In Search of the Lost Riddim

Amazon.com's Best of 1998
From the time he toured Senegal with Jimmy Cliff in the late '70s, Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin wanted to return and record with local musicians. He finally got his wish in 1997, and the fruit produced by the journey was this collaboration with Senegalese star Baaba Maal. They're joined here by Maal's band, Daande Lenol, which translates as "nomad soul"--a fitting description for an album that is a restless blend of jazz sophistication and African syncopation. Restless is a dirty word when applied to roving husbands or spooked horses, but Ranglin's insatiable desire to explore is a treasure to behold. --Keith Moerer

Amazon.com
Jamaican jazz guitarist Ernest Ranglin, at 66 years old, is more adventurous than most musicians half his age. Few could travel to Senegal and record with Baaba Maal and his band, Daande Lenol. Fewer still could make such a successful melding of styles. The secret is that Ranglin becomes a part of the band, trading licks with the kora, letting the others speak loudly, then adding his own distinctive voice to the proceedings. This is very definitely an "African" album, highlighted by some wonderful writing (Maal's "Minuit," in particular, is a standout) and marvelous playing. Ranglin is at the top of his form; he doesn't need long solos to make his point. He's taken his music to the roots, and in doing so, has invigorated himself. An unadulterated delight. --Chris Nickson

In Search of the Lost Riddim

Tracks:

D'accord Dakar
Up On The Downstroke
Minuit
Ala Walee
Cherie
Haayo
Anna
Nuh True
Wouly
Pili Pili
Midagny

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

From the time he toured Senegal with Jimmy Cliff in the late '70s, Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin wanted to return and record with local musicians. He finally got his wish in 1997, and the fruit produced by the journey was this collaboration with Senegalese star Baaba Maal. They're joined here by Maal's band, Daande Lenol, which translates as "nomad soul"--a fitting description for an album that is a restless blend of jazz sophistication and African syncopation. Restless is a dirty word when applied to roving husbands or spooked horses, but Ranglin's insatiable desire to explore is a treasure to behold. --Keith Moerer

Amazon.com

Jamaican jazz guitarist Ernest Ranglin, at 66 years old, is more adventurous than most musicians half his age. Few could travel to Senegal and record with Baaba Maal and his band, Daande Lenol. Fewer still could make such a successful melding of styles. The secret is that Ranglin becomes a part of the band, trading licks with the kora, letting the others speak loudly, then adding his own distinctive voice to the proceedings. This is very definitely an "African" album, highlighted by some wonderful writing (Maal's "Minuit," in particular, is a standout) and marvelous playing. Ranglin is at the top of his form; he doesn't need long solos to make his point. He's taken his music to the roots, and in doing so, has invigorated himself. An unadulterated delight. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

A masterpiece.......2001-10-24

Ernest Ranglin at his best. His best collaboration also I find. This is a truly wonderful album, inventive and warm. Listen to "Anna", or "Ala Walee", those tunes will make you cry. Mind you the rest of the album is of the same quality : a Masterpiece !! Tunes are fantastic, open and imaginative, rythms roll beautifully, the music flows... Thanks to Ernest and the rest of the musicians for their wonderful work !

Sublime: a masterpiece.......1999-10-04

I don't know where to start on this...I have been a Baaba Maal fan for years, and recently turned on to Ernest with Below the Bassline. When I heard they were working together, I suspected the results would be exceptional, but this!!! Any true music lover should buy this CD, whether you are a teenage death-metal fanatic, or a 65 year old classical musician. The interplay of Ranglins' guitar with the lilting Kora throughout this collection is a musical achievement that boggles the mind. The Kora is (technically) a more "primitive" instrument than the guitar...Ranglin works around the limitations of the older technology deftly, never exposing them, only supporting and enhancing with a virtuoso's skill. The conversational interplay throughout these tracks is a testament to musicians who listen first, play second. To any teacher of music out there: give this to your students after studying it yourself, then go over it note by note...it's like a manual on how to make great music. The first time I listened to this, it sent shivers down my back and literally made me cry.

Awesome blend of modern be-bop jazz & West African roots.......1999-08-21

BUY THIS CD NOW... one of the best kept secrets on the music scene. Years ahead of his time, this will be an industry standard to compare others by when world music comes into it's own here in the U.S.

Rokhard Ernest.......1999-03-23

Ernest played WOMAD Auckland 28 February 1999, the last leg of the South Africa & Adelaide WOMAD circuit.

Prior to Baaba Maals show Ernest Ranglin did his instrumental set with a backbeat that was crisp and crystal clear. All the drops were in the right place on tracks like "Up on the downstroke" He laid it up so sweet & simple just like the master he is. Double bassman Byron White laid down some wicked wicked basslines that added a solid punch to a show that had everyone rapt. Baaba Maal called Ernest on for his show. It too was FANTASTIC.

Excellent, subtle, rhythmic - a class act........1998-08-07

I have only recently found out about Ernest Ranglin which is surprising as I am a Ska fan of long standing and he was the first artist signed to Island Records! As with other areas of music (Afro-Cuban All Stars) there has been a recent upsurge of interest in musicians from an earlier generation. So with Ranglin he is no spring chicken, however he is a very accomplished musician who you should hear. If you are nervous I suggest that you start with his "Below the Bassline" CD and then move onto this one. If you all ready know Ranglin then proceed with confidence -it is different but real nice, kind of reminiscent of the Ry Cooder/Ali Farka Toure CD (look it up check that out -superb stuff) but with that subtle Ska lilting undertone.