Sahara Spirit
Abdoulaye Alhassane Toure © 2012 Abdoul Records AR 1001 (738435038328) Publisher : Toure Music ( BMI ) Sahara Spirit by Banning Eyre
Sahara Spirit blends Toure’s razor-sharp arrangements of Songhai traditional pieces with his own compositions. Toure sings with plaintiveness and warmth, while his guitar playing–mostly acoustic on these tracks–is on fire. The songs range from simple, spare offerings of Toure on guitar and vocal (the slow-blues flavored “Aiganda”) to full-on, large ensemble works, such as the mesmerizing opener, “Maiga et Toure,” honoring major Songhai families. This song, and “Humaisa,” both work with the famous takamba dance rhythm, a magically polyrhythmic universe. Toure brings in a variety of support musicians, including stalwarts of New York’s African music community, such as talking drum virtuoso Idrissa Kone, one-string-lute (molo) player Housseini Chipkaou, and ex-Fela Kuti drummer Jojo Kuo, who really kicks out the jams on the most driving numbers, “Tandina,” “Anine Kaina,” and “Bahunai (The Art of Living).” By Bannig Eyre Afropop.org SAHARA SPIRIT is the exciting new CD from composer, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and producer from Niger and Mali, ABDOULAYE ALHASSANE TOURE. Every song is an original gem of hot, syncopated and sensual rhythms and lilting, lovely melodies, showcasing Mr. Toure's mastery of the subtle complexity and healing power of the most pristine African music, still free of western influences. The precision of the multiple interlocking instrumental and vocal parts boggles the mind, while warming the heart and lifting the spirit. SAHARA SPIRIT makes you feel like dancing and savoring the exquisite sounds this very special music. By Kali .Z. Fasteau flying note Records |