May 12, 2015
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Ba Power
“Some will no doubt cluck with displeasure at the continuing Westernization of Kouyaté’s sound, as if a few indistinct guest spots and a non-Malian drummer signal the erosion of tradition in the face of almighty pop dollars. Whatever. By allowing the ngoni a leading voice while relegating the kora to supporting roles, Kouyaté’s already upended conventions, just as fellow Malaian Salif Keita did in the ’70s by incorporating Latin/Caribbean rhythms into the stage act of pioneering Afro-pop outfit Les Ambassadeurs....”
I reviewed Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba’s terrific new Ba Power for SPIN. Follow the link!
http://www.spin.com/2015/05/review-bassekou-kouyate-and-ngoni-ba-ba-power/
