Stony Plain Records artists: Habib Koite' and Eric Bibb - New Release Review

I have just received Brothers In Bamako, the newest recording from American singer/guitarist Eric Bibb and West African singer/guitarist Habib Koite'. This recording will hit the streets on November 6, 2012. This is an interesting blend of American folk/blues and West African folk/blues. The recording opens with On My Way To Bamako, a light island sounding folk track. L.A. has a strong sense of West Africa but with a bridge of straight pop. Touma Ni Kelen/Needed Time, another strongly West African influenced track has a very strong melody and switches continuously from native to English language and rhythm. Tombouctou again has a strong West African influence and the music is strong and soothing. The track again flips from a stronger African rhythm to a almost smooth jazz execution. Nani Le is a simple instrumental that has an enchanting melody, traditional West Aftican guitar and simple rhythm pattern. Khafole, another very traditional West African sounding track with banjo and vocal harmonies has a very warm sound... possibly my favorite track on the release. Foro Bana, another traditional sounding West African track with tandom guitars, blends nicely and is also very strong. Mami Wata, another instrumental duet, has a balance of Western and African influences with smooth pleasing result. This 13 track release has a bit of numerous cultures with strong influences from West Africa, American and traditional folk music. Given the opportunity to be heard, I believe that this recording will find a broad audience.

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