Jama Ko Out Here Records*****

Bassekou's third album, recorded at the beginning of the coup which now threatens to shut Mali down culturally under radical Sharia law, is, paradoxically and gloriously, a vital contemporary exposition of Malian roots music . The lyrics are rich in historical and cultural reference, and the band of four ngonis and percussion are a Fula Express par excellence. The ngoni may look quite unprepossessing – like a flattened child's guitar. In Bassekou's hands, however, plugged-in and pedalled-up, it becomes a guitar-hero masterclass, notes twisting and bending thrillingly over fast chattering rhythms. Bassekou's wife, Amy Sacko, is a superb singer, augmented by several distinguished vocalists, notably the gnarled earthy tones of Zoumana Tereta, and a great growly appearance by Taj Mahal. outhere.de

Download:Jama ko, Dankou, Poye 2