published: 1 /
5 /
2013
Label:
Nonesuch Records
Format: CD
Fabulous blues-influenced latest album from Malian-based singer-songwriter Rokia Traore, which was recorded in Bristol
Review
The daughter of a diplomat, Rokia Traore, who has therefore seen a lot of the world, recorded her 'Beautiful Africa' album in Bristol with John Parish, who together with Traoré and Stefano Pilia plays guitar.
This does not necessarily make it less Malian, since for decades blues music has been recorded in the war torn West-African nation, which proudly shelters one of the greatest musical heritages in the world.
Her warm timbre still provides a soulful touch but the smooth jazz of her first albums, which appeared on the recently revitalised jazzy Label Bleu, is now to my great delight absent. 'Beautiful Africa' becomes a raw diamond with the title track being the sole flaw, sung in forcedly English. 85% wonderful.
Track Listing:-
1
Lalla
2
Kouma
3
Sikey
4
Ka Moun Kè
5
Mélancolie
6
N'Téri
7
Tuit Tuit
8
Beautiful Africa
9
Sarama
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/RokiaTraore/
https://twitter.com/rokiatraore
http://www.rokiatraore.net/
Label Links:-
https://www.instagram.com/nonesuchreco
https://twitter.com/nonesuchrecords
http://www.nonesuch.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/nonesuchr
https://www.facebook.com/NonesuchRecor