Mamadou Kelly - "Les Bateaux"
Blues from the Niger Delta in Mali. Mamadou Kelly sings about life. Seemingly simple, upon listening his songs reveal a multi-layered complexity. He is a master of the desert blues. Kelly’s group include Aly Magassa, Kande Sissoko, Afo Guindo, Jacob Silver. Guest include Cindy Cashdollar, David Rothenberg, Adama Sidibe, Madou Diabate and Hama Sangho. Recorded in Bamako and New York.
UA-46884927-1
LES BATEAUX
Les Bateaux, the title track of this album, recalls the 1970’s, hard years of drought and famine in Mali. It paints a scene of villagers on the banks of the Niger River waiting for boats carrying food. Mamadou Kelly recalls those years calling out the name of each boat’s longed for appearance over the horizon.
Kelly praises and thanks those who do admirable things. He evokes the spirits of collective memory. His allusions reveal deeper intents. Seemingly simple, upon listening his songs reveal multi-layered complexity. He is a master of the desert blues.
His group on this album includes longtime colleague Aly Magassa on electric guitar, Kande Sissoko on ngoni and Hamadoun “Afo” Guindo on percussion. They are joined on tracks by Malian musicians Adama Sidibe on balafon, Madou Diabate on violin and Hama Sangho on backup vocal as well as American friends Jacob Silver on bass, Cindy Cashdollar on lap steel guitar and David Rothenberg on clarinets.
This album was recorded in Bamako and New York.
Credits and lyrics can be found at the link button below
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