
| | 1. AIR AFRIQUE
2. SUPER BARA SERAH
3. KELEYA
4. MAKOURA
5. SOUFIANA
6. SERRE
7. N'DIARABI BEDONNA
8. N'NA
9. BRAVO MIMOS
10. LADJI
11. DIYABANALE
12. TIRA KABA
13. MOBAKAN
14. KELEYA MAGNI
15. FARA N'MOSSELA
16. DJANTOU MADJILA
17. MOUSSO GNOUMA
18. DJELI MANGO
19. KADJI MAIGA
20. TAKOULATA
21. TIE GBANAN
22. MAMOU
23. KELAI MAGNI
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| KEMO KOUYATE AND AMINATA KAMISSOKO | LA COLOMBE DE LA PAIX | SS-2166 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| On the opening track when Aminata sings you either duck or end up stapled by your ears to the wall. To say her voice lacks power is like saying vindaloo isn't hot! However Kemo is in charge and the music takes pride of place and what stunning music it is too. He plays lead guitar, keyboards and kora while Moutou Kouyate and Djely Madi Tounkara play guitar and n'goni respectively. Of the five tracks on this album their three instrumentals are beautifully played and also, coming from Guinea, are rather rare. Recommended without a doubt. (The F.T.Index: Concoba (inst), Guere-Mou-Fan, Sakodougou (inst) ) 30 mins. | |
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| KERFALA KANTE | FARAFINA | SS1 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
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| KERFALA KANTE | L'OISEAU DE SANKARA | BGDA91007 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Kora and balafon with beautiful vocals. For most of you out there that would be more than enough to place an order and I needn't say anything else, but some of you are still missing out on some of the best music from Africa. Kerfala has put together an album that exudes rhythm without the overpowering percusion of a lot of modern manding music and also without the excruciating female backing vocals that have spoiled a lot of albums. So.... loads of kora, balafon and Kerfala's superb vocals make for a stunning example of music without guitars. Try it and see what I mean. | |
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| KERFALA KANTE | L'OISEAU DU SANKARA (VOL 2) | SS-2164 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| Kerfala's second album and this one is even more stunning than his first. His velvet smooth vocals contrast sharply and beautifully with that of the chorus girls. The singing is mesmerising enough but the music is simply superb as well. With Sourakata Diabate playing balafon to Mamady and Kerfala's gorgeous n'goni playing while Manu Yodan pops up on tenor sax and Cheick Smith makes sure that the keyboardsdon't get in the way. A truly superb album thats going to keep you glued to the speakers for nearly 45 minutes. (The F.T.Index: N'deye M'baye, Nafy, Ladia, Moriba Conde) | |
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| KOUMBA KOUYATE | LE DESTIN | SM2166 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| The usual penetratingly sharp lead singer backed by a sweet chorus is reversed here as the seductively velvet voiced Koumba goes through her paces backed by a mildly squeaky sounding chorus. The musical backing is beautifully led by some crisply and clearly played guitaring which overlays the simple traditional style keyboard and drum sounds. The slow tempo is quite addictive and gives the music a laid back feel throughout that could be easily described as middle of the road Guinean style. Amikaramoko [8T/45M] | |
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| KOUNADY SAKILIBA | DARAJA | CK7261 | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| Never heard of Kounady? Well you're not alone as neither had I until now but believe me you're going to hear a lot more of her if this album is anything to go by. The traditional music gets the full electric treatment as the power packed and stunningly well played music erupts. The torrent of guitars, koras, drums and keyboards would drown most singers but Kounady's voice has the power and sharpness of a laser and that's putting it mildly!!!!!! Scintillating album with every track a gem. (F.T.Index: Gnonko, Daraja, Djamba, Sabandjoulo, N'na Natale, Nanta, Yanguile, Yele N'kissara.) [8T/45M] | |
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| LASSO DOUMBOUYA | LASSO DOUMBOUYA | SYLAF96121 | CD | £ 12.35 | |
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| L'ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL | DE GUINEE VOL I | EMAILPS02 | TC | 10.00 | COL |
| Having had such a success with Volume 2. I just had to keep pestering until they re-released Volume 1. and boy, oh boy, was it worth it. Totally traditional with masses of Koras, Balafon, Drums and Flutes backing the tremendous power of the women singers. To call this album stunning is a definite understatement! Pure MAGIC. | |
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| L'ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL | DE GUINEE VOL II | EMAILPS03 | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This album has it all, super singing, loads of Kora, Balafon and some great percussion to boot. Mainly Manding in its roots but with a few other bits thrown in for good measure. Less raucous than 'Fatala' but still retaining that super sound that makes Manding music so popular. I don't need to recommend this one as it sold out straight away before I'd done the write up and hopefully I've ordered enough this time!!!! | |
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| LES AMAZONES DE GUINEE | AU COEUR DE PARIS | 42076-2 | CD | 11.99 | COL |
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| LES AMAZONES DE GUINEE | WAMATO | STCD1106 | CD | £ 12.70 | |
| In the early 60s, this group played 'unplugged': mandolin, violins, double-bass, bongos and congas were the tools of their trade… that is, when they weren't carrying rifles, pistols and machine guns. Because 'Les Amazones de Guinee' were originally 'l'Orchestre feminin de la Gendarmerie de Guinee' and as such were all serving officers and soldiers of the Guinean militia. They still are. By the late 60s they had added electric guitars, kit drums and a horn section and, now officially known as 'Les Amazones de Guinée', were touring all over Africa bringing their particular brand of joy to the cause of African women's emancipation. They triumphed at the legendary 'Festac' of 1977 held in Lagos and, five years later, recorded their 2nd album (1st as 'Les Amazones'), 'Au cœur de Paris'. Between that and 'Wamato' is a cool 25 years but things move slowly in Guinea and, as is the way of these things, there have been retirements and deaths, notably of original saxophonist Fatou Soumah and 'La Reine des Amazones', guitarist Nyepou Haba. But 'Les Amazones' are nothing if not tenacious and bolstered by new blood and under the direction of bass-player, Commandant Salematou Diallo, the surviving members took the long mini-bus trek from Conakry in Guinea to Bamako in Mali, there to lay down their guns and record in the same studio as Ali Farka Toure, Damon Albarn, Oumou Sangare and many more. The flowing, loping rhythms so particular to Guinea; the harmonic cycles that mesmerise and seduce; the vocals, sometimes sweet, sometimes strident but always full of conviction; is there any other band like 'Les Amazones'? As the cry at the beginning of this album attests - 'Retour en force des Amazones!' (The Amazones - back with a vengeance!) – these women demand to be heard. | 1. WAMATO
2. DENI WANA
3. REINE NYEPOU
4. NDAREN
5. BE NI SON
6. DJAMA
7. KANIA
8. ZAWI
9. ALHAMDOULILAH
10. MEILLEURS VOEUX
11. DEMEMBALOU
12. MERES D'AFRIQUE
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| LES BALLETS AFRICAINS | HERITAGE | 92634-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| LES BALLETS AFRICAINS | SILO | 92579-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| LES GRANDS BALLETS D'AFRIQUE NOIR | AFRIQUE XERA | BIP-94 | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Singing, kora, balafon, guitar and various percussion instruments from this 14 strong traditional ensemble make for an absolutely stunning show. | 1. AFRIQUE XERA
2. SOUNDIATA
3. DOUNDOUMBA-COTEBA
4. FOTON XONE
5. WARA
6. MAKEINDE
7. KAKILAMBE
8. TIMINI
9. XAWARE
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| MAI KOUYATE | KOROSSI | KOROSSI | TC | £ 7.00 | |
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| MAMA DIABATE | DABANKO | DABANKO | TC | 10.00 | COL |
| A lovely mixture of traditional and modern styles from The Biche du Manding as she is affectionately known. The modern instruments are there but its the kora, balafon and flute that attracted me the most and of course Mama's wonderful singing backed by the deliciously sweet chorus. (F.T.Index: in no particular order although Moba was my favorite, Mamanko, Dokee, Koyin, Sida, Elegance, Bakoutouna, Mansa Boudou, Dabanko, Moba, Petit Conde.) [10T/57M] (biche is doe, hind or pet) | 1. MAMANKO
2. DOKEE
3. KOYIN
4. SIDA
5. ELEGANCE
6. BAKOUTOUNA
7. MANSA BOUDOU
8. DABANKO
9. MOBA
10. PETIT CONDE |
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| MAMA DIABATE | KOFFI COLA | AMC011 | TC | £ 7.50 | |
| This is Mama's first album released in 1993 and its not surprising that it became a huge hit throughout West Africa. Her tremendously powerful yet crystal clear voice cracking out the lyrics like a whip. Fanta Diabate provides half of the lovely chorus while Mama with a bit of help and technical wizardry from arranger and synth maestro Rakesh Toure provides the other half. The guitars of Sarati and Fouseni Diabate and Ansoumane Kamissoko provide the lovely lilting music while Adama Conde chimes in every so often with some gorgeous balafon playing. (F.T.Index: Djouya, Koffi Cola, Moo gnoumaba, Congben, Yeye Nina, Sabou. ) [6T/36M] | |
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| MAMA DIABATE | KOFFI COLA NA YO - N'NA NIWALE | OA205 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
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| MAMA DIABATE | NAMBIYO | BGDA9408 | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| The Biche du Manding as she is affectionately known, had me totally hooked in the first few seconds of the title track. The music is awe inspiring in its beauty with Adama Conde's wonderful balafon, Ansoumane Kamissoko's superb lead guitar and Mama's own beautiful cora playing. The singing of Mama, Fauta Diabate and Leopoldine is absolutely stupendous. (Get in quick as only a few copies are available) (F.T.Index: Nambiyo, Danka Boli, Tenen Kaba, Gbankole, Bantan.) [8T/38M] (By the way, biche = doe, hind or pet) | |
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| MAMA YERGUE BARRY | DJIKE | DJIKE | TC | £ 7.00 | |
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| MAMADY KEITA | NANKAMA | FMD195 | CD | £ 11.99 | |
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| MANIAN DAMBA | DJANTOCHININA | BGDA9511 | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Gorgeous just doesn't do this album any justice at all. Manian is a modern praise singer who sings without deafening the listeners or the musicians. Her soft but also sharply beautiful voice is backed by Djanka Diabate, Mama Keita & Assitan Keita all of who are well known singers in their own right. The music is an absolutely exquisite mixing of beautifully played guitars and the traditional n'goni, cora and balafon. Fode Baro's percussion programming is just perfect and I must admit that I hardly even notice Rakesh Toure's keyboards - was he really there? (F.T.Index: Lansirila, Toubani, Sissoko, M'ba, N'lani Ila, Tougna Laro, Fama Alla, Gny Fola, Ibraya.) [10T/55M] | |
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| M'BADY KOUYATE | SOUTOUKOUN | LBLC2554 | CD | £ 14.65 | |
| A superb album from M'bady, Guinea's, if not West Africa's foremost exponent of the kora. He is accompanied by his wife, the famous singer Diariou Kouyate and his son Sekou to whom he has passed on his expertise on the instrument. They are joined by Ba Kouyate on kora and Dioulde Camara on bolon (a type of double bass) and various other percussion. This CD is all the more remarkable for having recorded in one session at Studio JBZ in Abidjan in 1997. If you love the tinkling sound of the kora you'll find this album absolutely irresistible as it switches between the vocal and instrumental tracks. Just stand back and listen to the incredible sound and mind blowing complexity of Tamala Lou. Kora playing like you wouldn't believe it could be possible. (10T/47M) | |
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| MISSIA SARAN | PETIT PIMENT | RB002 | TC | £ 7.50 | |
| Boncana Maiga with another power packed release which mixes Paris studio brilliance and the traditional sounds of Guinea into a throbbing fussion. Phil Guez's rigidly programmed percussion is well matched by Missia's equally hard edged vocals. Both blend beautifully with the blasting horn line up of Hatot, Slominski and for a change Glenn Ferris plus the gorgeously sweet voices of Amy Bamba, Djene Doumbouya & Awa Maiga. Helping out with production is Kante Manfila, although he doesn't play even on the traditional 'Djahara Ben Taibou' which has a very different line-up with n'goni, balafon and tumba. Boncana even manages to bring in a very nice bit of salsa with 'A Kinkoun'. (F.T.Index: Soron M'ba, Djahara Ben Taibou, Aiyo, Titriba, Ten Fou, Petit Piment, A Kinkoun, Yekero. ) [10T/51M] | |
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| M'MAH SYLLA | LE ROSSIGNOL DE GUINEE | SLP78 | LP | 30.00 | COL |
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| MOMO (WANDEL) SOUMAH | MATCHOWE | 92653-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| MORY DJELI DIENNE KOUYATE | LA RENAISSANCE MANDINGUE | BGDA2091 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| Wonderful album of modern yet traditional music led by power packed singer Mory and his girls, M'Mawa Kante and Fadima Kouyate. The guitarists sparkle throughout but it's the balafon player M'Mabou Camara and n'goni player Garba Tounkara that make it for me. While most of the album is played at quite a brisk pace it was the slower and more gentle final track, Djeliya that proved to be my favourite, its lovely! (The F.T.Index: Djeliya, M'Moya, Att Toure, Mory Nikala, Telemba) 41 mins. | |
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| MORY KANTE | A PARIS | PG263LP | LP | 7.00 | COL |
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| MORY KANTE | AKWABA BEACH | 8331192 | CD | 6.99 | COL |
| Real funky stomper that got into the UK top ten some years ago. While the track that took it there, Ye Ke Ye Ke, has long been a favourite of mine, I must admit that I love the sweet harmonies and punchy kora of Tama just a bit more. | 1. YE KE YE KE
2. DENI
3. INCH' ALLAH
4. TAMA
5. AFRICA 2000
6. DIA
7. NANFOULEN
8. AKWABA BEACH |
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| MORY KANTE | AKWABA BEACH | 833119-1 | LP | £ 10.00 | |
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| MORY KANTE | TEN COLA NUTS | PG263 | LP | 7.50 | COL |
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| MOUCTAR PARAYA BALDE | WARI-LARREH | WAKI | TC | £ 7.50 | |
| A wonderful album from the smooth voiced Mouctar and his backing vocalists Maimouna and Mimi Barry. The keyboards and lin drums are in there but mixed in so cleverly with the guitars and the more traditional sounds of the flutes, ngonis and various other drums plus a lively horn section that they become an essential part of the musical picture. See if you can resist guitarist Djekoria Mory Kante as he plays on Guigol - I would buy this album just to get this track alone! Dance to it, Listen to it, whichever you do its a magic album through and through. ( F.T.Index: Guigol, Tagadho, Djouhairatou, Bamora, Momara, Fabolan, Bamba Sawa, Monyere, N'yame. ) [10T/49M] | |
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| NAFI DIAWARA | LE CHARME EBOUISSANT DE KAKANDE | ND236 | TC | 6.75 | COL |
| Lovely voices and nice music but sounds like it has a helicopter flying in the background. | |
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| NAGNA DIABATE | LA FINESSE | BGDA012 | TC | 6.75 | COL |
| A really gorgeous album from traditional singer Nagna and her band. Balafons and n'goni's play side by side with guitars and percussion to create the perfect vehicle for the powerful voice of Nagna and her lovely backing singers Aicha and Awa. Although he isn't mentioned, somebody plays some lovely flute especially on side 'B'. Smashing all the way through, a little gem in fact. | |
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| ORCHESTRE DE LA PAILLOTE | Vol. 1 1960 (KELETIGUI TRAORE) | 38216-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| OUMOU DIOUBATE | BIMOLOU | SYL83149 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| A modern approach to traditional Malian music. With Oumou's velvet smooth vocals gliding effortlessly over the vigorously applied horns of Alain Hatot, Jaques Bolognes and Phillipe Slominski, even top guitarist Lokassa Ya Mbongo has had to take a back seat. Some lovely kora playing from Kemo Kouyate which enriches the whole album and more than makes up for the lack of real drums. With a chorus line which also includes Djanka Diabate this album has nearly everything with the exception of a real live drummer! MALIAN MAGIC. | |
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| OUMOU DIOUBATE | TELE BANA | IMSU2670A | TC | £ 5.00 | |
| Brightly played set of tracks from the commanding voice of Oumou backed by the sweet chorus of Astrid Yallo, Maimouna Barry, Mama Keita and Kande Diabate. The guitars, balafon and dumdumba take an easy back seat ride while David Tayorault and Jacob Devarieux weave their electronic magic with the sound of drums, horns and of course keyboards, they certainly know how to make it throb. Definitely grows on you, the more you hear the better it gets. ( F.T.Index: Etudiant, Matche, Akafo, Touche, Alexis, Doctor, La Guinee Est Une Famille, Bete Kabalou, Tele Bana, Pauvrete. ) [10T/50M] | |
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| OUSMANE KOUYATE | BENI HAMINANKO | SA300011 | LP | 0.00 | COL |
| Having played with les Ambassadeurs since 1977 and then with Salif Keita (on Soro and Ko-Yan) he released this, his first solo album, back in 1982 followed by Kefimba in 1985. An instant hit with his Western and Africa fussion which got Sterns to sign him up for a three record deal in 1990. A deal that died with the release of Domba in the same year. ( Track Index: Beni Haminanko, N'ny, Deyin Kassila, Bintou, Bafin Kono. ) [5T/37M] | 1. BENI HAMINANKO
2. N'NY
3. DEYIN KASSILA
4. BINTOU
5. BAFIN KONO
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| OUSMANE KOUYATE | DOMBA | STERNS1030 | LP | £ 10.00 | |
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| OUSMANE KOUYATE | KEFIMBA | 8010 | LP | 7.00 | COL |
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| PATHE MOLOKO | BHADOMO BHADOMO | BHADOMO | TC | £ 5.00 | |
| Fairly typical Guinean fare musically but what a peculiar voice from singer Pathe. It sounds like he's singing in an echo chamber! Peculiar/Nice? (8T) | |
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| PATHE MOLOKO | SANAKUYAGAL | SANAK | TC | £ 7.00 | |
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| PETIT YERO | BANTINGHEL | CKCD012 | CD | 13.95 | COL |
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| RAMATOU DIAKITE | ARTISTES | CK7212 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| A lovely modern album from singer Ramatou who's strong and slightly raspy vocals dominate throughout. The girls who make up the sweet sounding chorus sing like a charm and they are in turn perfectly complimented by the colourfully played guitars simply backed by keyboard and drums. Although there aren't any traditional instruments being played the guitars imitating the kora style manage to retain the rootsy sound of traditional music. ( F.T.Index: N'feko, Nale, Artistes, Sigui Sele, Dia Nanele, Kobe Djigui, Diby, Mala Dounyala. ) [8T/43M] | |
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| SAFIATA CONDE | N'FADJI | NFADJI | TC | £ 6.00 | |
| Wonderfully powerful vocals from Safiata and her rather nice backing vocalists is offset in places by the rather thin sound of Zacharia Mamboue's keyboards, other than that I found it a rather nice album. (58M/10T) | |
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| SEFOU KEBENDEN BARRY | HIBHE YAADO | HIBHE | TC | £ 7.00 | |
| A very likeable if rather odd semi traditional style album. Singer and composer Sefou has kept the old and well known sounds of Guinea and added modern sounds around it rather than mixing them in | |
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| SEKOU BEMBEYA DIABATE | DIATA GUITAR D'OR | 121602 | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| A superb album by ex-Bembaya Jazz leader Sekouba Bembeya, otherwise known as 'Diamond Fingers'. His incredibly beautiful guitar playing is here accompanied only by fellow guitarists Djeli Moussa Kouyate on rhythm and Iblouse Kouyate on bass who provide a gorgeous traditional backing to Sekouba's almost virtuoso performance. No drums, no balafon and not even any singing, just pure guitars but like Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck's classic 'Djam Leelii' this album is a guitar masterpiece. (F.T.Index: Diata, Tou, Kolankoma, Mamiwata, Balake, Kani, Deri, Anfila.) [8T/60M] | 1. DIATA
2. DERI
3. BALAKE
4. MAMIWATA
5. KOLANKOMA
6. KANI
7. TOU
8. ANFILA
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| SEKOU BEMBEYA DIABATE AND DJANKA DIABATE | SAMBA GAYE | 2003149 | CD | 11.99 | COL |
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| SEKOUBA BAMBINO | AMBIANCE BALLON | SEKOU2004CD | CD | 12.50 | COL |
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| SEKOUBA BAMBINO | SINIKAN | CDS8932 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
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| SEKOUBA BAMBINO DIABATE | BONYA | SYL-83201 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| The second of two cassettes recorded at Studio Harryson in Paris. The insert reads like a 'Who's Who' of African music. To name just a few of those taking part: Djanka Diabate & Mama Keita on chorus, Djely Moussa Kouyate, Yves Ndjock, Baba Sissokho, Djessou Mory Kante & Sekou Bembeya Diabate on guitars, Moriba Koita, Lansana Kouyate & Djely Moussa Conde respectively on ngoni , balafon & cora, the horns of Bolognesi, Slominsky & Hatot, electric instrumentation from Jean Phillip Rikel & Philippe Guez, and all arranged and directed by Boncana Maiga. That's as may be I hear you say but what does it sound like? Absolutely stupendous. (F.T.INDEX: Miri, An Nya Deme, Imakoun, Canadia, Bonya, Kassou Mama.)[6T/45M] | |
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| SEKOUBA BAMBINO DIABATE | KASSA | STCD1074 | CD | £ 12.50 | |
| A compilation which has been culled from the twelve tracks which appeared on the cassettes Bonya & Kassa with an additional two tracks added. [11T/63M] | |
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| SEKOUBA BAMBINO DIABATE | KASSA | SYL-83200 | TC | £ 7.00 | |
| The first of two cassettes recorded at the same time at Studio Harryson in Paris. The insert card reads like a 'Who's Who' of African music. To name just a few of those taking part: Djanka Diabate & Mama Keita on chorus, Djely Moussa Kouyate, Yves Ndjock, Baba Sissokho, Djessou Mory Kante & Sekou Bembeya Diabate on guitars, Moriba Koita, Lansana Kouyate & Djely Moussa Conde respectively on ngoni , balafon & cora, the horns of Bolognesi, Slominsky & Hatot, electic instrumentation from Jean Phillip Rikel & Philippe Guez, and all arranged and directed by Boncana Maiga. That's as may be I hear you say but what does it sound like? Quite simply its gorgeous from end to end with styles drawn from a variety of artists. You'll notice a similarity with Salif Keita's 'Soro' one minute switching to Kante Manfila's 'Kankan Blues' the next, pump in a bit of the Amazones and you begin to get the feel of this masterpiece. (F.T.INDEX: Kassa - Cinema Wondo, Maloya, Koumakan, Kassa, Autorail, Damansena.)[6T/31M] Please note that the tracks Cinema Wondo and Maloya are not on the CD of the same name. | |
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| SEKOUBA BAMBINO DIABATE | LE DESTIN | BOM2055 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
| Wonderful music and vocals sums up this vibrant album. Loads of balafon and guitar along with drums and various strings make up the musical backing to the magnificent voice of Sekouba and the girl chorus. This album's music is so good it would be worth getting even if it was an instrumental! This album is definitely destined to be a classic. Contains eleven tracks, the first six are the original Le Destin cassette while the other five are from Kasally Sama cassette minus the second version of N'diati. | 1. KA SOUMA MAN
2. BANKO KA
3. A NYARA N'NA
4. DIOULA
5. A BARANA
6. SUPER LANDAYA
7. KESSALY
8. TOUGNA
9. SAMA
10. OUGNAFOLA
11. N'DIATI |
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| SEKOUBA BAMBINO DIABATE | LE DESTIN | BGDA92001 | TC | £ 7.50 | |
| Wonderful music and vocals sums up this vibrant album. Loads of balafon and guitar along with drums and various strings make up the musical backing to the magnificent voice of Sekouba and the girl chorus. This album's music is so good it would be worth getting even if it was an instrumental! This album is definitely destined to be a classic. See the CD above. | 1. KA SOUMA MAN
2. BANKO KA
3. A NYARA N'NA
4. DIOULA
5. A BARANA
6. SUPER LANDAYA |
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| SEKOUBA KANDIA KOUYATE | NYOUMEKELA | BGDA92007 | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Beautifully played kora, balafon and guitars form the background for the singing of Sekouba who's tremendous voice has incredible power. The second track alone could earn him the title 'Pavorotti de Afrique'. The music while retaining its African roots is modern, fast and with that unmistakable 'Paris' stamp on it. Definitely danceable and also very listenable. (F.T.Index: Nyoumekela, Nyonten, Tele, Dounyarote, ) [6T/34M] | |
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| SONA DIABATE | GARE GARE | PAM404 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
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| SONA DIABATE | GIRLS OF GUINEA | SHAN65007 | CD | 10.99 | COL |
| A bit of a family get together here as Sona who sings with Les Amazones Des Guinea gets her brother and master guitarist - Sekou Bembeya Diabate to help on guitar while her sister Sayon also helps with the backing vocals. Also there in the chorus is Fatouma Bangoura and Demba Camara plays his 12 string guitar with stunning effect. A gorgeous album all round. [6T/40M] | |
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| SONA DIABATE DES AMAZONES | SONS DE LA SAVANE | SLP77 | LP | 0.00 | COL |
| Superb album from Sona with help from fellow vocalist Condette Kouyate and backing from M'mah Sylla. Demba Camara plays some sparkling guitar and marimba with Maitre Mamadou A. Barry on flute and saxophones. Tracks ; 1. Hafia, Kinikiniko, 22 Kele, Mama Nyepou (Lannaya), Yekeke. | 1. HAFIA
2. KINIKINIKO
3. 22 KELE
4. MAMA NYEPOU (LANNAYA)
5. YEKEKE
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| SONA DJELY KOUYATE | DOUBAYA | BGDA91006 | TC | 10.00 | COL |
| Sona can really belt out the songs when she gets going and this album is no exception. Her crisp vocals are delivered at lightning speed with pinpoint accuracy and tremendous power.The up-tempo but still very traditional sounding music owes a lot to the artistic interpretation of Cheick Smith. (The F.T.Index: Super Word Sonko, Kadia, Djalakoro, Doctor, Soko, Doubaya.) | |
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| SONA DJELY KOUYATE | HOMMAGE A SONA MAMADY CONDE | SS-2165 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| Every bit as good as 'Doubaya' and still sticking firmly with the traditional sound of Guinea but on a mellower note. Guitarist, Moutou Kouyate along with n'goni player Garba Tounkara and kora player Djely Moussa Conde provide the tinkling string sounds for which guinea is famous while Djely Modou Kouyate provides some lovely balafon playing. (The F.T.Index: Super Konkoba, Kani Molebe, N'dagnan ) | |
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| SONA TATA CONDE | LE FLEUR FINE | BGDA95008 | TC | £ 7.00 | |
| She might be known as 'The Delicate Flower' but she has a voice that can chew chunks off a Baobab tree! Her voice is startling not just for the sheer power but also for the clarity of delivery. This is emphasised by her two chorus singers, Maimouna Barry & Mamma Sissoko who sound as if they were also caste from the same mould. Musically it is a typically fast paced modern Guinean sound with the guitars tightly strung and accompanied by the more traditional sounds of the n'goni and of course the balafon. Cheick Smith's keyboards mixed in quite well but I do wish they could have afforded a real drummer! Other than that small gripe its a smashing album by a very talented singer. (F.T.Index: Sona Mady, Aye Nanine, Ko E Bebara, Aicha, Djelisola, N'nah.) [6T/31M] | |
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| SONINKARA | SONINKAXU DAKARU | SONINKAXU | TC | £ 7.00 | |
| After the throbbing sound of 'Sumpu Vol. 3' their new album has a much more traditional and very easy going feel to it. Goudia Kouate's gravely voice is still up front although it is overshadowed by the lovely musical accompaniment provided by the new line-up of Senegalese guitarist Omar Sow, drummer Pape Dieng and kora player El-Hadji Cissokho. A superb album with every track a winner. I can't wait for their next one. (F.T.Index: Yugu Sako, Tokho Lighe Tekudende, Leoure, Dyolle, Niguigie, Saamy.) [8T/35M] | |
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| SONINKARA 94 | SUMPU - VOLUME 3. | DK18 | TC | 10.00 | COL |
| Camara Abdoulaye's fascinating raw vocals contrast perfectly with the gorgeous singing of chorus girls Assitan Keita and Kande and Marama-gbe Diabate. Backed by Goudia Kouate's beautiful guitaring, which just sings and the throbbing hypnotic beat of the drums, this album is purely and simply gorgeous. Not just danceable but also very listenable too. I loved every minute of it. (F.T.Index: Muke, Golle, Tekudende, Xaxe, Sumpu ) [8T/52M] | |
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| SOULEY KANTE | VOLUME 2 | SOULEY | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Nice album with Souley's vocals powering out above the rich backing of the girls and the traditional sounding music. | |
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| SUPER LION AND BEMBEYA JAZZ NATIONAL | DISCOTHEQUE 76 | SLP66 | LP | 10.00 | COL |
| Bembeya Jazz National feature on four out of the five tracks on this album. The instrumental number 'Petit Sekou' allows Sekou Diabat‚ to exhibit his prodigious talent and another good performance by the band is found on 'Kana Sarakabo'. This release also contains the only recorded performance by the group Super Lion, who were the all-male orchestra of the National Gendarmarie of Guinea. | 1. KITI
2. TELEPHONE
3. PETIT SEKOU
4. AH KANI
5. KANA SARAKABO
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| SYLI AUTHENTIC | DANS L'ARENE | SLP57 | LP | £ 25.00 | |
| Released back in 1976 this album is stunningly beautiful with guitars cascading notes in all directions, a great bit of drumming to back it all up and great vocals to finish it all off. | 1. ANDREE
2. AYA NA
3. MAFORY BANGOURA
4. N'BESSOMA
5. FABARA
6. SENERO
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | 40EME ANNIVERSAIRE SYLIPHONE Vol. 2 | 38202-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
| Kouyate Sory Kandia - Souaressi. Myriam Makeba - Djiguinira. Bembeya Jazz - Dembaty Galant. Horoya Band - Sassilon. Nimba de N'zerekore - Gon Bia Bia. Tele Jazz - Sensenki. Orchestre de la Paillotte - Kadia Blues. Bembaya Jazz - Petit Sekou. 22 Band Kankan - Wousse. Ensemble Instrumental de Labe - PDG Lannata Sine. Balla et ses Balladins - Mana Mana. Keletigui - Maderi. (12 T/ 76M) | |
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | AUTHENTICITE - THE SYLIPHONE YEARS (1965-80) | STCD3025-26 | CDx2 | 13.20 | COL |
| This 2CD set 'Authenticite - the Syliphone Years' features gems from their catalogue, most of which are on CD for the first time, and gives you an insight into the incredible energy of the times. All the great bands are here, with key songs from such legendaries as Bembeya Jazz National, Keletigui et ses Tambourinis, and Balla et ses Balladins. Also here are rare recordings from their contemporaries such as Syli Authentic, and Kebendo Jazz; groups that battled for honours against more than 30 others in Guinea's renowned arts festivals, where a 1st Prize could launch a band to stardom. Times like these can't last - and they didn't. But while they did, the party was jumping and the music was glorious. Comes complete with a 44-page illustrated booklet with comprehensive notes by renowned expert on Guinean music: Graeme Counsel includes some of the most important recordings together with rare and previously unreleased tracks | |
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | GUINEA VIBRATIONS | CDS8942 | CD | 13.20 | COL |
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | LES LEADERS DE LA GUINEE | SYLART96125TC | TC | £ 5.00 | |
| Lovely album that features some of Guinea's top voices - not a compilation of previous releases as far as I can make out as they are all singing to virtually the same group of top rank backing musicians. Tracks: Sekouba Bambino - Tolonke. Ibro Diabate - Tonton and Longoba. Fode Kouyate - Abadan and Photo Star. Kerfala Kante - Mousso. Amadou Sodia - Wodike and Djanto. Sekouba Fatako - Mafidjen. Fode Baro - Trinsaba. I'll be keeping an eye out for Amadou Sodia after listening to Wodike and Djanto, that is definitely a CLASS act and so is Sekouba Fatako's Mafidjen, love those flutes! [10T/56M] Please Note there is a distortion in the recording first two seconds of track A1. | |
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