Search - Mamani Keïta :: Electro Bamako

Skillful mix of African and European pop styles

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 05/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A canny world-beat interweaving of West African pop and jazz-tinged, tres, tres Euro electronica. Keita's high, keening vocals -- pure Mali -- cut through the tightly-wound, somewhat fastidious arrangements in a manner that makes the whole project mesh together better than one might imagine. This album is very much a creature of programming-heavy modern studio production, but it has a certain soulfulness and innovative breadth that makes it sound original and appealing. I find it a little too slick, yet also an album that wins me over the more I listen to it... worth checking out!"

One bite & you are hooked

MR WT MAKHATHINI | Durban, South Africa | 11/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just listened to this cd from my local shop & from the 1st track I couldn't get enough of this music.It's filled with a jazzy piano, soulful African guitar sound, balafon, Malian drums,etc. It's beautiful but the marketing is on Mamani keita's voice, i haven't heard an African voice in a jazzy set up like this cd.Her vocals keep that traditional feel & blend so well with the morden instruments.The cd may be too "morden" for some people who prefer the traditional instruments only but the truth is this cd is unbeivable good with morden & traditional instruments.The percussion also may be too much for the music itself but that is a cherry on cream esp. for rock fans.This cd is dynamic and will take you by surprise in a way U never expected.Also recommended is Soukuba Bambino-Kasse cd.The previous reviewer has said enough & i won't say more."