2004-11-23
Such brilliant harmonic and rhythmic stylings from this, Rokia Traore’s third release. Bowmboi turns Malian folk melodies and traditional instruments on its head with classical string arrangements from the likes of Kronos Quartet and modern lyricism. Traore, 30, is a daughter of a diplomat and spent her childhood moving about and as such, had difficulty forming lasting friendships. She turned to music, started her career in France, but later returned to her native Mali to polish her craft and sift some West African earth. (steLLa)
Symbolic Olives
The Scene That Celebrates Itself
Los Mono
Somos Los Que Estamos
EASTERN BLOK
Folk Tales
RAHIM ALHAJ
When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq
TREMOLOCO
Dulcinea
NATACHA ATLAS
Mounqaliba-Rising: The Remixes
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.