Author: Cheb Mami, El Hadj N'Diaye, Mansour Seck, Boubacar Traoré, Abaji, Habib Koité, and more.

Format: Compilation

PartNumber: 22.762

Details: Amazon.ca If for Arab camel drivers the desert is an "ocean without water", Desert Blues 2 makes perfect island-hopping music. Network's first Desert Blues was a riot of colour and excitement: this sequel exudes exquisite peace. As compiler Jean Trouillet observes, the historical connections between African blues and Afro-American blues are tenuous, but that doesn't matter: the singers who here explicitly acknowledge American influences--such as the Malian bluesman Lobi Traore invoking John Lee Hooker--are heavily outnumbered by those whose art shares the same subject-matter--the trials of life, and the need to survive adversity. No compilation can compare with this in terms of delicate guitar virtuosity, Nor does any better show how the West African harp and wooden xylophone can meld with studio electronics. These 26 tracks are magic all the way, starting with the soft bluesy singing of the Moroccan Majid Bekkas, moving on via the Louis Armstrong timbre of the Guinean Momo Wandel Soumah, and the pared-down simplicity of Aziza Brahim with her "heart-beat" drum, to the irresistible tones of Cheb Mami, deservedly known as "the little prince of Rai". Fans of West African greats (griots!) such as Djelimady Tounkara and Habib Koite will find them here in unusually peaceful mood; those wanting to explore less-familiar music will find a host of pleasant surprises. This is a brilliantly clever compilation that moves from track to track with unerringly sure pace. --Michael Church Product Description Cheb Mami, El Hadj N'Diaye, Mansour Seck, Boubacar Traoré, Abaji, Habib Koité, and more.

UPC: 785965104528

EAN: 0785965104528

Model: 22.762

Languages: English

Binding: audioCD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood