Nomad Soul

Amazon.com
On Nomad Soul Baaba Maal has stayed true to his Fulani herdsman roots, singing as he travels and working with the best of those he meets along the way. On his seventh U.S. release, you will find collaborations with ambient pioneers Brian Eno and Jon Hassell, Celtic influences with Irish singers "The Screaming Orphans," and a duet with reggae star Luciano. Afro Celt Sound System mainstay Simon Emmerson produces, as do Groucho Smykle, Ron Aslan, and Mykael Riley. This CD is a successful blend of diverse musical influences united by the solid Senegalese sound of Baaba Maal. Maal and his band Daande Lenol are known for extraordinary live performances full of passionate playing and gravity-defying dancing but Maal also makes carefully refined studio recordings using top producers. The result is a polished album that does not lose Maal's vibrancy. --Jeff Grubb

The Los Angeles Times
[Nomad Soul] explores African/pop connections, in tracks that range from gentle, acoustic ballads and surging percussive dance numbers to duets with reggae star Luciano and Sinead O'Connor's back-up singers, the Screaming Orphans.

Nomad Soul

Tracks:

Souka Nayo (I Will Follow You)
Africans Unite (Yolela)
Mbolo
Cherie
Fanta
Guelel
Douwayra
Iawa
Yiriyaro (Percussion Storm)
Koni
Lam Lam

Amazon.com

On Nomad Soul Baaba Maal has stayed true to his Fulani herdsman roots, singing as he travels and working with the best of those he meets along the way. On his seventh U.S. release, you will find collaborations with ambient pioneers Brian Eno and Jon Hassell, Celtic influences with Irish singers "The Screaming Orphans," and a duet with reggae star Luciano. Afro Celt Sound System mainstay Simon Emmerson produces, as do Groucho Smykle, Ron Aslan, and Mykael Riley. This CD is a successful blend of diverse musical influences united by the solid Senegalese sound of Baaba Maal. Maal and his band Daande Lenol are known for extraordinary live performances full of passionate playing and gravity-defying dancing but Maal also makes carefully refined studio recordings using top producers. The result is a polished album that does not lose Maal's vibrancy. --Jeff Grubb

Customer Reviews:

very relaxing Music.......2004-11-28

I like the Arrangements&the different blends. I feel it's a Welcoming vibe to re-introduce you into the Music.I enjoyed the combination of Instrumentation&the feel good nature of the record.

A few really good tracks; Otherwise disappointing.......2004-09-06

Baaba Maal is one of Africa's, and the world's, most amazing and spellbinding talents. I own and have played his previous albums many times, and have captivated friends and guests with the surging rhythms and soaring vocals of his music. But I'm afraid that on this disc some record company execs got wind of his talent and said, "Let's make him commercial." How else to explain the syrupy sound of the opener, "I Will Follow You," or the poppy beats and production of "Africans Unite," "Fanta," and "Douwayra?" The good news is that five of the other tracks are pure, undiluted brilliance, Baaba Maal at his usual best. The closer, "Lam Lam," was produced by Brian Eno, and has lots of droning synths and horn-like sounds, meant I guess to sound like nomads in the desert. It's interesting, but at twelve minutes is way too long and in parts lacks energy. Buy it or not? Certainly get Baaba Maal records and enjoy his phenomenal work, but get his great earlier discs, like Missing You and Baayo, first. Then if you're hungry for more, like me, get this one too, and listen to it selectively.

One of the best albums - ever!.......2002-12-30

Although I agree a bit with some of the other reviews about "crossing over", I think Baaba Maal has done it better than anyone. This album is infectious and I can play it for anyone who has no experience with African music -- and they love it! The first track blows everyone away the first time they hear it and they are hooked from then on.

I listen to this album over and over.

Nomad Soul.......2001-12-10

Its sad that artists such as Baaba Maal feel that they have to cross over. So often the result is a diluted version of their original sound with no perceptible benefits.

This album really comes alive with the last song, a prayer where the crossover elements are kept to a minimum.

Not his best, but groovy.......2001-11-26

Like his fellow Senegalese countryman Youssou N'Dour, Baaba Maal has become one of the most important African musicians in the world today. I have been a Baaba Maal fan for a long time now, and have followed his career over the years. The first album I bought was "Baayo", which was released in 1991. Then came "Firin' In Fouta" in 1994. "Nomad Soul" was first released in 1997. His long time companion, Mansour Seck, who has launched his own solo career in the last few years, seems less prominent on this CD.

Over the years Baaba Maal's music has become progressively more "mainstream", no doubt opening more markets to his music. "Nomad Soul" is no exception, though the tradisional sound is still strongly evident in tracks such as Mbolo, Cherie. Other songs, like Souka Nayo and Fanta have a much stronger pop influence, while tracks like Guelel and Yiriyaro have that strong traditional and dance blend which has become characteristic of Baaba Maal's music. The last track, Lam Lam, which is a religious song about what the future might hold, is my favourite on this album. It's interesting combination of sounds along with its devotional melody/voice line does it for me.

In a way I prefer Baaba Maal's older recordings. Don't get me wrong. I am not a purist when it comes to "ethnic" music. If music stays closed to outside influences, it may end up in a museum, after all. Music is there to be listened to. But "Baayo" is still my personal favourite Baaba Maal CD. I especially like the track Diahowo in which the tension is built up to a climatic and finally inspirational release. "Firin' In Fouta" was more dancy, and features a few tracks through which it is impossible to sit still.

Average customer rating:

very relaxing Music

A few really good tracks; Otherwise disappointing

One of the best albums - ever!

Nomad Soul

Not his best, but groovy

Nomad Soul
Baaba Maal
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music
Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000248VT
Release Date: 1998-08-25