Search - Ismaël Lô :: Iso

Good for Senegal, lucky for us

michaeleve | 02/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The country is blessed with two world class artistes - Youssou N'Dour and Ishmael Lo producing some of the best mixes of their native mbalax sound with other world influences. I think this is still one of the better albums, cerainly Lo's best. The huge international hits are 'Dibi dibi Rek' and 'Setsinala'. Lo seems to feature the harmonica and vocal harmonies moreso than Youssou and this style is most noticeable on 'Dibi dibi rek' and La femme sans haine'. The mixed European influences are there on 'Nabou' - a song of a man singing about the loss of his sister, not to death, but to a stranger, through the traditional practice of arranged marriages - flamenco guitars and Lo's beautiful voice are featured. 'Nafanta' which has a scat singing style and 'Senegambie' - about the still to be achieved economic union between Senegal and Gambia are the other very worthwhile tracks."

Better than Youssou. West African rhythm with Western hooks.

michaeleve | 12/05/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One would think that as Ismael Lo's music gains more "pop sensibility" without losing its distinctive senegalese power and virtuosity, his market of fans would be exploding. Alas for his sake that this is not entirely the case. With Iso, and Jammu Africa, record buyers have a chance to hear and enjoy a little known (outside West Africa and very hip Paris night clubs) singer-- to get in on the ground floor so to speak. He does tour in North America (though you'd have to go to Montreal to see him), and believe it or not, his songs are tuneful enough to make such a show successful in the eyes of a pop-drenched North American audience. Too much of African music relies on rhythms that most Americans don't really grasp. This is their loss of course, but it leaves a great deal of space for an artist of Lo's talent. With these two albums, he produces excellent, moody, emotional music that synthesises the power of African rhythm and the sensibility of western pop, without descending to maudlin depths. Far from being bubble gum pop, Lo's music weaves a tapestry of deserts, horizons, and of the distinct nature of life in West Africa. In it you will find weddings, relationships, funerals, and something of the joys and struggles which characterize this part of the world. For anyone who has been to Senegal, the music is indispensable (though probably already well known); for the rest, it is a more subtle, more intimate introduction to Senegal than Youssou N'Dour-- not to take anything away from him, of course. Enjoy"

Simply beautiful, khar is my favorite. youll never tire.

michaeleve | 09/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Its a masterpiece. the strings and harmonica on khar are hypnotic. dibi dibi rek is a gem. so many flavors on this cd. a little african, carribbean, folk, the stories are compelling. If you want to relax, burn some candles and incense with a significant other, this will do the trick."