Search - Sekou Bembeya Diabete & Djanka Diabate :: Samba Gaye

Brilliant solo album from former Bembeya Jazz guitarist

02/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Samba Gaye' is a brilliant effort from Sekou (Diamond Fingers) Diabate, the former lead guitarist for Bembeya Jazz International, one of the foremost dance bands from Guinee which came out of the independence movements of the 60's. On this recording he is joined by his wife Djanka, one of Salif Kieta's and Mory Kante's backup singers. There are several excellent instrumental tracks including my favorite 'Labankognouma'which contains an explosive guitar rif that I play over and over. There is an unexpected slide guitar track and one that you would believe was Hawaiin rather than West African. This album also contains more traditional fare from Djanka including 'Concord Gaye' a praise song to a Malian benefactor. What I enjoyed most about this album was that it was under-produced unlike many CD's that come out of West Africa today. There is a laugh track that comes in between songs and what sounds like a recording coming over an old Tanzanian radio. These features only add to the authenticity and spirit of this recording."