Mande Variations, The

World | Mar 2008

Reviews

Decca
Reviewed 2008-08-30
The Malian kora master in his first solo album in 20 years. Ambitions, sweeping, captivating instrumentals. It’s just one man and a kora and it’s absolutely beautiful. At times with the energy and passion of jazz, others with a subtle power that just sweeps you up. Gorgeous tributes to other artists including Ali Farka Toure & Kaouding Cissoko.Play it all. This is a masterpiece of African music.

1. Mostly mid, lyrical, almost hypnotic, then more lively. Gorgeous!
2. Relaxed and flowing, slightly nostalgic, just wonderful.
3. Watch for nearly silent bits – the CD is not dead. Relaxed, gorgeous.
4. A driving, pulsing bounce that shimmers and flows.
5. Spoken word, crystal-clear strings, down/mid. Sigh…
6. Soft, liquid, dreamy. A lovely journey.
7. Hints of flamenco & the middle east, a tour de force. Mostly mid.
8. Midtempo with a gentle, sweeping air. Wonderful.

Recent airplay

Ali Farka Toure
At the Cafe BohemianOct 28, 2008
Daounding Cissoko
The Rent PartyOct 24, 2008
Daounding Cissoko
At the Cafe BohemianOct 21, 2008
Daounding Cissoko
No Cover, No MinimumOct 17, 2008
Daounding Cissoko
At the Cafe BohemianOct 14, 2008
Cantelowes
At the Cafe BohemianOct 07, 2008

Charting

2008-08-31 — 2008-11-02 Reggae/World
Week EndingAirplays
Nov 2 1
Oct 26 2
Oct 19 2
Oct 12 1
Oct 5 2
Sep 28 3
Sep 21 3
Sep 14 2

Track listing

1. Si Naani
2. Elyne Road
3. Ali Farka Toure
4. Daounding Cissoko
5. Ismael Drame
6. Djourou Kara Nany
7. El Nabiyouna
8. Cantelowes