Habib KoitA© & Bamada - Baro

Now with his third album, Habib Koité has grown into a real triple threat. Not only is he a superb songwriter and singer, he's also a trained guitarist of remarkable style and invention, whose playing inspiration comes from native instruments, such as the harp-like kora--he often imitates its rippling runs--or the lute-like n'goni. Koité is very rooted, both in his own playing and that of his band, Bamada, but the structure and harmonies of his songs are readily accessible to Western audiences, a move away from the more bluesy idioms of, say, Boubacar Traore. Add to that a lilting, seductive voice, and Koité basically has all the goods in one package. At the same time, this is no compromise album in search of stardom in the West. This is very much the real Mali deal, as is apparent in the last few cuts, when the band switches to a more Wassoulou approach (from the south of the country, and typified by singers like Oumou Sangare), with its harsher, drier tone. But by then you've been won over. Koité is, without doubt, a major talent, and this record could well be his breakthrough to the big time. He's paid his dues and earned his status. The man is a star. --Chris Nickson Amazon.com

Great African production with a lot of Cuban clave

I keep seeing Habib Koite`s face around in my Putumayo music albums. Then I purchased a new Computer and two of his songs were included. I really enjoyed them, and decided to purchase this album. The man can play some serious guitar, going from some fast songs to some slow tempo. However as a latin music fan, what struck me as most accessible was that many songs were on clave(rhythmic basis for a lot of latin music), specially the fifth song, Cigarette a Bana, which is basically a sonsalsa song, the only track in spanish, with the piano part being played by the Malian Xylophone.

Aside from the reasons given by other costumers, this is a good album to explore the African-Latin connection. September 7, 2008

Lost it and bought it again

I had this CD and some one or some how it was lost and found by someone else. I loved it so much that I bought it again. This is a beautiful up lifting CD that should be played on Sunday morning as you make a pancake breakfast for your family. The angelic and up beat rhythm of traditional African music can be felt from the floor to your feet. I saw him in Sant Cruz, CA in 2003 and he was just as good live as he was on the CD. His band is made up of a remarkable group of players who in there own ways are just as refined and elegant as Habib. May 20, 2008

Gold and silk, spun into sound...

We first encountered Habib Koite and his group Bamada, through their song 'Sambara' on 'A Day in the Life of Africa' (which cd is another recommendation.) From there we've picked up Ma Ya and now Baro, and I will certainly continue until we own everything they have produced.

The rich sound, so wonderfully filling somehow, is like coming home. As with Thierry Cham, and Khadja Nin (two other strong yet different recommendations) the music resonates, regardless of your understanding of the language.

If you enjoy the Malian sound, give a listen to some of the Senegalese singers as well (Baaba Mal, Wasis Diop, Thione Seck and Wock.) February 3, 2006

Sorry I missed him in concert

I bought this album as a consolation after my husband and I had to cancel out on Habib Koite's appearance last summer in Boulder. While still sorry I didn't get to hear (and see) all of Bamada's fantastic instrumentation in person, I listen to the album constantly and highly recommend it.

Some personal favorites: Kanawa (Please don't go), Woulaba (Deep in the bush) and Baro (The chat). October 23, 2005

Beautiful!

From start to finish, each track is beautifully played and arranged. I am totally addicted to this record. June 5, 2005

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