Ballake Sissoko, Toumani Diabate - New Ancient Strings

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Free Music Notes for New Ancient Strings

Free Music Review: Enchanting plucked strings from the land of Timbuktu
Hit: 5 Stars

At first, you might feel that the songs are somewhat similar to each other. But the pleasant plucking sounds certainly had me listen again and again. I then noticed the jazzy sound of the first cut "Bi Lambam" This is a song that dates back to dancing girls and musicians in the court of the kingdom of Mali and it doesn't take much imagination to see cool, shaded stone courts and gently twirling dancers and their seated musician accompanists, entertaining a king and his courtiers. However, Diabate plays a contemporary style and this accounts for the hint of a modern jazz mood in some of the songs.

My favorite cut, however, is the second one on the album "Salaman" which is a love song and is so mysterious and haunting. The minor key and rocking rhythm are hypnotic.

This album was recorded live at the Palais de Congres in Bamako, Mali. The marble hall lends that "palace of ancient kings" sound and this is a live album, recorded in one take, which always lends a sense of intimacy and reality to any recording.

This album is great for relaxation, party or dinner background music, yoga or for relaxing kids before bed. It is also just great to put on any old time and feel, perhaps, like a courtier in the exotic palaces of old Timbuktu. The album grows on you. I just love it.

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