Product Description

Malian singer/songwriter Issa Bagayogo has proven himself to be a major new player in 21’st century African music. His first two Six Degrees releases, Sya and Timbuktu have both topped the European World music radio charts and have been tremendously influential templates for beautifully mixing traditional West African music with modern electronica. Issa’s music appeals to fans of dub and ambient groove without alienating the people who came to African music by way of Ali Farka Toure and Oumou Sangare.

On his new CD, Tassamakan ( which translates to "voice of fire"), Issa sends a message to his many imitators that he is still the master of striking that magical balance between roots authenticity and dance club hip. Bagayogo once again collaborates with his French producer/keyboardist, Yves Wernert who provides the cutting edge beats that compliment Issa’s kamele n’goni African lute) playing. The sessions also included the talents of West African guitar master, Mama Sissako who adds a unique Afro-blues flavor to the CD.

Amazon.com

People like to see artists improve upon past efforts, but count it as a victory that Issa Bagayogo was able to match the beauty of 2002's TIMBUKTU. Like its predecessor, Tassoumakan features a seamless fusion of traditional Malian griot roots music and 21st-century electronic programming. Longtime producer, musician and collaborator Yves Wernert has continued to shine as the sound architect, making the sonic marriage more natural sounding than ever. The band also features hot guitarists Mama Sissoko and Karamokou Diabate as well as flutist Djuro Diallo, who does excellent work throughout. Less flashy than many singers out there, Bagayogo is brooding and moody---it comes out in his evenly modulated vocals (in Bambara and French) and the somber melodic turns he sometimes takes. Yet there is a quiet tension to the slower work, and a yearning to his faster songs that makes the music compelling. Highlights include a talking blues entitled "Ciew Mawele," the hypnotic sing-songy "Dya," and the galloping, n’goni-driven "Chauffeur." --Tad Hendrickson

Review

Bagayogo may radically reshape West Africa's groove Put simply, when Issa plays, only the dead stay still -- Folk Roots (UK)

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.6 x 4.93 x 0.41 inches; 3.95 ounces
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Six Degrees
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ October 22, 2006
• Label ‏ : ‎ Six Degrees
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1