The Stimulating Malian Grooves of Djoss Diabaté

Djoss Diabaté

Haklima (Goin’ Native, 2005)

New York-based Malian singer Djoss Diabaté has recorded one of the most
inspiring recordings of contemporary Malian music in recent years. Djoss Diabaté
is the artistic name of Abdulaye Diabaté. Since there is already another well
known singer based in Europe called Abdoulaye Diabaté, the US-based jali (also
known as griot) singer with the powerful voice goes under the artistic name of
Djoss Diabaté.A lot of the credit for the music goes to Djoss Diabaté’s vocal performance and
Ivorian keyboardist and producer Azouhouni Adou. His solos, keyboard-bass and
arrangements are clearly spectacular. Adou is heavily influenced by one of the
great masters of contemporary keyboards:
Joe
Zawinul
.

The rest of Djoss Diabaté’s band includes guitarist Moussa Cissoko and bala
player Bala Kouyaté. Several African, American and European musicians involved
in New York’s African music scene participate in the albums as guests.

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.

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