Diabate, Zani and Super Djata Band – “Super Djata De Bamako” – [Kindred Spirits]

humana   11/30/2014   12-inch, International

Zani Diabate formed the Super Djata Band, one of Mali’s premiere private orchestras. Called “Mali’s electric warriors,” they offer here five songs rich with historical folklore that is described in the liner notes. Zani’s mad guitar skills are nicely offset by vocals and other local instruments such as kamalen ngoni and djembe. The liveliness of the music takes you to the heart of the Bamako region of Mali and immerses you in the cultural feel of the area. Each musician is part of a rich musical lineage that continues even after his passage to another plane. As you listen, you feel like you’re rollicking on the back of a camel or walking across flatlands in a hypnotic trance. Bon voyage!