Prudence (Electric Cowbell Records EP-ECR709, 2013)
The music of Malian musician Cheick Hamala Diabate gets remixed in this EP titled Prudence. Cheick Hamala Diabate is no stranger to hybrid sounds. Although he has the training of a traditional griot he is known for applying electronic technology into his music. He has adapted his traditional ngoni so he can use a wah-wah pedal with delay and other effects.
The EP contains five versions of the same track, titled ‘Prudence’. One of them is the original track by Cheick Hamala Diabate, where he and his band plays the repetitive piece combining processed ngoni, balafon, vocals and percussion with brass. The rest are electronic dance remixes by various well-known American producers, including NYCTrust, The Whiskey Barons, Daytoner, and Jon Kennedy. The most inspired remixes are the rootsy recreations by Daytoner and The Whiskey Barons.
The album includes a 6th track titled ‘Fatou Kounkoun Sissoko’ remixed by Washington DC’s Sol Power All-Stars, which another great track, possibly the best cut on the album.
Cheick Hamala Diabate is a griot musician and oral historian from Mali. He was born into a griot family in Kita, Mali. At a young age he learned to play the ngoni. Cheick Hamala Diabate is now based in Washington DC, where he teaches and represents West African culture. He has collaborated with artists such as Bela Fleck and Corey Harris.
Tour Dates
May 02, 2013 at Desire on Burgundy – New Orleans, Louisiana
May 03, 2013 at Old US Mint – New Orleans, Louisiana
May 04, 2013 at Hi Ho Lounge – New Orleans, Louisiana
May 05, 2013 at Gasa Gasa – New Orleans, Louisiana
May 10, 2013 at National Museum of African Art – Washington, DC
Aug. 10 2013 at Town Center Stage – Reston, Virginia
Buy the CD, MP3s or vinyl: Prudence
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.
