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SENEGAL

One of the best known countries in Africa for music with a huge output and a whole cluster of top names such as, Youssou Ndour, Baaba Maal, Thione Seck and Ismael Lo to pick just a few. Mbalax music is the best known but many very distinctive musical styles are to be found here.

This page was last updated on 20/4/08.


ARTISTTITLENUMBERFMTPRICEBUY
ABDOU GUITE ET EVOLUTION ETE SHOW ETE CD 14.00 COL
1. INTRODUCTION
2. KOULA FAALE (GUITE CLUB)
3. MODOU MODOU
4. THIONO ADOUNA
5. WEROU KOOR
6. DOUKAT
7. VIVA
8. NINA
9. GOUDDI
ABDOU GUITE SECK DEKAALE DEKAALE CD 13.95 COL
Beautiful mbalax album from Abdou who had me hooked as soon as he started to sing. Crystal clear vocals with power and feeling packed into every word and if that wasn't enough the music is superb as well. Shame it is only 33 minutes as I could listen to him all day. Loved the last track, 8 Minutes, which knocks spots of Youssou Ndour's 7 Seconds! ( F.T.Index: Sammy Waay, 8 Minutes, Weeru Koor, Dekaale, Seex Yi, Gim, Allaaji. ) [7T/33M]
ABDOU NDIAYE ALLA SECK ALLA TC £ 6.50
ABDOURAHMANE DIALLO FOUTA FOUTA TC £ 5.00
A superb pot-pourri of an album that leaves a wonderful fragrance and it comes courtesy of Baaba Maal - playing on it are some of Dande Lenol plus the semi-traditional Groupe Diaguere. Vocals are handled by Baaba's brilliant protege Abdourmane backed by Tonio Lo and Fatou Toure and very good and varied all their singing is too. The tracks are all quite different in style and are difficult to describe, there being no overall theme. Each track mixes not just modern and traditional musical styles but also the instruments making the music.This is one of those albums that just has to be heard to be believed and believe me I've definitely given pride of place to a copy in my own collection. Not to be missed. ( F.T.Index: Lawol, Thierno Bocar Dadel Kane, Guili, Fouta, Ndebo, Dabakh Malick Sy. ) [6T/32M]
ABI BATOU NDOUR CACHE-CACHE CACHE TC 6.50 COL
This is the second release by Youssou's sister Abi and it follows much the same style as her first. Her lovely soft vocals lend themselves perfectly to this modern mbalax with its slightly Westernised feel. The music which is quite catchy is also very well played. However that is only to be expected as Abi has once again borrowed some of her brother's Super Etoile players - Assane Thiam is on tama while Pape Oumar Ngom takes over the guitaring accompanied by Pathe Jassy. A Lovely album all through. (F.T.INDEX: Jooyna, Cache-Cache, Jamm Ji, Dara Matoul, Nijaay, Jaaxle.)[6T/M30]
ABI BATOU NDOUR DJIGUENE ABN TC £ 7.00
Recorded at brother Youssou's Studio Xippi in Dakar this tape is one of the hottest hits in Senegal this year (1994) and with very good reason. Lead guitarist Omar Sow and tama player Assane Thiam along with most of 'Super Etoile' are providing the backing to Abi's astonishingly beautiful vocals. She would I'm sure have had a hit without their help but with it, the whole album is just so gorgeous, its not true!. The final track is simply out of this world. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ALBUM (F.T. Index: Limamoulaye, Borom Gall, Mbeuguel. )
ABLAYE MBAYE XALEYI XALEYI TC 10.00 COL
Xaleyi is blind boy Ablaye's third album and translates as 'The Children'. His power packed voice sounds more and more like Youssou Ndour's each time and accompanied by Lamine Faye and the rest of the Lemzo Diamono crew, the music is as good as Super Etoile's as well! So if you like Youssou or Lemzo Diamono or both then this album going to be right up your street. ( F.T.Index: Waat, Musiciens, Am Saxou, Xaleyi, Yaye Balma, Gued. ) [6T/31M]
ABOU DJOUBA TEDDOUNGAL TORO TEDDO TC 6.50 COL
A lovely album of traditional Fula style music that's just full of tinkling xalam, hoddou and kora, plus percussion from tama, talmbatt, etc. Abou is an immensly popular and also a very powerful singer not just in his own ethnic area but is also much appreciated in Dakar. His style is quite similar to Baaba Maal so if you like Baaba then you'll love this one from Abou. Beautiful and atmospheric. (F.T.INDEX: Doro Dia, Demiba, Diao Dia, Poullo-Oro, Yobe-Garr, Cire Kane, Thilo Ba, Bodial.) [8T/30M]
ABOU DJOUBA DEH ET LE JAARE N'GENNDY DIMO DIMO TC 10.00 COL
Quite an interesting style to Abou's mbalax as his incisive vocals put the bite on your ears one minute while his softer side is quite hypnotic the next. The music from the seven members of the group is a pleasure to listen to with the twinkling strings of Mamadou Sy and Djiby Dia's xalams up front and competeing with Moussa Ngning and Elle Mbaye's drumming. Nice bit of keyboard play from Aziz and Baidy Diallo which adds to the overall difference. ( F.T.Index:Cemmedel Kessel, Dewgal, Mounal, Jam E Kasamaas, Dimo, Dental. ) [6T/36M]
ABSA SAMB AND TOUTY MBAYE DAY BAAX BAAX TC 6.50 COL
Who?... Well you can be excused if their names don't ring any bells but if you have a copy of 'Xadimo' the classic album by Ouza and ses Branchees you will have heard their soaring vocals before. This is their first solo release and very good it is too. Their backing band includes El Hadj Faye on percussion, Abou Guisse on xalam and Ass Diouf on guitar to mention a few of the better known names amongst them. Modern praise singing in style with as expected the girls vocals very much up front. (F.T.INDEX: Xale, Day Baax, Waolunala, Dinkle, Missal, Dagne Kumpa.) [6T/34M]
ABY NDOUR JAPPAL MU DEGGER JAPPAL CD 12.75 COL
ABY NGANA DIOP LIITAL LIITAL TC 10.00 COL
Strewth! Talk about having a powerful voice. Aby definitely sweeps all before her in that department and what's more the music does the same! Played at breakneck speed, in fact you'll find that the galloping horses and express trains on two of the tracks couldn't keep up the pace. Based on traditional call and response with a largely percussive backing every track is a storm of sound no matter if its played in a modern style like Dieuleul or more traditionally like the other tracks. What ever, it's a thunderously fantastic album. (F.T.Index: Liital, Dieuleul Dieuleul, Yaye Penda Mbaye. )
ACCA WELE HIRI HIRI HIRI TC 10.00 COL
A real cracker from Acca, as her stunning voice powers out like a female version of Baaba Maal and in fact she uses much the same traditional style as he has on recent albums. The striking music is provided by Malal Mbaye and Seydou Gedda Sy on khalam,* Daouda Faye and Ma Samba Diop on sabar, djembe and tama drums plus the wicked squeaking of Issa Sow once again sawing the hell out of his riti. Arranger Cheikh Tidane Tall knowing when he is on to a good thing keeps his keyboards well away from the real music while the chorus of Fatou Sy and N'gninde Tine help to belt out the magic of this BRILLIANT ALBUM. (F.T.Index: Hiri Hiri, Walla Findo, Djimami Djimami, Mine Tchilame, Rougui Ly.) [8T/46M] * Senegalese lute.
ADIOA SOWETO MAN MLPS1013 LP £ 3.00
The name Adioa is made up from the initials of 'African Dimension of I & I Soul' in the Soninke language. This top class Senegalese reggae group fronted by the stunning voice of Maxidilick Adida sound as fresh now as when they first came out back in 1989. [8T/35M]
ADJA NDEYE NDOUMBANE MBAYE MAGAL MAGAL TC 7.00 COL
Some very interesting music from a great range of local instruments
ADOUNA TEY MAPENDA MAPENDA CD 11.55 COL
A pounding beat to this very nice mbalax album from Adouna Tey. The voice is powerful if a little rough round the edges but the music more than makes up for it. Modou Mbaye's Tama must have been red hot when they recorded this album at Studio Xippi in Dakar. [32M] 1. BARCA WALA BARSAKH
2. BAKNALA
3. SOPEY NABI
4. LOVE INDEPENDANCE
5. PAN PAN PAN
6. NIAK YAYE
AICHA MBAYE BAYE NIASS BAYE TC 10.00 COL
A beautiful traditional album which reminded me very much of Kine Lam's Sunu Cossaan. Once again its that eerie almost skin tingling vocal style of super singer Aicha together with Arame Samb and Diama Ndiaye that grabs you. However it wasn't the singing that I found outstanding this time but the gorgeous sound of Gorgui Soce's xalam. I much prefer the tinny tinkling of this Senegalese lute to the sound of the kora. (F.T.Index: S.O.S., Baye Niass, Xalaas, Adji Coumba Rose, Mamadou Diop, Khouma Mory, Maodo Sylla, Mamadou Diop Remix. ) [8T/40M]
AJAH SY SARGAL SARGAL TC £ 6.00
Ajah is one of the new breed of sweet voiced young girl singers who are in vogue with Dakar at the moment. The album features Lamine Faye on guitar and Kaounding Cissokho on kora plus a host of other names but is obviously aimed more at Paris than Dakar with it's pop/mbalax flavour and lyrics also in French and even one in English. ( F.T.Index: Epp Doole, Tette, Sutura, Sargal, L'afrique D'avant, Lu Ko Jar, Jeex Na, Misik, No More Lament. ) [9T/44M]
ALASSANE FALL GAIN GTVOL1 TC 10.00 COL
Talented singer and songwriter Alassane and keyboard wizard Madou Diabate show just how good they are with this modern Mbalax album. With help from the equally talented Libass on lead guitar and Issa Sow, sawing his way through his Riti, they give all the album's six tracks a sound, style and quality every bit as good as Youssou N'dour and Super Etoile. This album isn't just a rather good likeness, it's a super original work of art in it's own right..
ALIOUNE KASSE EXSINA 50683-2 CD £ 7.85
ALIOUNE KASSE AND LE KASSE STAR DIAPASON BAMBA TC 6.50 COL
Live but as smooth as silk with great vocals from Alioune and some smashing music from the band. Particularly liked the duet on the last track.
ALIOUNE KASSE AND LE KASSE STAR WAW COUMBA... A TOUTES LES FEMMES WAW TC £ 6.50
New release from the Kasse family and friends with a smoother and more varied musical approach. Alioune's singing is as usual outstanding and a match for Youssou Ndour any day. Tenor sax player Cheikh Daouda Barry leads through the atmospheric 'Diongama' while Souleymane Gueye's trumpet makes the running on the slightly latin influenced tracks 'Adama' and 'Leumbeul'. The usual throbbing Mbalax is not left out as the pounding beat of 'Yaye Boye' and 'Dia Dieuf' will enthusiastically prove. (F.T.Index: Leumbeul, Dia Dieuf, Diongama, Adama, Yaye Boye, Walo.) [8T/41M]
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA ADUNA ADUNA TC £ 6.50
Gifted ex-Lemzo Diamono vocalist Alioune compares very favourably with Youssou Ndour for both precision and clarity. Here the twelve members of his new group Setsima are joined by fourteen guest artists which makes you wonder just how big Dakar's Studio 2000 is! Surprisingly there aren't any recognisable big names amongst the throng on this his first solo release but the melodic mbalax mixture is still first class with everybody adding their bit to spice up the pot. The guitars, drums and horns which make up most of the instrumentation are augmented by traditional style flute, kora and even 'loops', whatever they are? A very good first album. (F.T.INDEX: Falang, Aduna, Ifama Tamba, Khalifa, Fatelikul Dom, Netali, Diambou, Ndimbel.)[8T/38M]
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA DIAPASON Vol. 2 METIER TC £ 6.50
The second and the best of his two recent live 'Diapason' albums. Since leaving Lemzo Diamono and forming his own band he has certainly set out to maintain his popularity with the girls of Dakar. Recorded live at Youssou Ndour's club 'Thiossane' in Dakar he has also got Mada ba, Amath Samb, Maty Thiam Dogo and Cheikh Tidjane Fall guesting with him. Side 'A' has a laid back feel that gives you the definite impression of a hot and airless night club with the musicians playing slowly and atmospherically on dimly lit stage. However on side 'B' the group really gets in gear as they belt out Yarou Na* and Manayla. (F.T.INDEX: Yarou Na, Manayla, Taaw, Kilifa, Natali, Metier.) [6T/51M] * From Lemzo Diamono's Masla-Bi album.
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA LENEEN LENEE TC 6.50 COL
Alioune's clear and incisive vocals get more impressive each time and this the fourth album from the ex-Lemzo Diamono singer finds him once again back in Dakar's Studio 2000. His group Le Setsima is basically the same with once again Malick Diaw and Charles Ndoye providing the razor edged guitar to the mbalax beat of Bassirou Mbaye and newcomers Lamine Toure and Talla Seck. (F.T.Index: Toi, Fass Diom, Georges, Luko Waral, My Sister, Leneen, Tyson.) [7T/34M]
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA SUPER THIOF STHIOF TC 6.50 COL
Tracks : Sammy, Wadiour, Sans-Abris, My Boy, Joseph, Super Thiof. Just 28 minutes of class Mbalax.
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA TAKUSAAN A DAKAR LIVE AFD006 CD 14.15 COL
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA GROUPE ALADJI ALADJI TC £ 6.50
Another splendid album from ex-Lemzo Diamono singer Alioune and his talented group - Le Setsima. The smooth as silk vocals from Alioune and the chorus of Aicha Konte and Mbenne Seck are matched for perfection by the solo guitar of Malick Diaw who plays just beautifully. The three drummers are very good as is trumpeter Ibou Konate and sax player Mor Sarr. Also deserving a special mention (Suprise! Suprise! - my pet hate.) are the loveley keyboards of Elou & Ibou Fall which were essential in giving the music its fragrant atmosphere. Recommended. ( F.T.Index: Drogue, Serigne Mansour, Tivaouane, Aladji, Thiaat, Nguem. ) [6T/29M]
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA GROUPE PANSEMENT AFD003 CD 11.55 COL
ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA GROUPE PANSEMENT PANSE TC £ 6.00
Careful now as this modern mbalax album sneaks up on you as the whispered intro suddenly explodes into the title track. Almost a compilation as it was recorded in two studios in Dakar and two more in Paris and with great success I might add. Alioune's vocals are superb as he goes through new versions of tracks culled from his top hit albums Leneen and Aladji. Papis Diouf's guitar playing is outstanding while the polished trumpet and sax of Ibou Konate and Mor Sarr bring a real shine to Fasse Diom. ( F.T.Index: Fasse Diom, Toi, My Sister, Pansement, Lukowaral, Serere, Leneen, Serigne Mansour. ) [8T/43M]
ALIOUNNE ET LE KASSE STARS KARA VOL 1 KARA TC 7.50 COL
ALIOUNNE ET LE KASSE STARS THIABI BI THIABI TC £ 10.00
Aliounne is one of the son of Ibrahim Kasse the founder of the 'Star Band de Dakar' in which Youssou N'dour first sang. This is the Kasse Stars second album and it's absolutely fabulous! The stunningly crisp and clear voice of Aliounne slices through the music like a knife through butter. It's basically mbalax with El Hadji Faye and Brigo setting a cracking pace on sabars and with a lovely horn section that includes trumpet, sax and trombone. While there are guitarists in the line-up its the well crafted keyboard lines of Rane Diagne and Bachir Dia which seem to be more noticeable. If you like Youssou N'dour then I guarantee you'll like this album, its just gorgeous. (F.T. Index: Mame Bamba , Wagane, Ndogal, ) [8T/41M]
ALIOUNNE KASSE ET ALIOUNE NDER LIVE FIDAK 94 FIDAK94 TC 7.10 COL
Incredible live album that just blows your head clean off
AMATH SAMB AND LE SETSIMA JOKKEL JOKKEL TC £ 6.50
First solo release from Amath who used to sing with Lemzo Diamono. I last noticed him as a guest singer with Alioune Mbaye Nder's group Le Setsima on their Diapason album, now Alioune is the guest star while some members of the group make beautiful music for Amath. His sharp but echoing vocals are set off superbly by the crisply played kora of Aliou Cissokho and the percussion backing of Talla Seck and Modou Mbaye. Recommended. ( F.T.Index: Darou, Ndoucoumane, Reub Katbi, Jokkel, Jom Ji, Leumbeul. ) [6T/30M]
AMY MBENGUE PETAW PETAWCD CD 11.95 COL
The first track which was a bit strange with Amy's echoing vocals stretching over a deep background hum and I must admit that I wasn't too taken with it the first time round but it grows on you. She soon got back into the much more listenable mbalax style and Djirime was good, the title track better and Bimaye is a real belter. The last two tracks starts out as sweet as sugar but soon harden up as the drummers pile on the beat. No details of who plays what but those drums are stunning while the keyboards play nicely behind the scene and don't steal it. as for Amy, great voice and going to go far. [30M] 1. KHADIMOU RASSOUL
2. DJIRIME
3. PETAW
4. BIMAYE DOOR PLUS
5. MAMAN A MOI
6. BANEX PLUS
AMY SOCE BARRY NJOOWAAN NJOOW TC £ 6.50
A lovely album of traditional music and song from Amy and the Ensemble N'Joowaan Du Ripp. Amy's deep and resonant tones are nicely offset by the chorus of Ndeye Kaymor and Khoudia Thali with their own soft and fragile sound. The music however is the prime mover here (for me at least) and the throbbing traditional sounds of xalam, tulli and mbalax are just superb. (F.T.INDEX: Koom Koom La, Colonel Ba Tamsir Raky, Kunu Woy Nga Yengu, Mbaax Amina Solo, Ali Ngata, Gor Dunukoy Woy.) [6T/33M]
ASS MALICK N'DIAYE MBAYE YAANU DOY MBAYE TC £ 6.50
New boy Ass gets his first album out under the wing of keyboard maestro Tapha Faye. The fast pace of Aziz Faye's mbalax percussion hardly allows Tapha to get a key in sideways on the first four tracks which is rather nice. Ass's sweet vocals are not bad for a first time out and well balanced with the sharpness of the backing vocalists although the last track was a bit too melodic for my liking. ( F.T.Index: Kilifa, Jigeen Ju Baax, Mbaye Yaanu Doy, Xalelaa, Hommage a Serigne Moustapha Sy, Yiw. ) [6T/30M]
ASSANE M'BAYE SUUKER VMD9401 TC 6.50 COL
Very different from other modern Senegalese albums in that the percussion is up front instead of guitar. Tama player Assane's strong, almost spoken, bass vocals combine wonderfully with the sweet synchronised chorus provided by Awa Maiga and Charlotte Basse. When the guitars and keyboard do finally get a look-in they are only played to compliment the lovely singing and Assane's drumming. (F.T. Index: M'baye M'basu M'baye, Sama Wadjie, Saint Denis. ) [6T/28M]
ASSANE MBOUP FIRANGUE FIRAN TC £ 6.00
ASSANE MBOUP NATE-YI NATE TC £ 6.50
This is Assane's third release and they get better each time. His precisely delivered and penetrating vocals are very arresting and also very beautiful. The band with a few changes and with no well known names - (guesting in there somewhere are singer Fatou Kine Mbaye, brilliant multi percussionist Pape Ndiaye and top guitarist Jean Pierre Gomez! ) - have again produced some top quality mbalax. Recommended, especially for the atmospheric Darou Khafor. ( F.T.Index: Sabablu, Darou Khafour, Walle Bagne, Nate-Yi, Pass-pass AK Farlu, Coumba Bakhaw. ) [6T/30M]
ASSANE MBOUP AND LE MBOUBA DIALY THIANTE GUI THIANT TC 7.00 COL
Wow what a singer and magic music to boot. Stunning in all departments.
ASSANE MBOUP AND LE MBOUBA JALY SPECIAL L'AN 2000 SPECIAL2 TC £ 5.00
ASSANE NDIAYE AND LE RAAM DAAN NGUISSTAL NGUIS TC 10.00 COL
Assane is currently Thione Seck's backing vocalist but here gets his first go at lead with Thione providing the backing. While he sings very similar to the master he doesn't yet quite have his power but with Thione guiding him and with 'Le Raam Daan' backing him he is certainly on his way to the top. Adama Sarr is on lead guitar while God Sylla Mbaye & Barra Ndiaye belts out the percussion. 'Ligueye' is a cover of 'Blain Djigueul' from Thione's 'Ta Sa Boula Nekh' album, not quite the same spine tingling quality but damned near! Essential for Thione Seck fans. (F.T.INDEX: Darou-Salam, Kilifeu, Ligueye, Dine, Nguisstal, Niane-Gui .) [6T/32M]
ASSANE NDIAYE ET LE NGEWEUL-GUI XARIT XARIT CD 12.00 COL
Delightful six tracker from Assane which immediately made me think of Thione Seck as soon as the title track opened. As it goes on the link to Thione strengthens and if you know how good he was in the early days then you will love this album from start to finish just as I do. [31M] 1. XARIT
2. MBEUGUEL
3. YAYE NOGAYE
4. BAYE LAYE
5. DIEUKEUR
6. KHALEBI (SEYDINA)
ASSANE NDIAYE ET LE NGUEWEL GUI YONE WI YONE TC £ 5.00
ASSANE THIAM LI TAMA DI JOY WAX LA LITAMA TC 7.50 COL
Tip-top tama playing from one of the most famous drummers in Senegal. This album is going to take a lot of beating. An absolute must for those that love drumming.
ASSANE THIAM MAME MAME TC 6.50 COL
ASSANE THIAM WALA WALA TC 6.50 COL
Another massed percussion offering from master tama player Assane who is most often heard playing with Youssou Ndour and Super Etoile. Assane and Grand Thiam plus Mamadou Seck knock out some fair vocals to go with the booming drums while Tapha Faye once again adds a pinch of spice with his and Ibou Cisse's background keyboards. If you are into drums then you will be hearing four tamas all played by members of the Thiam family plus toungoune, thiol, talmbatt, mbeung mbeung, thioung and djembe. With all that lot it's a real throbber! (F.T.Index: Salla Yayi Nder, Mame, Thiaya, Mame Penda, Thiep By, Art By. )[6T/25M]
AWADI SUNUGAAL SUNUGAAL CD 11.95 COL
Basically a modern Senegalese Rap style album but it also has a very nice cover version of the Golden Sounds - Zangalewa as Zamouna. Altogether a rather interesting and listenable album which has been extremely well put together. 1. SUNUGAAL
2. ZAMOUNA
3. RAP EUZEUL
4. GOSSE SOLDAT
5. DJOW SA GAAL
6. ABIDJAN JAMALS VU
7. ONE VIBE ONE FLOW
8. LUNDI MATIN
9. LES MISERABLES
10. PARALLELES
AWADI UN AUTRE MONDE EST POSSIBLE UNAUTREMONDE CD £ 11.95
Nothing like Sunugaal as this is very much a modern Senegalese Rap album. Again it has been extremely well put together and at 79 minutes and with 20 tracks it is jam packed with goodies.
BAABA MAAL BAAYO 8483004 TC £ 5.00
BAABA MAAL BAAYO (1991) PALMCD2118-2 CD 9.15 COL
BAABA MAAL FIRIN IN FOUTA 9944 TC £ 6.50
BAABA MAAL FIRIN IN FOUTA MCT1109 TC 7.00 COL
BAABA MAAL GENERATION NOUVELLE ST2001 TC 8.25 COL
BAABA MAAL LAM TORO MLPS1080 LP £ 7.00
BAABA MAAL LAM TORO 539925 TC £ 5.00
BAABA MAAL LAM TORO (1993) PALMCD2116-2 CD 9.15 COL
BAABA MAAL LIVE AT THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL PALMEP2014-2 CD £ 6.00
BAABA MAAL MI YEWNII MIYEWNII TC £ 5.00
BAABA MAAL MISSING YOU (MI YEEWNII) PALMCD2067-2 CD 13.65 COL
BAABA MAAL NDILANE ST2006 TC 8.25 COL
BAABA MAAL NOMAD SOUL PALMCD2002 CD £ 13.65
BAABA MAAL NOMAD SOUL NOMAD TC £ 6.50
With its electronic style and sub-titled 'Part 1 - Music of the World' it's obviously destined at some stage as part of a CD release aimed at the Western disco market. The usual crew including Mansour seck are joined by Bary Reynolds on guitar, the 'Screaming Orphans' and the 'Kicking Horns' plus synth programming from Ron Aslan and Gerry Prince. ( F.T.Index: Guelel, Cheri, Delia, Douwayra, Mbolo, Fanta, Naayo. ) [7T/40M]
BAABA MAAL OLEL E0301191-4 TC £ 10.00
This one is an absolute classic. Released back in 1991 and then available all over West Africa! No concessions to European tastes on this one, it's pure Senegalese magic. STUNNING FROM START TO FINISH. ( F.T.Index: Lem Gi, Garoowo, Olel, Naange, Danube, Gidelam. ) [6T/40M]
BAABA MAAL PRESENTE AHMED MAAL AND BARKHANE CISSE DOUNYA TC £ 7.00
I liked the first track, 'Dounya' but I just melted with the next one, 'Lenol Lam', definitely classic material, as is the next track, 'Amadou'. Baaba helps younger brother Ahmed and Barkhane Cisse who are listed as lead vocalists but I'm sure its actually the awesome voice of Baaba that makes this album so stunning. The guitar playing of Assane Cisse and the keyboard of El-Hadj Niang flow beautifully over the soft mixed percussive backing up until the last track. Then, if you've been on the ale this short but beautiful chant will then have an amazing effect upon you with its background of pouring water. Its no good I've got to go again!. Talk about water music! (F.T.Index: Lenol Lam, Amadou, Baye Birane, Salaye. ) [6T/33M]
BAABA MAAL SANGOUL SANGOUL TC 7.50 COL
BAABA MAAL SUNUGAL SUNUGAL TC 10.00 COL
Another cracking traditional set from Baaba and side-kick acoustic guitarist Mansour Seck. I was quite excited by the first track, definitely hooked with the second and after that I just freaked out as it got better and better! The kora playing of Kawning Sissokho is pure magic as is Aly Diallo's wonderful flute. The percussionists also deserve a medal for their superb backing but without a doubt the chief gong has to go to Baaba for his unbelievably beautiful vocals. Gal Gui had me singing along at the top of my voice - terrified the neighbours - and left me breathless and on cloud nine......What an album! (F.T. Index: Gal Gui, Miskinebe, Woulobe Lele, Ndaga, Laabi Dine, Cherie, Miabe, Hommage A Guelaye. ) [8T/50M] 1. NDIAGA
2. WOULOBE LELE
3. GAL GUI
4. MISKINEBE
5. HOMMAGE A GUELAYE
6. LAABI DINE
7. CHERI (E)
8. MIABE
BAABA MAAL TAARA 38774-1 LP £ 10.00
BAABA MAAL TAARA SYL8395 TC 8.00 COL
BAABA MAAL THIAYO THIAYO TC 7.50 COL
BAABA MAAL TIIM TIMOL TIIM TC £ 6.50
Breaking away from the usual record in Senegal and then re-record in Paris, this album has been put together at Studio 2000 in Dakar and the Realworld Studio's over here. A real gem and its still a different set of tracks to his new CD. A bit electric in places like on Swing Yela & Yelo-Yelo but still a superb album. Mansour Seck provides some vocal backing but no guitar, watch out for his own new album in the next newsletter. Also listen out for bouzouki, bodhran, celtic harp, what next? Whatever it is, if its as brilliant as this album I'm getting a copy. STUNNING. ( F.T. Index: Amadou Ampathe Ba, Ca Est La, Yoni, Tiim Timol. )
BAABA MAAL TONO TONO TC £ 10.00
Wonderful album from Baaba who returns to form with the traditional acoustic music that made his stunning Djam Leeli such a big hit. Beautifully atmospheric recording with Kawni Sissokho on Kora, Dema Dia on Xalam, Bada Seck on percussion and Massamba Diop completing the line-up on Tama. I'm also told that Baaba is such a perfectionist that he is unlikely to let this album be released on the European market, he'll go and re-record it all first*. So if you want the original, get in quick as it's definitely going to be another very very sought after Classic. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. *Released in 1996 and no sign of a CD yet!
BAABA MAAL TOURE ( AFRICAN WOMAN - GOREL ) TOURE TC 7.00 COL
BAABA MAAL WANGO STCD3018 CD 7.85 COL
His 1988 electric album.
BAABA MAAL AND DAANDE LENOL AIWA AIWA TC £ 10.00
The spine tingling effect that Baaba's vocals have given to his atmospheric acoustic releases is given a chance to do the same to a slower and very stylish electric set with stunning results. A must if you like Baaba as some of this album was recorded by mobile studio 'Le Douera Podor' in Senegal and it might not be released over here if previous albums are anything to go by. SIMPLY SUPERB. (F.T.INDEX: Nemanam, Dagnal Koni, Aiwa, Souka Nayo, Niwa, Ndakarou, Amin.) [7T/47M]
BAABA MAAL AND DAANDE LENOL FARBA FARBA TC 7.50 COL
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO FARBA Track. Waali
BAABA MAAL AND DANDE LENOL DIAPASON DES STARS 97 Vol. 1 STARS1 TC 10.00 COL
Recorded live in the new Studio 2000 venue in central Dakar and making a refreshing change from those Mango high-tech studio releases. Right from the start you can sense the overpowering atmosphere generated by the crowd as Baaba lets his hair down, what bit he's got, after all it is his birthday party. The electric sound of Dande Lenol provide the immensely power packed backing which ranges through mbalax with a touch of gothic menace to wild reggae jammin, a gorgeous traditional number that gets faster and faster as the crowd join in with Baaba's echoing vocals. A bit of acapela and a stunning Afro-Cuban belter as well as 'Happy Birthday'! See how many of his party guests you can spot as they join in to make it a night to remember. Luciano, Omar Pene, Samba Diabare Samb, Coumba Gawlo Seck (Thione's daughter), Khar Mbaye Madiaga, Kine Lam, Marone, Mada Ba and Barkhane Ciss. Pure magic all the way and unlikely to ever be released over here. (F.T.INDEX: 3, 5, 4, 1, 2.) [5T/34M]
BAABA MAAL AND DANDE LENOL DIAPASON DES STARS 97 Vol. 2 STARS2 TC 10.00 COL
Recorded live in the new Studio 2000 venue in central Dakar and making a refreshing change from those Mango high-tech studio releases. Right from the start you can sense the overpowering atmosphere generated by the crowd as Baaba lets his hair down, what bit he's got, after all it is his birthday party. The electric sound of Dande Lenol provide the immensely power packed backing which ranges through mbalax with a touch of gothic menace to wild reggae jammin, a gorgeous traditional number that gets faster and faster as the crowd join in with Baaba's echoing vocals. A bit of acapela and a stunning Afro-Cuban belter as well as 'Happy Birthday'! See how many of his party guests you can spot as they join in to make it a night to remember. Luciano, Omar Pene, Samba Diabare Samb, Coumba Gawlo Seck (Thione's daughter), Khar Mbaye Madiaga, Kine Lam, Marone, Mada Ba and Barkhane Ciss. Pure magic all the way and unlikely to ever be released over here. (F.T.INDEX : 4, 5, 1, 2, 3.) [5T/31M]
BAABA MAAL AND DANDE LENOL WANGO SYL8348 LP £ 8.00
His 1988 electric album.
BAABA MAAL AND LE DAANDE LENOL LAAMDO LAAMDO TC £ 5.00
A delicious album of older style mbalax with a little traditional thrown in for good measure. Targeted at the local market by the sound of it, so I would not expect to see it out on CD, in fact that has been the case with quite a lot of his recent Senegal only releases. Baaba's voice is on incredible form here as he effortlessly rises above the music only to swoop aside to let Kaw Cissokho's kora take on the sweetly played guitars. A very innovative mix that is definitely getting a place in my own collection. ( F.T.Index: Buur, Deungueul Naan, Gambia, Ngare Ngamen, Bouki, Dioula, Gongama. ) [7T/46M]
BAABA MAAL AND LE DAANDE LENOL LIVE A LONDRES ET ST. LOUIS LIVE1 TC £ 10.00
The hymn is Baaba's introductory chant before he and the band warm up with a new version of old favorite, Demgalam. Then things really start to take off as the band launch into a couple of great dance tracks that will leave you gasping for breath. Get your wind back on side two as he teams up with Ernest Ranglin for a magic session of guitar picking in the style of Djam Leelii before bowing out with the help of fellow vocalist Abou Djouba Deh in a pretty impressive display of tonsil power. ( F.T.Index: Koni, Borom Signature, Cherie, Dem Ngalam, Hymne Pour le Fouta. ) [6T/47M]
BAABA MAAL AND LE DAANDE LENOL LIVE A LONDRES ET ST. LOUIS LIVE2 TC £ 8.00
Baaba's second album continues with the second half of Cherie where you can start to hear who does what. Mansour Seck is there, so is Ousmane Hamady Diop, Tonia Lo, Kaouding Cissokho, Abou Thiam and Bakane Seck to name but a few. Everybody gets to show what they can do and after about 15 minutes it changes noticably as Massamba Diop gives us an intriguing display of his tama drumming. Side B sees everyone joining in for a massively throbbing display of what Senegalese music is all about like getting yourself all hot, swaying and sweaty. Its brilliant, I feel exhausted and I'm only sitting in my chair doing the writeup. Strangely enough there are no track names listed. [5T/46M]
BAABA MAAL AND MANSOUR SECK DJAM LEELII FMSD5014 CD £ 7.00
The original 9 track album from 1989 with some of the most stunning music and song to ever come out of Senegal. Believe me you will be amazed.
BAABA MAAL AND MANSOUR SECK DJAM LEELII FMSL2014 LP 8.00 COL
The original 9 track album from 1989 with some of the most stunning music and song to ever come out of Senegal. Believe me you will be amazed.
BAABA MAAL AND MANSOUR SECK NGAWLA NGAWLA TC £ 10.00
The title says half of it but to complete the picture, Samba sings and plays Xalam while Baaba & Mansour are of course lead vocals and guitars. Beautifully played Kora, Tama, Hoddou and various percussion sounds complete the line-up on this very much, 'back to basics' album. The trio's vocal harmonies on a couple of songs are every bit as good if not better than anything on 'Djam Leelii' or 'Tono' and other tracks show us the beauty of the pure traditional style which many I'm sure don't even know exists. (The F.T.Index: Ngawla, Jalalo, Thiaroye) Baaba's Senegalese cassettes are always different recordings to those released in Europe.
BAABA MAAL AND MANSOUR SECK SOUVENIRS SOUVENIRS TC 7.00 COL
The voices and acoustic guitars of Baaba and long time friend Mansour Seck glide effortlessly through a set of wonderful songs. They are accompanied by Bao & Kaouning Sissoko on kora, Barou Sall on xalam and percussionists Bada & Bakan Seck, El Hadj Aw and Assane Ndoye who also plays guitar. Their first western released album 'Djam Leelii' has stood as the bench mark against which other albums seeking 'Classic' status have been measured for some years but now this is now the new benchmark. ABSOLUTE CLASSIC. (F.T.INDEX: Tindol, Diofnde Fouta, Sanou, Dama-Rewo, Cerno Mountaga, Diama Goudiry, Miyewni, Cire-Cire.) [8T/48M]
BAABA MAAL AND MAQUETTE WADE INVITENT TELE TC £ 7.50
Baaba and gutsy voiced Maquette return to the traditional roots of Senegalese music. They are helped by invited guests, Thione Seck, Ndiaga Mbaye & Oumar Bassoum. While it may be a bit sparse on percussion it's pure magic regarding the sound of the hoddu's (three stringed lutes) and Maki Sall's guitar. Mansour Seck also gets in on the vocals but this album is really Baaba's show - literally - as it was taken from a Senegalese TV programme. Baaba's rich and intensely atmospheric vocals make the simple and softly flowing music a real gem especially when he solo's on 'Duga'. (F.T.Index: Mame Adama, Duga, Tarra, Seede, Laguiya. ) [6T/46M]
BABOU CHEIKH DIOUF AND LE MBAAK SAFFINE MASS NA KAKANE MASSNA TC 6.00 COL
BAKANE SECK AND LES JERI-JERI NAWETT NAWETT TC £ 6.50
A BIG DRUM ORCHESTRA, there's no doubt about it with eleven percussionists but as Bakane is a member of Daande Lenol you won't be suprised that joining in are Baaba Maal on vocals along with the sweet voiced Jocelyne, Cheikh Dieng and Jimmy Mbaye on guitars and Kawning Sissokho on kora. However nice the singing and guitars are Bakane won't let you forget that he is above all a drummer as he proves with a tremendous display in Tey. ( F.T.Index: Bayi-Saa Toll, Tey, Nawett, Khaleyi, Nioume, Dumb. ) [6T/30M]
BAMBA DIAGNE BOULXADI BOULX TC £ 6.50
BAOBAB NOUVELLE GENERATION XELMI SYL83105 TC 7.00 COL
BARKHANE CISS NGAANE NGAANE TC 6.50 COL
This is the first release by new artist Barkhane who has been taken under the wing of master guitarist and singer Lamine Faye who also arranged the album. Amy Mbengue provides the sweet backing chorus to some of her friends and fellow members of Lemzo Diamono while the other half of the band are members of Dande Lenol. Barkhane likes to sing in the acoustic style of Baaba Maal and for a first outing this is a very impressive album indeed. Just listen to the power and clarity of the vocals in the two versions of 'N'gaane' or the traditional Sama Dome. (F.T.INDEX: Oulimata, Sama Dome, N'gaane (percussion), N'gaane (xalam), Auto-Mousse, M'bere, Madior Saala, War N'ga Gaal, Senegal, Aminata M'bengue. ) [10T/42M]
BIDEEW BOU BESS NDEKETE YOO NDEKETE TC 10.00 COL
Senegalese rap that can really set the mood with their catchy songs. No musicians, just Andy Shafte's electronic wizardry belting out the backing tunes for rapeurs Yaaram Bi, master B and PMD. Its definitely singing up front with the boy's guests doing their bit in real style - Youssou Ndour, Viviane, Mbaye Dieye Faye and Mbaye Ndiaye no less! If you thought rap was close to crap this little offering with its African/Mbalax influences will change your mind for ever.
BLACK MBOOLO MBINDANE DU DIAAM MBOOLO TC £ 6.50
A rather nice soul/rap outfit that can actually sing rather than blast out words to a beat.
BLACK MBOOLO WADIOUR DU MOROM WADIOUR TC 6.50 COL
BOUDIABAY NDIAYE GOUYIE MOURIDE BAMBA GOUYIE TC 6.50 COL
For those of you interested in drums I brought you Doudou Ndiaye Rose's hit album Djabote which after a whole years wait has only just been released over here on CD! Now I can follow that up with this lovely six track album from Boudiabay and his group. Whilst drums are the only instruments used the call and response singing by the girls on Cowlo Ndiaye is beautiful and for those amongst us old enough to remember the sound of steam engines picking up speed wait till you hear Lebouguy, you can almost hear the engine chuckle with pleasure when she stops to fill up at the end. (The F.T.Index: Jazz Sabar, Cowlo Ndiaye, Lebouguy)
BOUR SENE ET LE DECIBEL MBUX NA NJALO ON9203 TC 6.50 COL
BOY DIAO AND LE KASSE STAR QUILA GUEUNEUL DIAO TC £ 6.00
Alioune isn't leading the band this time but Boy Diao is and now gets his first chance at fronting top band 'Le Kasse Star'. What a nice job of it he does too. The music is typically modern mbalax played slowly and with loads of feeling. (F.T.INDEX: Kou Neg Qui La Gueuneul, Sy O-Lele, Bou Gni Di Dioye, Ligueye, Bouma Fate, Mo Diaraa Woy.) [6T/28M]
BOY MARONE HEY SENEGAL 26256-4 TC £ 6.00
Boy's first album didn't quite make it into the newsletter but this his second definitely has. Manu Lima's magic touch is behind it and shows just what a bit of professional know-how can do. The album is a delightful high tec synth version of Senegalese music crossed with Zouk and Funana - a really cool blend. Amongst the various artists taking part are Myriam Betty and Awa Maiga who provide the delicious chorus while Hatot, Slominsky & Leloup come in with some very nice brass to compliment the guitars of Jean Pierre Gomez, Oumar Sow, Robert Lahoud & Yves Njock to name but a few! ( F.T.Index: Rew Mi, Diar Diar, Si Bir, Dial, Jiggen, Yow Mi, Togne, Nieuw. ) [8T/41M]
BU BACA AFRICA BU BACA TC £ 6.00
Now here's something very different. A Senegalese/Australian group that mix Senegalese rhythms with reggae, rap, etc, and what a brilliant idea and album it is too. Singer Bu Baca was born on the island of Goree made infamous by the slave trade but moved to Australia along with rhythm guitarist Ababacar and keyboard player Lypso Aboud. They are joined by Paul Burton & Victor Round on guitars, Chris Sweeny on percussion/drums, Craig Walter & Michael Bikosky on horns plus chorus girls Ronnie & Melanie. Bu Baca's exuberant nature is infectious and clearly shows in the bright and bouncy music that is definitely dance orientated. ( F.T.Index: Njare, Macumba, Island Goree, X88, Exciting, Mystery of Love, Africa, No More War, Running Away, Jamaica. ) [11T/42M]
CASAMANCE MUSIC ADAMA ADAMA TC 6.50 COL
As soon as it came on I immediately thought of the early sounds of Toure Kunda which mixed the traditional sounds of their local Casamance region with a reggae base. (F.T.Index: Ernest, Bourama.)
CHARLES THIAM SUNU WAAR SJP TC £ 5.00
The first and title track sounded typically modern mbalax but the ears soon pricked up as the mbalax was joined by the unmistakable rhythm of zouk! A closer inspection of the sleeve notes revealed that Charles has family connections with Guadeloupe where zouk reigns supreme. The beat of this mbalax/zouk mixture was I found highly infectious and had me belting hell out of my old tinbox seat much to the annoyance of her downstairs who thought the ceiling was coming down! She needn't have worried as the final smoochy track soon cooled me down. Very interesting and also rather nice. (F.T.INDEX: Hey Bo, Zina, Baia Oh, Emotion, Sunu Waar, Dis-Moi Je T'aime.) [5T/26M]
CHEIKH LO DIEUF DIEUL AVP0013 TC 6.50 COL
CHEIKH LO INEDITS CDS7073 CD 13.20 COL
CHEIKH NDIGUEL LO FATELIKU DEMB FATEL TC 7.00 COL
CHEIKH NDIGUEL LO MBEDDEMI MBEDD TC £ 6.50
After the stunning Ne La Thiass comes the superb Mbeddemi with Cheikh on top form as he strolls through a set of light and breezy songs with effortless ease. The sound is as sweet as honey with Oumar Sow playing some great guitar to the infectious pitter-pattering of the various percussion instruments. Pure and simple - it's just MAGIC. ( F.T.Index: Mbeddemi, Njarinu Garab, Jeunesse Senegal, Ndox, Africa Be One, Ndawsile. ) [6T/30M]
CHEIKH N'DIGUEL LO BAMBAY GUEEJ WCD057 CD 13.65 COL
CHEIKH N'DIGUEL LO AND YOUSSOU NDOUR NE LA THIASS WCD046 CD £ 13.65
Cheikh, is an accomplished acoustic guitarist and singer who's varied and innovative styles are based upon his Mouride and Baye Fall beliefs. Whilst sounding similar to the early releases of Ismael Lo, the backing actually comes from Youssou Ndour and members of Super Etoile de Dakar. Cheikh duets with Youssou on two tracks, the first, a version of Youssou's hit 'Set', is I think the best one I've ever heard and to finish off they sing the spine tingling and awe inspiring 'Guiss Guiss'. If you haven't got this album in your collection then you need your flippin' head testing. (F.T.Index: Guiss Guiss, Bamba Sunu Goorgui, Set, Ne La Thiass, Boul Di Tagal. ) [9T/46'29M]
COUMBA GAWLO (SECK) AMINE AMINE TC 6.50 COL
Power packed new album from Coumba recorded at Studio's Harryson and Plus 30 in Paris. The music is quite varied in style and this is also reflected in the line up of musicians with a different set for each track. Too many to list them all but in there somewhere are Habib Faye & Cheikh Titiane Tall on guitars, Thio Mbaye, Pape Ndiaye & Moustapha Cisse on percussion with Robert Lahoud & Manu Lima on programming/keyboards. Vocalist Coumba is on superb form and is backed by five stunning voices which include her mum Fatou Kine Mbaye & Ndeye Fatou Ndiaye. Definitely gets my vote. (F.T.Index: Bayelahad, Waxma, Banuma Sey, Xaleyou Mdawyi, Bine-Bine, Demba Colle, Amine, Yomale. ) [8T/32M]
COUMBA GAWLO SECK ACCIDENT AVP0015 TC 6.50 COL
A fine follow up to her first cassette 'Seytane' released two years ago while she was still an 18 year old student. For this recording she has assembled a killer studio band including the amazing bass guitarist Pape Dembele Diop who can be heard to great effect on the track 'Xaliss' (Money) on side two, a spacey, bass heavey, dance number. The most popular track in Dakar is the title song, a warning of the dangers of bad driving, a very apt subject for road users in Dakar!
COUMBA GAWLO SECK DEWENETI SYL83175 TC 7.00 COL
Brand new album from the stunningly beautiful Coumba Gawlo Seck who is now plain Gawlo. Her singing is wonderful, the music is superb and the inlay card reads like a 'Who's Who' of West African music. To name but a few, Fatou Kine Mbaye, Thione Seck, Djanka Diabate and Cheikh Lo on vocals, Sekou Bembaya, Cheickh Tidiane Tall and Robert Lahoud on guitars, Pape Ndiaye and Thio Mbaye on percussion and Manou Lima on keyboards, what a line up and that's only a few of them! One lovely surprise is Coumba's duet with Thione Seck on the Afro-Cuban style track 'Sey', just out of this world! (F.T.Index: Sey, Aldiana, Yo Male, Miniyamba. ) [6T/34M]
DAANDE BOOLU-MBAL CAALI MBAYLA CAALI TC 7.50 COL
DABA DIAGNE TAKOU LIGUEYE TAKOU TC £ 6.50
DARO MBAYE BAYALE BAYALE TC 7.00 COL
Lovely album of traditional music and song with lots and lots of percussive backing. Daro's rough velvet vocals are accompanied by Nene Gueye and Gora Mbaye's sweet chorus line with help from Malick Soce on Xalam and Toumani Kouyate on Kora. However the percussion line-up is the prime mover on this extaordinary album. Featuring the sounds of Lamb, Gorong, Mbeung Mbeung, Nder and Tama. The complex drum interplay is a pleasure to listen to even if you do get lost as to who is playing what to whose whatsit! MAGIC. Tracks: Bayale, Daali, Thiouthie Diop, alboury, Adji Ndiokho Ndaw, Mareme Kosso Mbacke.
DARO MBAYE DAAROU N'DIAR DAAROU TC £ 6.50
I loved her previous releases the traditional and beautiful 'Bayale' & 'Jongoma' however this one isn't quite in the same class. The trimmed down traditional backing group has been augmented by Cheikh Tidiane Tall's keyboards which are usually very good at emphasising the traditional sounds but this time round it just hasn't clicked. Great vocals from Daro but the music is a wee bit tinselly! Tracks: Daarou Ndiar, Lamoudeguene Mbodj, Djunday Khoysamb, Buenas Noches, Borom Gorong-yi, Sakoura, Makhoureydia Bourgueth, Wa Guet-Ndar. [8T/45M]
DARO MBAYE DOYLU DOYLU TC 7.00 COL
DARO MBAYE JONGOMA JONGOMA TC £ 6.50
This release from Daro confirms her position as one of Senegals leading female singers. Her intense vocals are backed by gentle traditional music provided by the mainly percussive sound of sabar, lamb & talmbatt. Cheikh Tidiane Tall provides the softly throbbing bass guitar and unobtrusive keyboard backing. ( F.T. Index: Dem-Be Camberene, Jongoma Yeewul, Baba Amina )
DEGE GUI DUNDE GUI DUNDE TC £ 6.00
Abdoulaye Ba & Abdallah Diop who make up the duo Dege Gui are 'Presented by Positive Black Soul' so I was expecting a rap album but it is actually a very good mbalax album which incorporates rap style lyrics with great effect. Pape Ndiaye provides the explosive percussion while Tapha Faye takes care of programation and keyboards. [6T/26M]
DEGE GUI FUU NUYE DIARE BAA MUTHE FUU TC £ 6.00
Duo Dege Gui belting it out in a mix of mbalax with rap vocals. Quite a stricking mixture. [6T/M]
DEMBA DIA ROCK MBALAX 3 ROCK TC £ 6.50
Rock mbalax innovator Demba Dia's third album sees his return to form after a lack luster second release with an album that's bursting at the seams with originality. I loved Fanta Cissokho's spooky chorus's, especially on 'Sete To Sete' and Vieux Mac Faye's guitaring which you can hear on the sampler. The keyboards and horns weave a magic spell throughout but are exceptional on the title track. RECOMMENDED (F.T. Index:Thilogne, Remember I, Sete To Sete, Rock Mbalax 3, Nel Teek) [6T/30M]
DEMBA DIA ROCK MBALAX AMBIANCE RMA TC £ 6.00
Rock-mbalax innovator Demba Dia's fourth album sees him with a very much changed line-up which now includes percussionist El Hadj Faye. Also in there somewhere are invited guests Thione Seck and Ismael Lo. I liked the surprise start to track two which makes use of an old French nursery song! Seto Sete is a revamped version of Sete To Sete from the last album, a bit more mbalax than atmosphere this time. The rock-mbalax cover of the old Toure Kunda hit Casamance is a bit unorthodox but like the rest of the album it grows on you. (F.T.INDEX: Rock Mbalax 1, Rock Mbalax 3, Ouvrier, Casamance, Seto Sete, Rock Mbalax 2.)[6T/31M]
DEMBA DIA - ROCK MBALAX CONNIVENCE C0015RBM CD 12.95 COL
Great album from superb singer Demba Dia or the more apt Rock Mbalax as he is now know. Full throttle from start to finish. 1. REMEMBER
2. FATOU
3. ROCK WANGO
4. LAMBA-JI
5. JEUNESSE
6. 6H DE DAKAR
7. BIL-BA
8. THIORO
9. TIVAOUNE
10. PEACE
11. KHADY SALL
12. ROCK WANGO
DEMBA NDIAYE AND LE GROUPE NDYLANE MAAYO MAAYO TC £ 6.50
Pictured on the cover are five but inside the list is seventeen strong! Amongst those helping to swell the band are Tonia Lo, Assane Cisse, El Hadji Niang, Alioune Diouf, Bada Seck and Assane Diop to mention just a few. Not forgetting Baaba Maal who's vocals on Hiri and Samba Diop are simply stunning. Musically its a very laid back traditional style with djembe, tama, kora, xalam and balafon backed up by a bit of guitar. Sounds very like Baaba's Sovenirs album. Recommended. (F.T.Index: Samba Diop, Lewa, Hiiri, Sama Haani, Saare, Barrage. ) [6T/30M]
DIAL MBAYE BACAREC DARAMANE BACAREC TC 6.50 COL
DIAL MBAYE FAWADE WELE KSF005 TC 10.00 COL
No release date on it but if memory serves me correctly this was her first release back in the early 90's. Dial (or Jaal) as she also known has a tremendously powerful vocal presence which scared the hell out of me and the microphone in this recording. Backing vocals come from Kine Lam (a favour Dial was to return later on Balla Aissa Boury) and the strangely named Check Berry Mboup who leads the group Yacheikh. ( F.T.Index: Fawade Wele, Nango Liguey, Defal Yallah, Foureul, Fouleu, Ramatoulaye. ) [6T/35M] Track: Fawade Wele
DIAL MBAYE ZIAR ZIAR TC 8.00 COL
DIAL MOUSSA ALE JARNAKO JARNAKO TC £ 10.00
Dial is a singer in the true classic style with a voice that that can shatter concrete and move houses faster than Pickfords. Her traditional group is very good musically and is composed of kora, guitar, xalam and sabar drums plus a sampler which lurks in the background but doesn't interfere with the real musicians. Star of the show is definitely Dial's explosive vocals. (F.T.Index: Jugeen Sa Ndam, Lallilaloo La, Maala Waxal Loolu, Jarnako, Gaar Walle, Duma Weel.) [6T/38M]
DIAL MOUSSA ALE AND LE GROUPE FULLE EWAAY ! LIVE IN C.C.F. CCF TC 6.00 COL
A superb live concert recording that retains beautifully the atmospheric sound generated by the traditional instruments of the group Fulle. The thunder of the sabar drummers is the background for the rattling beat of Cheikh Faye's tama while the tinkling strings of both the kora and xalam really come alive to a degree that I've not heard on other recordings before. But, I hear you asking, what about the singer. Well the explosive vocals of Dial and her two sweet chorus girls can't be ignored as they power out to an obviously totally enraptured audience, you hardly hear a peep out of them except when Dial talks to them. One of the best semi-traditional albums for a long time. ( F.T.Index: Maam Faama Dogo, Betebete Bis, Jigeen Yombul, Buur Naam Faal, Rama Mii, Jeeg Bii. ) [[6T/50M] The feedback blip in Maam Faama Dogo only goes to prove just how live the recording was!
DIAL MOUSSA ALE AND LE GROUPE FULLE PELLO PELLO PELLO TC £ 7.00
DIALE MBAYE AND LE GROUPE FULLE BETE BETE BETE-BETE TC £ 10.00
Superb traditional album with a great singer and gorgeous music. WONDERFUL.
DIALIOU DAMBA VOLUME II SYL8333 TC 6.50 COL
DIARRA GUEYE AND MAMIE SANEWA SOUL NJAGAMAREE SOUL TC £ 6.50