Songhai 2

Songhai 2

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This more musically ambitious sequel to 1988's Songhai reunites Gypsy new-flamenco stars Ketama (and their former vocalist Jos Soto) with Mali's Toumani Diabate, a virtuoso of the 21-string African harp called the kora. And while British doublebassist Danny Thompson returns for a few tracks, the music is enriched by the addition of Keletigui Diabate's balafon (which resembles a marimba) and a variety of Spanish and Mali guests. The musical coloration drifts pleasantly back and forth between Iberian rhythms, complete with clattering castanets, spitfire guitar lines, and ferocious hand claps--and the Diabates' undulating griot grooves and honeyed female vocal choruses. Since Latin music is well-known in Mali, the contrasts are less marked than you might think, while the lyrical counterpoint between Moorish and African cultures is fascinating. --Richard Gehr

Tracks:

Sute Monebo
Niani
Pozo Del Deseo
Monte De Los Suspiros
Djamana Djana
De Jerez A Mali
Ndia
De La Noche A La Manana
Mali Sajio
Pozo Del Deseo (Instrumental)

Amazon.com

This more musically ambitious sequel to 1988's Songhai reunites Gypsy new-flamenco stars Ketama (and their former vocalist Jos Soto) with Mali's Toumani Diabate, a virtuoso of the 21-string African harp called the kora. And while British doublebassist Danny Thompson returns for a few tracks, the music is enriched by the addition of Keletigui Diabate's balafon (which resembles a marimba) and a variety of Spanish and Mali guests. The musical coloration drifts pleasantly back and forth between Iberian rhythms, complete with clattering castanets, spitfire guitar lines, and ferocious hand claps--and the Diabates' undulating griot grooves and honeyed female vocal choruses. Since Latin music is well-known in Mali, the contrasts are less marked than you might think, while the lyrical counterpoint between Moorish and African cultures is fascinating. --Richard Gehr

Customer Reviews:

Consistently interesting.......2005-02-26

This is a magical cross-pollination of music from Mali and Spain. I've owned this CD for quite a few years. I no longer remember why or where I acquired it, and it doesn't strike me as the type of thing I would normally pick up. I'm glad I did, because it is one of the finest disks I have. The sound is bright, lively, and intricate. I highly recommend it.

Songhai 2.......2004-02-12

I also found this as a cassette, in a "99-cent" store, of all places, alongside cheesy oriental imports and a variety of low-quality goods. I was familiar with Ketama, so I snatched it up, thinking I might have a pretty cool find on my hands. I had no idea this would become one of my favorite albums. I have since purchased the first Songhai album, but the second is superior, in my opinion. I have owned it for about 8 years, now, and although the cassette itself is wearing out, the music itself seems to get even better.

Absolutely magical!.......2001-06-28

I found this album as a tape in a 99 cent bin cause it sounded interesting...and boy did I hit the jackpot! Its easily one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. The song pozo del deseo is just magical. The album has both african and spanish sounding parts to which combine very well. I went out and bought the other album after listening to this, and its great too.

A weird and wonderful fusion.......2001-05-22

I know nothing about flamenco music or Spanish guitarists, but I got this recording because I dig the Malian musicians on it. The vibe they create with their Iberian compadres is truly something to listen to. The songs run the gamut from the soothing strains of "Pozo del Deseo" to snappy numbers like "Su te mone bo." Songhai's first recording is just as good, though it seems not to be available here. Fans of Malian music--particularly the ubiquitous kora player Toumani Diabate--will no doubt admire this striking and unusual collaboration.

One of my favorite CDs!.......2000-10-01

Ketama's Songai series is awesome. I've been following these guys since 1992 or so. Theirs is some of the hottest flamenco around; Songai 2 takes them back to Africa for some wonderful Afro-Spanish rhythms. Oh, to be Spanish..!