Mali music reviews

"Mali",like "South Pacific Islands",has a music video,a recipe,AND,most importantly,great music!

Highlights-
1)Maninda-A song about a storyteller.The mbira (thumb piano)keeps this song dynamic.
2)Ouili Ka Bo-I'm not a big blues fan.But this is a pwerful little song,with harmonica accompaniment no less!
3)Amassakoul 'N'Tenere-Tinariwen sing a form of West African blues that's so infectious you want to sing along.I was enchanted the first time I heard them on the radio.
4)Koulandian-A wonderful instrumental duet between guitarist/singer Habib Koite&balafon (xylophone) player Keletigui Diabate.Sometimes,words aren't necessary.
5)Kanou-A song that blends a Bollywood sensibility with Mali blues.Very uplifting.
6)Bana-An exclusive track from the Afro-techno master,Issa Bagayogo!As to be expected,it's great.Still,I wonder why Putumayo sometimes borrows from Six Degrees Records.Six Degrees Records distinguishes itself with its world techno dance music artists/compilations.Putumayo is expert with acoustic music.It's good that Putumayo is getting the music out with Issa Bagayogo not only on this CD but on its other great African compilation "African Groove."
7)Saramaya-A powerful live performance from Habib Koite.You'll understand why the crowd is cheering!

It's great to see Putumayo is encouraging people to explore Malian music.This is a good start.

Malian music is absolutely astonishing and indescribeably beautiful. While each of the songs here are unique and stand out as works of art, Amassakoul N Tenere by Tinariwen and Fala by Tom Diakite are breathtakingly songs. The band Tinariwen are brilliant composers and performers. Their story is almost as amazing as their music. Their two records are as good as it gets at any level.

I am heading for Mali next year and have dutifully researched the country...but what really grabbed me was the music. It is beautiful and relaxing and exciting and mood-setting. Here is the triumph of the human spirit: despite poverty and disease and whatnot...there is music (absolutely amazing music at that)! This collection is a very good sampling of what Mali has to offer. I would recommend it for anyone who appriciates good music, whether or not connected to Africa, or anyone who enjoys the Putumayo series in general.

A really good birthday present, thanks M!

Favorite songs: All of them, particularly: Maninda,Gembi,Bassa Kele and Kanou.