This more musically ambitious sequel to 1988's Songhai reunites Gypsy new-flamenco stars Ketama (and their former vocalist Jos Soto) with Mali's Toumani Diabate, a virtuoso of the 21-string African harp called the kora. An... more »d while British doublebassist Danny Thompson returns for a few tracks, the music is enriched by the addition of Keletigui Diabate's balafon (which resembles a marimba) and a variety of Spanish and Mali guests. The musical coloration drifts pleasantly back and forth between Iberian rhythms, complete with clattering castanets, spitfire guitar lines, and ferocious hand claps--and the Diabates' undulating griot grooves and honeyed female vocal choruses. Since Latin music is well-known in Mali, the contrasts are less marked than you might think, while the lyrical counterpoint between Moorish and African cultures is fascinating. --Richard Gehr« less
This more musically ambitious sequel to 1988's Songhai reunites Gypsy new-flamenco stars Ketama (and their former vocalist Jos Soto) with Mali's Toumani Diabate, a virtuoso of the 21-string African harp called the kora. And while British doublebassist Danny Thompson returns for a few tracks, the music is enriched by the addition of Keletigui Diabate's balafon (which resembles a marimba) and a variety of Spanish and Mali guests. The musical coloration drifts pleasantly back and forth between Iberian rhythms, complete with clattering castanets, spitfire guitar lines, and ferocious hand claps--and the Diabates' undulating griot grooves and honeyed female vocal choruses. Since Latin music is well-known in Mali, the contrasts are less marked than you might think, while the lyrical counterpoint between Moorish and African cultures is fascinating. --Richard Gehr
"I also found this as a cassette, in a "99-cent" store, of all places, alongside cheesy oriental imports and a variety of low-quality goods. I was familiar with Ketama, so I snatched it up, thinking I might have a pretty cool find on my hands. I had no idea this would become one of my favorite albums. I have since purchased the first Songhai album, but the second is superior, in my opinion. I have owned it for about 8 years, now, and although the cassette itself is wearing out, the music itself seems to get even better."
A weird and wonderful fusion
rudiger | Hoople, ND | 05/21/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I know nothing about flamenco music or Spanish guitarists, but I got this recording because I dig the Malian musicians on it. The vibe they create with their Iberian compadres is truly something to listen to. The songs run the gamut from the soothing strains of "Pozo del Deseo" to snappy numbers like "Su te mone bo." Songhai's first recording is just as good, though it seems not to be available here. Fans of Malian music--particularly the ubiquitous kora player Toumani Diabate--will no doubt admire this striking and unusual collaboration."
A must-have CD
Antonio(asterix@ulster.net) | New York | 07/14/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ketama are in the best New Flamenco frontier.As a flamenco lover, I must say this boys represent where flamenco will evolve to. Being terribly respectful with their ancestors (all their families are flamenco artists), the mix of African percussions, counterpoint voices, etc. really open a whole new world in the marvellous flamenco one. Powerfull, wonderful, passionate. As a Spaniard, this is what flows in my veins."
Absolutely magical!
rudiger | 06/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found this album as a tape in a 99 cent bin cause it sounded interesting...and boy did I hit the jackpot! Its easily one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. The song pozo del deseo is just magical. The album has both african and spanish sounding parts to which combine very well. I went out and bought the other album after listening to this, and its great too."
One of my favorite CDs!
Antonio(asterix@ulster.net) | 10/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ketama's Songai series is awesome. I've been following these guys since 1992 or so. Theirs is some of the hottest flamenco around; Songai 2 takes them back to Africa for some wonderful Afro-Spanish rhythms. Oh, to be Spanish..!"