Search - Mory Kante :: Akwaba Beach

Treat yourself

Mad Ludwig III | Springfield, MA | 12/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... just a quick note: This is one of Mory Kante's most infectious records. The lead-off track, "Ye Ke Ye Ke," is all over the place these days -- popping up in soundtracks & covers (even Jean Luc Ponte covered it -- & not a bad job,either). If you like "Afro-Pop" in general or know your Kora-players, you owe it to youself to have this in your collection. Lots of cleanly recorded tracks w/ lots of fire and polish -- and the beats! You just gotta move when you hear this stuff! Of course, the drumming is excellent through-out. He may not sing as soulfully as Salif Kaita, but he's still excellent, uses lots of powerful-but-tasteful brass, is an excellent Kora-player, & makes excellent use of his back-up singers (as do most "afro-pop" stars). There's also some very good electric guitar breaks. If it HAS to be sung in English for you to enjoy it, sorry. If you find the nasal-quality of North African-style singing ONLY annoying, sorry. But if you love lush dynamic grooves, great bass-lines, quality production & world-class talent, order now."