Mali Lolo: Stars of Mali
is pretty much what the title implies: Mali's biggest musical acts collected to show the breadth of modern Malian music. However, there are a number of things about this recording that are done so well that this compilation goes to the head of the class as far as Malian collections are concerned.
Smithsonian Folkways
has been documenting indigenous musics for decades now. This time out, rather than attempt to document each artist with its own resources,
has wisely decided to simply license tracks from existing albums on other labels. The end result is a recording filled with great productions, something that otherwise would have been cost-prohibitive given the star power involved. Also, on this collection, not only do they supply information on the songs themselves and artist biographies, but give a good background on the various musical traditions and from what groups and regions they emanate. The bottom line, of course, is the music, and compiler
Jon Kertzer
has done a wonderful job. Some productions sound decidedly more modern than others, but
traditional
Malian music is never left behind. Besides the human voice, guitar, kora, and balafon are the main sounds, even among the more contemporary productions like those of
Habib Koite
and
Oumou Sangare
. From the
kora sounds of
Toumani Diabate
to the African
blues
of
Ali Farka Toure
to the updated Wassoulou sounds of
,
Mali Lolo
has much to offer. Very well done. ~ Sean Westergaard