CD REVIEW FOR LA DIFFERENCE
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UK Guardian, CD Review for La Difference, 03/01/10 >>
Salif Keita has always liked to surprise. From the experimental, keyboard-backed energy of Soro, in the late 1980s, to the gently exquisite acoustic albums that have marked his return to Mali, Africa's finest and most soulful singer has constantly changed his direction. But the biggest surprise on this set is that he seems to have settled down into a predictable, if classy, routine. The mood is, for the most part, laid-back, and Keita's vocal work is soulful and relaxed, with passages where he seems to be on cruise control matched by sudden bursts of gently passionate singing, as on the excellent Gaffou and Saminga. The backing ranges from acoustic guitars, played by himself and the great Kante Manfila – a friend and colleague since the days of the Les Ambassadeurs band, in the 70s – to African instruments such as the n'goni and balafon, with the subtle addition of anything from organ to a string quartet. Keita sings in English on the first section of the thoughtful title track, which deals with his life as an albino ("I am black, my skin is white"), and mysteriously devotes three of the remaining eight tracks to songs that he first recorded in the 90s. No wonder he sounds so relaxed
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OTHER PRESS:
Pittsburgh Post / Wall Street Journal, An African Music Star uses Fame & Wealth to Help Fellow Albinos 01/06/06
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fROOTS / BBC Radio, BBC Radio Album of the Year 2006 11/01/06
>> read review
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Today's Zaman, Salif Keïta to sing his messages of hope in Istanbul concert 04/01/10
>> read review
>> go to source (web)
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