It's always nice at this time of year to come across a record thatyou think might bridge the period between Spring and Summer. Mali legend Oumou Sangare's latest album Timbuktu may be that record for me in 2022.
Sangare has been putting out great records since the Eighties largely in the Malian tradition This one's a bit different. Made a career changing decision while touring the US duringCovid, falling in love with Baltimore and settling down in Maryland to record this.
The opening guitar lick of first track Wassulu Don is enough to let you know exactly how her approach might be slightly different this time round. It's a Blues lick and this is certainly a Blues record as much as it's a Soul or Wassoulou, Malian one.
The cadence of her homeland region is certainly here. Timbuktu is grounded on shifting and glittering waves of sound established by the interplay between Sangare and her backing vocalists.
Most of it is slightly more downbeat than Wassulu Don which is a full on dance number. You'll find that you want to dance elsewhere, or at least shake your hips but it's generally slightly reflective. Sangare has always been a political activist and her concerns are doubtless addressed. Not speaking her native tongue, I can't comment further to say.
Except to say that the soul, conviction and conscience of the record are immediate. It's just a terrific record that you'll want to return to. Surely enough times to ride all the way to the summer months.
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