Another AfricanCompilation from Putumayo

This is an excellent collection of African music, gathered from across the continent, by Putumayo, one of the leading names in world music. Unlike many other African compilations, this one focuses primarily one Africa's vibrant, and yet, oft overlooked, aucoustic music traditions, and I must admit, even with my familiarity with African music, I was still blown away. The selections on here are pretty good, considering the sheer diversity of African musicians. Some of you may be familiar with artists like Tuku and Habib Koite, and needless to say, their contributions are excellent, nothing less than one would expect from artists of their integrity. We also get an attempt by Les Go to blend traditional Cote d'Ivorie music with moden pop, a reggae influenced number from Doctor King'esi, a folksy South African song from Aura Msimang, and a song by Seydu featuring the use of the Mbira (thumb piano). Towards the end of the CD, Putumayo seems to lean very heavily towards the traditions of Mali, which many of you should be familar with. Much of the music features an ephemeral, soulful aspect. However, theres no mistaking this music for anything but African.

Excellent African Experience

After traveling around Africa for a summer years ago, I was eager to bring the musical sounds of the trip into my home. Each of these songs is so luscious, full of energy and beauty. Even someone who has never traveled to these vibrant lands can appreciate the diversity of each track, all of which are guaranteed to get you dancing and leave a smile on your face. I've not been back to Africa for five years, but I find myself reaching for this cd all the time, even for teaching yoga.

Rich Diversity of Music and Instruments

Putumayo is a great vehicle for touring the world -- you can do it from the comfort of your own home by way of some incredible music. This particular disc is an enchanting and rhythmic look at Africa and its many different musical styles. According to the accompanying and extremely informative booklet, Africa is home to over 50 countries, 1,000 different languages, and 3,000 different tribes. That would make this disc a brief glimpse of all Africa has to offer in the music world, even though it is a very comprehensive sampling - ten songs from seven different countries.



Many cultures have influenced the music of Africa over the years, adding to a rich diversity of both music and the instruments with which to play music. The music found here is as beautiful and untamable as the African landscape - showing the strong unbreakable spirit of a strong, enduring, and culturally rich people. As well as containing two previously unreleased tracks of known artists, this disc also contains music of people that have never been heard outside of their marketing areas before. A bona fide treasure to care for and enjoy.



Fundo Di Matu is sung in Crioulo, which is a blend of African languages local to the Guinea Bissau and Portuguese, which is the main language of Guinea Bissau. Manuel Leal Emidio Costa, or Manecas Costa, first released this song on his album of the same name in 1999. Fundo Di Matu means Deep in the Forest and the rhythms of this piece will have you swaying and moving to the music before you realize what has happened, as Manecas' emotion laden lyrics dance around the melody.



Les Go is local slang along the Ivory Coast for "The Girls." This group is fronted by not one, but three young women who are a part of something so much larger - the L'Ensemble Koteba d'Abidjan. The famed dance/ theatre/ music company which was established in the city of Abidjan in order to preserve the Mandingo culture. The director of this school brought the three girls together, and now they mix their cultural music with popular Western music to bring about their own unique and most definitely unique sound. The lyrics of this piece are in Bambara, the language of Mali. In this track can be heard the n'goni (a four stringed lute-like instrument), Malian flutes, drums, and even some modern studio effects. The end result is a stunning and flavourful almost pop sounding track.



Ke Cu Minino Na Tchora is another interesting piece with a definite Reggae influence. The lyrics are completely at odds with the upbeat, chipper melody. The electric guitar has a bit of a spotlight, dancing all about the drum beat and bringing a smile - until you read the lyrics, that is. The Criolu lyrics describe the pain and suffering which comes with war, and focuses on the children thus affected. Bidinte has a strong love for music, according to the liner notes he even changed his religion to Catholic so that he could play the priests guitar! Incredible spirit and drive are combined with some serious talent where this young man is concerned. I hope to hear more of his work in time.



Not only is this a great way to expose yourself to African music, it is a great dance disc. The rhythms are very strong and lend themselves well to such strenuous activity. All of the artists featured on this disc are talented and have something worthwhile to say - this is music with meaning and a deep regard for life.



Review Original Posted at LinearReflections.com