Mansa of Mali: Retrospective

Amazon.com
Culled from the first three solo records (Soro, Ko-Yan, and Amen) by the albino singer from Mali, this offers a snapshot of the man before he was a major international star, still coming to grips with his music. At times the hi-tech production on some tracks can be overwhelming, but Keita's remarkable voice, one of the world's unique instruments, can conquer any obstacle. And "Mandjou," a Mande praise song recorded in 1978 with Les Ambassadeurs Internationales, is worth the price of the disc with its remarkable guitar work and some of the best singing Keita has ever put on tape. That marked the end of one phase, however, and the rest is the fresh start. The CD is shaky at times, but there are still many shining moments--such as "Dalimansa" and "Djembe"--when the vision seems incredibly clear, and the path to the future straightforward. To understand where Keita is today, this is indispensable. --Chris Nickson

Mansa of Mali: Retrospective,Salif Keita,Mango,African,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Popular Music

The Mansa of Mali...A Retrospective
Average customer rating:

Still love it after all these years!

Excellent greatest hits collection

Beautiful music from Mali

all time favourite

too good

The Mansa of Mali...A Retrospective
Salif Keita
Manufacturer: Mango
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music
Mali | Africa | International | Styles | Music
General | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Folon

Papa

Amen

Moffou

Ko-Yan

ASIN: B000003QLD
Release Date: 1994-03-29

Tracks:

Sina
Mandjou
Nyanafin
Ignadjidje
Nou Pas Bouger
Djembe
Souareba
Tenin
Sanni Kegniba
Dalimansa

Amazon.com

Culled from the first three solo records (Soro, Ko-Yan, and Amen) by the albino singer from Mali, this offers a snapshot of the man before he was a major international star, still coming to grips with his music. At times the hi-tech production on some tracks can be overwhelming, but Keita's remarkable voice, one of the world's unique instruments, can conquer any obstacle. And "Mandjou," a Mande praise song recorded in 1978 with Les Ambassadeurs Internationales, is worth the price of the disc with its remarkable guitar work and some of the best singing Keita has ever put on tape. That marked the end of one phase, however, and the rest is the fresh start. The CD is shaky at times, but there are still many shining moments--such as "Dalimansa" and "Djembe"--when the vision seems incredibly clear, and the path to the future straightforward. To understand where Keita is today, this is indispensable. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Still love it after all these years!.......2006-10-04

I've had this CD since the 1990s and I still love it dearly. I'm writing because the "official" review on this page is lukewarm, which boggles my mind - This musical collection is worthy of only the highest praises. I write as well because others list their favorite songs, but not mine! There is so much feeling in the song Souareba that it gives me goosebumps. Then there's Nyanafin, a song that begins softly, and then builds and builds until there's just no staying still. I hope you buy this CD and agree!

Excellent greatest hits collection.......2003-09-21

This Best Of collection opens with Keita's great hit Sina from his masterful Soro album, an ebullient piece where his soaring voice is framed by soulful female vocals and polyrhythmic beats.

The more laid-back Mandjou has a jazzy structure, skittering beat and yearning vocals. One of my favorite songs is the catchy Nyanafin (from the album Amen) with its tinkling hand-piano sounds, wailing backing vocals and rolling rhythms - a stunner!

The up-tempo Ignadjidje is a gentle pop song whilst Nou Pas Bouger is a funky, brassy number. Djembe is a subdued, soulful affair, the spacious Souareba an evocative mix of Western and African sounds and Tenin is a light, dance friendly track with engaging keyboard and drum patterns.

The atmospheric track Sanni Kegniba starts out with eerie muffled vocals and a solitary drum sound before developing into one of Keita's powerful ballads. The album closes with the lilting pop tune Dalimansa.

My only complaint is the omission of Yele n Na and Karifa from the Amen album. These amazing songs also deserved a second hearing, but overall The Mansa Of Mali is a superb introduction to this popular Malian musician.

Beautiful music from Mali.......2003-04-05

This is one of the most beautiful and interesting albums I own. My husband and I traveled to Mali several years ago and became interested in the music there. This album took all the good parts of the music of Mali and added world music to it. While listening to it you can almost see the women picking okra in a field and smell the scents coming from the outdoor markets. I would recommend this to anyone. You don't have to speak Salif Keita's language to appreciate the beauty of this album.

all time favourite.......2001-09-21

If I had to live on a deserted island, this is definately one of the albums I will take with me. Track # 2 kicks a-s-s !!

too good.......2001-02-04

since i bhought it i am listening it everyday.

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