Malick Pathe Sow & Bao Sissoko
Album: Aduna
Label: Muziekpublique
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.muziekpublique.be/nieuws/concerten/article/malick-pathe-sow-bao-sissoko?lang=fr

This is a delightful album of traditional Senegalise music from a pair of Brussels-based, African master-musicians. It is reminiscent of the music of neighbouring Mali - think Toumani Diabate or Ali Farka Toure (to the latter of whom one of the tracks is an Hommage). This is especially the case on the instrumental tracks such as Manio Be Kumbola and the title-track Aduna, which could be an outtakes from "Talking Timbutu"!

The empathy between Sow's 5-string hoddu and Sissoko's kora results in a gently rolling and lilting sound which conjures up images of warm nights around an open fire - singing, playing and story-telling.

Sow's vocals blend seamlessly with the intricate yet relaxed playing, to produce a warmly evocative picture of the African sahel. Other stand out tracks include Tumburanke - a song about the plight of the emigrant, Sila, and GAMS - dedicated to a Belgian group campaigning against female genital mutilation.

The album notes (in English, French and Flemish) are also a great help in interpreting the songs. Sow (ex-Baaba Maal) and Sissoko have produced a sublime album - a must for lovers of traditional West African music.

Martin Price