Kassi Kasse

World | Feb 2003

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2003-08-25
KASSE MADY DIABATE – Kassi Kasse
Narada, 2002

MALI – Jeez, is *everybody* in Mali a musical prodigy??? Kasse (his name means "to weep") is a renowned griot from a very long and distinguished line of singers in the tradition called jeli. He doesn’t play, just sings. His voice is nice: very natural and open. Three languages are used: Maninka, Bamana, and Spanish. But the highlight for me is the band, which includes two guitars and a balafon (marimba). This group is really tight, and everybody has a spotlight moment. Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez plays bass on most tracks, and Toumani Diabate plays kora on #8. Excellent music.

Try any track. Fo’s Picks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11

01. awesome: fast rhythmic layers
02. medium, measured, strong vox
03. old tune with a lilting Cuban beat
04. initiation song – nice melody/rhythm
05. stripped-down, nice textures & vibe
06. trad. hunters' song, great sound
07. very cool rhythm/claps: work song
08. lovely ballad for voice/kora/ngoni
09. quick happy rhythm; festive
10. Cuban son: cool and relaxed
11. old hunters' song; raw, hypnotic
12. upbeat tribute; shouted duet vox
13. pretty little song of praise
14. trad dance: drums, claps, chant

[Fo] - 8/25/03

Recent airplay

Namanike (Farmers, Thank You
At the Cafe BohemianAug 16, 2005
Jon Kunandi (Loved One)
At the Cafe BohemianOct 05, 2004
N'i Ma Sori (Hunters Song)
At the Cafe BohemianSep 30, 2003
Mai Mouna
Fly By NightSep 22, 2003
Danya (Way You Were Created)
Morning GlorySep 13, 2003
Namanike (Farmers, Thank You

Charting

2003-08-25 — 2003-10-27 Reggae/World
Week EndingAirplays
Oct 5 1
Sep 28 1
Sep 14 1
Sep 7 2

Track listing

1. Eh Ya Ye (Eh!)
2. Kaba Mansa (King of Kaba)
3. Mai Mouna
4. Nyamalo (Let Us Be Cautious)
5. Jon Kunandi (Loved One)
6. N'i Ma Sori (Hunters Song)
7. Namanike (Farmers, Thank You
8. Funuke Saya (Death of Young
9. Naaren
10. Balomina Mwanga
11. Balakono
12. Lafia Jeli
13. Madu Jeli
14. Danya (Way You Were Created)