Two years ago, the world’s greatest n’goni player released the magnificent Jama Ko, an album that matched furious songs about the chaos then threatening Mali with exhilarating solos on the ancient African lute, transformed with electric pick-ups and effects pedals. Now, Kouyaté has decided to add guests and new instruments to his family n’goni band, but they aren’t always necessary. The opening Siran Fen is a stomping workout that’s helped by the added percussion of Dave Smith (of Robert Plant and JuJu fame), but there is no need for electric guitar solos, however efficient, when the Hendrix of the n’goni is on hand. And as for the brass and keyboards, they add little to a set that succeeds because of Kouyaté’s memorable playing on the attacking Waati or the bluesy Bassekouni, the commanding vocal work of his wife, Amy Sacko, and a fine selection of thoughtful songs.
