Cheikh Lô
Lamp Fall (World Circuit/Nonesuch, 2006)
Musician and songwriter
Cheikh Lô has become of the most attractive
figures in West African music. On his latest release,
Lamp Fall, Lo travels to several countries, collaborating with
musicians from different cultures who share his passion for music.
Some of the songs have a typically Senegalese essence, with
Lô using mbalax
beats and West African drums, especially the talking drum, combined with pop
sounds.
The music takes a Brazilian twist on several songs recorded in Brazil. the
result is spectacular, especially on pieces like “Senegal-Bresil,” where
Lô and
his band jam with Brazilian musicians. Tama (talking drums) player Samba N’Dohk
joins a carnival drum ensemble in this fiery piece.
Another favorite is the Africanized Cuban son “Sante Yalla,” where Lô
takes a slow Cuban guajira rhythm and tops it with his vocals and Lamine Faye’s
guitar solo. The Cuban sounds continue with “Tougayu M’Bedo.”
The international flavor of
Lamp Fall continues with the Congolese-flavored “N’Galula” and
reggae piece “Bamba Mo Woor.”
Buy
Lamp Fall.
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.
