Album Review: V/A - Mali (Putumayo)

Writer: Tom Pitchon 

Despite being one of the world’s poorest countries, Mali is rising to fore of the world music scene and it is easy to see why. “A lot of people believe Mali will be the next Cuba” argues Putumayo’s A & R VP Jacob Edgar. “The music is other worldly and familiar at the same time and the artists have really interesting stories”.

This compilation bypasses big names such as Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare and Ali Farka Toure but nonetheless features an array of wonderfully talented artists, who blend traditional and contemporary styles in true Malian fashion. From Tinariwen’s hypnotic desert harmonies, Idrissa Soumaoro’s bluesy hymns, and Issa Bagayogo’s off beat funk rhythms to the Bollywood influenced melodies of Boubacar Traore, and the traditional folk songs of Keletigui Diabate, Ramatou Diakite, and Habib Koite & Bamada, this mix is a testament to the depth and eclecticism of the Malian music scene. And if that’s not enough to tantalise your musical taste buds watch out for the enchanting vocals on Moussa Diallo’s track Maninda, the sweet bluesy licks on Mamou Sidibe’s Bassa Kele and the uplifting choral ensemble on Tom Diakite’s Fala.

So get off down the high street and buy this album and when you do, be sure to read the biogs in the inlay. Many of these musicians have led remarkable lives and their tales of tragedy, adventure and hope are often reflected in their music. The Saharan band Tinariwen for example, is comprised of ex-freedom fighters who used to combat Malian military injustice from Libyan refugee camps. They have now laid down their arms and become musical ambassadors for their people. In their hypnotic track Amassakoul ‘N’ Tenere they sing of the benefits of desert life over the alienation of the modern world: “I am a traveller in an empty desert/ You who are organized, assembled… you’re living a path that is empty of meaning/ In truth it is you who are all alone”.

The Malian music scene is one of many rays of hope emanating from 21st century Africa and it is a refreshing reminder that there is much more to this continent than what we tend to see on the news. This album features part of the latest wave of West African music to hit our shores and is a must for all world music fans.

RELATED LINKS:
Putumayo



Buy Mali at Amazon UK (CD) / US (CD)




PUBLISHED: 26 July 2005

RELEASED DATE: 9 May 2005 (UK) / 26 April (US) .

More Reviews

---

To send us music for potential inclusion, email us at promos@knowtheledge.net

EMAIL UPDATES! Do you want to receive Know The Ledge update emails? Click here to sign up!