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)
CHICKENFAT KLEZMER ORCHESTRA
The Space Sessions
Yoshida Brothers
III
Femi Kuti
Live at the Shrine
BOMBA ESTEREO
Blow Up
Various Artists
Congotronics 2 – Buzz ‘N’ Rumble From the Urb ‘N’ Jungle
FORRO IN THE DARK
Bonfires of Sao Joao
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