Search - Baaba Maal, Mansour Seck :: Djam Leelii

This album has been issued, lost, remixed, and released again and again in its short life, always to continued acclaim. It is the soul of West Africa--a model of brilliant guitar music and as sublime an example of new Senegalese art as ever was made. Mansour Seck and Baaba Maal have been partners in music for a decade or more--always experimenting, always surprising, whether it's bold pop or subtle acoustics. This recording is one of the latter. Primarily two guitars and two voices, Djam Leeli insinuates rather than insists. There is a slight backing of electric guitars, a hint of balafon, and a variety of small percussion--just enough to prod the music along, never rushing it. Even the excess of reverb seems to be in service of the surreal atmosphere that is created here. For those who love West African acoustic music, and for those who love excellent musicianship in any form, this recording is one of the desert island classics. --Louis Gibson