Readers of this blog know Baaba Maal and, most likely, don't need to be introduced to Ousmane Hamady Diop or Ami Koïta. These three artists have each 'crossed-over', and come back. They have built networks of patrons throughout West Africa, and her diaspora, and grown their fan bases through studio recordings, concerts, and global tours.
This is the third cassette I have featured from my Baaba Maal collection. Like the first volume, this is a live-to-boombox recording of an intimate evening of music. Ousmane Hamady Diop and Baaba Maal play guitars and Baaba and Ami Koïta take turns singing. Side A of the cassette mostly features Baaba, while Ami takes the lead vocals on much of Side B, with Baaba supporting and encouraging her. (Ousmane Hamady Diop also sings lead on one song on Side A.) If you listen closely to Side B you can hear Ami and Baaba singing each other's praises.
This lovely recording demonstrates the shared roots of two of West Africa's greatest musical cultures, the Halpulaar and the Mande. Baaba Maal and Ousmane Hamady Diop were both born in the Senegal River valley, Baaba in Podor, on the Senegal side of the river, and Ousmane Hamady Diop in Kaédi on the Mauritania side of the river. Ami Koïta was born in Djoliba, Mali, and steeped in the musical culture of the Mande empire.
There are lots of wonderful moments on this recording. Neither singer is trying to show off, the music is always stately, there are no frenetic crescendos. This is a rare recording of three of West Africa's musical greats singing for a small group of listeners, away from the stage, the lights, and the crowd. There is a particularly beautiful moment at the 20-minute mark on Side B. Inspired by one of Ami's phrases, Baaba comes in behind her and both of their voices soar in unison.
Download Baaba Maal, Ousmane Hamady Diop, Ami Koita
Enjoy!
Ousmane Hamady Diop
This is the third cassette I have featured from my Baaba Maal collection. Like the first volume, this is a live-to-boombox recording of an intimate evening of music. Ousmane Hamady Diop and Baaba Maal play guitars and Baaba and Ami Koïta take turns singing. Side A of the cassette mostly features Baaba, while Ami takes the lead vocals on much of Side B, with Baaba supporting and encouraging her. (Ousmane Hamady Diop also sings lead on one song on Side A.) If you listen closely to Side B you can hear Ami and Baaba singing each other's praises.
Baaba Maal
This lovely recording demonstrates the shared roots of two of West Africa's greatest musical cultures, the Halpulaar and the Mande. Baaba Maal and Ousmane Hamady Diop were both born in the Senegal River valley, Baaba in Podor, on the Senegal side of the river, and Ousmane Hamady Diop in Kaédi on the Mauritania side of the river. Ami Koïta was born in Djoliba, Mali, and steeped in the musical culture of the Mande empire.
Ami Koïta
There are lots of wonderful moments on this recording. Neither singer is trying to show off, the music is always stately, there are no frenetic crescendos. This is a rare recording of three of West Africa's musical greats singing for a small group of listeners, away from the stage, the lights, and the crowd. There is a particularly beautiful moment at the 20-minute mark on Side B. Inspired by one of Ami's phrases, Baaba comes in behind her and both of their voices soar in unison.
Download Baaba Maal, Ousmane Hamady Diop, Ami Koita
Enjoy!
Wow...this is absolutely amazing....thank you ! Though followed their music for over 25 years and seen them live, never came across this one - what a combo !
ReplyDeleteNice coincidence, just this afternoon was watching Baaba's festival in Podor on YT
Excellent, Matt!
ReplyDeleteThis is all I ever want to listen to ever again. Thank you!
ReplyDelete