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The Mansa of Mali...A Retrospective
Salif Keita
The Mansa of Mali...A Retrospective
Genre: International Music
 
Culled from the first three solo records (Soro, Ko-Yan, and Amen) by the albino singer from Mali, this offers a snapshot of the man before he was a major international star, still coming to grips with his music. At times t...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Salif Keita
Title: The Mansa of Mali...A Retrospective
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
Release Date: 12/18/2007
Album Type: Import
Genre: International Music
Style: Africa
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 731452207524

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Culled from the first three solo records (Soro, Ko-Yan, and Amen) by the albino singer from Mali, this offers a snapshot of the man before he was a major international star, still coming to grips with his music. At times the hi-tech production on some tracks can be overwhelming, but Keita's remarkable voice, one of the world's unique instruments, can conquer any obstacle. And "Mandjou," a Mande praise song recorded in 1978 with Les Ambassadeurs Internationales, is worth the price of the disc with its remarkable guitar work and some of the best singing Keita has ever put on tape. That marked the end of one phase, however, and the rest is the fresh start. The CD is shaky at times, but there are still many shining moments--such as "Dalimansa" and "Djembe"--when the vision seems incredibly clear, and the path to the future straightforward. To understand where Keita is today, this is indispensable. --Chris Nickson

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CD Reviews

Excellent greatest hits collection
Pieter | Johannesburg | 09/21/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Best Of collection opens with Keita's great hit Sina from his masterful Soro album, an ebullient piece where his soaring voice is framed by soulful female vocals and polyrhythmic beats. The more laid-back Mandjou has a jazzy structure, skittering beat and yearning vocals. One of my favorite songs is the catchy Nyanafin (from the album Amen) with its tinkling hand-piano sounds, wailing backing vocals and rolling rhythms - a stunner! The up-tempo Ignadjidje is a gentle pop song whilst Nou Pas Bouger is a funky, brassy number. Djembe is a subdued, soulful affair, the spacious Souareba an evocative mix of Western and African sounds and Tenin is a light, dance friendly track with engaging keyboard and drum patterns.The atmospheric track Sanni Kegniba starts out with eerie muffled vocals and a solitary drum sound before developing into one of Keita's powerful ballads. The album closes with the lilting pop tune Dalimansa.My only complaint is the omission of Yele n Na and Karifa from the Amen album. These amazing songs also deserved a second hearing, but overall The Mansa Of Mali is a superb introduction to this popular Malian musician."