Tassoumakan

Amazon.com
People like to see artists improve upon past efforts, but count it as a victory that Issa Bagayogo was able to match the beauty of 2002's TIMBUKTU. Like its predecessor, Tassoumakan features a seamless fusion of traditional Malian griot roots music and 21st-century electronic programming. Longtime producer, musician and collaborator Yves Wernert has continued to shine as the sound architect, making the sonic marriage more natural sounding than ever. The band also features hot guitarists Mama Sissoko and Karamokou Diabate as well as flutist Djuro Diallo, who does excellent work throughout. Less flashy than many singers out there, Bagayogo is brooding and moody---it comes out in his evenly modulated vocals (in Bambara and French) and the somber melodic turns he sometimes takes. Yet there is a quiet tension to the slower work, and a yearning to his faster songs that makes the music compelling. Highlights include a talking blues entitled "Ciew Mawele," the hypnotic sing-songy "Dya," and the galloping, n’goni-driven "Chauffeur." --Tad Hendrickson

Product Description
Malian singer/songwriter Issa Bagayogo has proven himself to be a major new player in 21’st century African music. His first two Six Degrees releases, Sya and Timbuktu have both topped the European World music radio charts and have been tremendously influential templates for beautifully mixing traditional West African music with modern electronica. Issa’s music appeals to fans of dub and ambient groove without alienating the people who came to African music by way of Ali Farka Toure and Oumou Sangare.

On his new CD, Tassamakan ( which translates to "voice of fire"), Issa sends a message to his many imitators that he is still the master of striking that magical balance between roots authenticity and dance club hip. Bagayogo once again collaborates with his French producer/keyboardist, Yves Wernert who provides the cutting edge beats that compliment Issa’s kamele n’goni African lute) playing. The sessions also included the talents of West African guitar master, Mama Sissako who adds a unique Afro-blues flavor to the CD.

Tassoumakan

Tracks:

Ciew Mawele
Diama Don
Koroto
Numu
Kanou
Djigui
Kalan Nege
Dya Bana
Dya
N'Deri
Touba
Chauffeur
Furu
Joola 5

Amazon.com

People like to see artists improve upon past efforts, but count it as a victory that Issa Bagayogo was able to match the beauty of 2002's TIMBUKTU. Like its predecessor, Tassoumakan features a seamless fusion of traditional Malian griot roots music and 21st-century electronic programming. Longtime producer, musician and collaborator Yves Wernert has continued to shine as the sound architect, making the sonic marriage more natural sounding than ever. The band also features hot guitarists Mama Sissoko and Karamokou Diabate as well as flutist Djuro Diallo, who does excellent work throughout. Less flashy than many singers out there, Bagayogo is brooding and moody---it comes out in his evenly modulated vocals (in Bambara and French) and the somber melodic turns he sometimes takes. Yet there is a quiet tension to the slower work, and a yearning to his faster songs that makes the music compelling. Highlights include a talking blues entitled "Ciew Mawele," the hypnotic sing-songy "Dya," and the galloping, n'goni-driven "Chauffeur." --Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

Malian singer/songwriter Issa Bagayogo has proven himself to be a major new player in 21'st century African music. His first two Six Degrees releases, Sya and Timbuktu have both topped the European World music radio charts and have been tremendously influential templates for beautifully mixing traditional West African music with modern electronica. Issa's music appeals to fans of dub and ambient groove without alienating the people who came to African music by way of Ali Farka Toure and Oumou Sangare.

On his new CD, Tassamakan ( which translates to "voice of fire"), Issa sends a message to his many imitators that he is still the master of striking that magical balance between roots authenticity and dance club hip. Bagayogo once again collaborates with his French producer/keyboardist, Yves Wernert who provides the cutting edge beats that compliment Issa's kamele n'goni African lute) playing. The sessions also included the talents of West African guitar master, Mama Sissako who adds a unique Afro-blues flavor to the CD.

Customer Reviews:

amazing ... something you never heard before ...........2007-06-29

this is an excellent mix of traditional african music and electronic programming ... nice melodies .. very rythmic ... beautiful sounds ... truly an unique album

A Jam!!.......2007-02-05

This album rocks. You don't need to be a fan of African music to enjoy this. If my kids are grumpy, I play Kalan Nege and the whole family is singing and dancing within seconds. All of the tracks are great.

Fantastic!.......2007-01-03

This album never leaves my cd player; it's varied in tempo, has both more traditional sounds as well as the ultimately danceable Diama Don. Just a great mix. I first heard a cut off it played on Afropop Worldwide (NPR), and had to find it. I'm so glad I did. This album is more cutting edge than Timbuktu, but along similar styles, get both and see!

Healing, haunting Malian music.......2006-07-05

Issa Bagayogo is one of those rare musicians who can't make a lousy song,even if he tried.He's incapable.Every track of this album is pure African perfection.I first heard Issa Bagayogo on a Six Degrees Traveler '02 compilation;he's also featured on Putumayo's "African Groove" &"Mali" CDs.It piqued my curiosity;I wanted to go all the way and get a whole album.

"Tassoumakan" means "voice of fire." Issa Bagayogo's electrifying singing&musicianship fuels the fire of this album.

Highlights-
1)Diama Don-The song is hypnotic&enigmatic.It's like a journey into the wilderness.
2)Koroto-Very jazzy.
3)Kanou-Features the smooth jazz of guitar&piano.It's not the generic "smooth jazz" on so many adult contemporary stations.
4)Dijgui-Has a haunting female chorus.
5)Kalan Nege-Very rhythmic with the mbira (thumb piano)
6)Dya-Peaceful&meditative.
7)Chauffeur-Evokes a late night drive through the city.
8)Joola-A quiet conclusion to the album.

Issa Bagayogo deftly blends the ancient&the modern.Tired of the same old music? Issa Bagayogo has the remedy!

This Albums Tight!.......2005-07-06

Mix this modern African funk at your party. Its mix of blues and some chilled techno is perfect.

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