New Music From Baaba Maal on Calabash Music

Taara

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:50:07 -0500

This album "Taara" introduced Baaba Maal to Europe, and allowed him to reach international popularity. Released in 1990 on Frochot Music.

Jombaajo

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:50:07 -0500

The music of an artist's formative years can be revealing in terms of influences and background. But in most cases the outtakes from early work remains unreleased for a very good reason -- a lack of quality. However, Jombaajo proves that's not the case for Baaba Maal. Recorded during the sessions for his debut disc, there seems to be no reason these never appeared. They're fresh-faced, raw, and eager -- but passion is a good thing in music. Yes, there are touches of African reggae, mbalax, and many popular African styles, indicating he'd yet to completely find his own voice, but all the elements were already in place. Simply listen to "Baydikacce," for example, where the reggae canter of the opening explodes into soukous as good as anything that came from the Congo in the '80s, with Maal in complete control throughout. And sometimes simpler is better, as with "Suka Naayo," which appeared in a vastly embellished version on Nomad Soul. Here it's stripped to the bone, lean and sinewy, and decidedly hungry -- a much better version. Recorded in 1986, it's a fascinating, and very worthwhile, look at a star in the making.

Missing You (mi yeewnii)

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:50:07 -0500

A return to the roots and foundation of Baaba Maal's music. Vividly translates Maal's life experiences through its music and environmental sounds....It's a rich, almost opulent tribute to Maal's homeland.

Afropop Classic: 'Kowoni Maayo'LinkTV Videos: 'Miyaabele' & 'Allah Addu Jam'

Live at the Royal Festival Hall

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:50:07 -0500

Remix 2002

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:50:07 -0500

Remixes of Maal's "Missing You" CD, these tracks are rare and wonderful. Remixed by J Walk & Ashley Beedle.

Nomad Soul

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:50:07 -0500

Nomad Soul is an explosion of joyous sound, with a tendency to emphasize the songs' melodies and vocal harmonies rather than their rhythms and beats, which Maal keeps understated compared to many African musical traditions. A mix of Senegalese and English vocals adds to the sense of multi-cultural exploration; "Souka Nayo (I Will Follow You)," has strong Celtic influences, which are more subtle on "Cherie," and the lovely, acoustic "Koni." Maal's breath-taking vocals take center stage on one song after another, yet they seem to be energized and held aloft by the music and voices of his collaborators.

Wango

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:50:07 -0500

In 1988, Baaba Maal's first electric album hit the streets and airwaves of Europe. Nowadays internationallly acclaimed, Baaba Maal and his band Dande Lenol first came to prominence with "Wango" and a whirlwind of wildly exciting live concerts which left audiences reeling. A highly creative, "Wango" captures Baaba Maal's experimentation in full flow and like an uncut diamond, heralds the polish of today's accomplished star.