Well, he’s back at last, and once again he’s moved the goalposts: if you thought Nomad Soul was a step too far then Television surely represents one giant leap (ahem!). Recorded in collaboration with New York based Brazilian Girls, who are a major presence vocally as well as instrumentally, it is a very modern “western” sounding album, with solid beats, a lively organic production and catchy songs. Maal’s trademark voice doesn’t cut loose very often, but the African connection is ever present adding instrumental colour to the mix.
Early impressions suggest the standout songs to be the hypnotic grooves of A Song For Women and the opening title track Television, and the mainly acoustic, almost desert blues feel, of closer Tindo Quando featuring some fine vocals from both Maal and Sabina Sciubba. It’s early days, but I love this kind of “crossover” music and find myself going back to it again and again. Definitely thumbs up from me for one of my favourite musicians, but I suspect most diehard traditionalists aren’t going to like it!
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Hmmmm, what to say? If you know and like Baaba Maal this probably is a step too far down the western route. I just don’t really get the point of it. It’s okay but just a bit bland and dull. Baaba’s voice is not very prominent and the talking drums and sabars are hidden away. I just don’t know why anyone should bother really. Stick to his acoustic classics – Baayo and Missing You (Mi Yeewnii). Or the early electro-Senes sounds of Taara and Wango. If you really want some cross over stuff that works try Firin In Fouta or Lam Toro.
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It’s World Music, Jim, but not as we know it …. !,
Well, he’s back at last, and once again he’s moved the goalposts: if you thought Nomad Soul was a step too far then Television surely represents one giant leap (ahem!). Recorded in collaboration with New York based Brazilian Girls, who are a major presence vocally as well as instrumentally, it is a very modern “western” sounding album, with solid beats, a lively organic production and catchy songs. Maal’s trademark voice doesn’t cut loose very often, but the African connection is ever present adding instrumental colour to the mix.
Early impressions suggest the standout songs to be the hypnotic grooves of A Song For Women and the opening title track Television, and the mainly acoustic, almost desert blues feel, of closer Tindo Quando featuring some fine vocals from both Maal and Sabina Sciubba. It’s early days, but I love this kind of “crossover” music and find myself going back to it again and again. Definitely thumbs up from me for one of my favourite musicians, but I suspect most diehard traditionalists aren’t going to like it!
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|Bland and a little dull,
Hmmmm, what to say?
If you know and like Baaba Maal this probably is a step too far down the western route. I just don’t really get the point of it. It’s okay but just a bit bland and dull. Baaba’s voice is not very prominent and the talking drums and sabars are hidden away.
I just don’t know why anyone should bother really.
Stick to his acoustic classics – Baayo and Missing You (Mi Yeewnii).
Or the early electro-Senes sounds of Taara and Wango.
If you really want some cross over stuff that works try Firin In Fouta or Lam Toro.
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|A rich and exciting album,
I am a recent convert to Baaba Maal, having seen him supporting Yusuf (Cat Stevens) and in his own right at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
This is a rich and exciting album, a highly textured fusion of his more traditional vocal and instrumental style with modern, electric musical forms.
A must-buy album.
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