For this New Sounds program, listen to western music meeting the music of West Africa, as in music from the Beirut-born Raja Kassis or the Jewish Afro-beat party band Zion80, led by Jon Madof. There’s music steeped in the traditions of Mali and Senegal from New York-based guitarist born and raised in Lebanon, Raja Kassis, (who also plays with Blitz the Ambassador.) From his recent record, HumanBEING, listen to “Aiisha,” inspired by a Curtis Mayfield tune; it incorporates an Ethiopian tune on cello around halfway through. Also, from Zion 80’s latest, “Adramalech,” hear “Metatron” – Jewish themes through the Afrobeat lens.
Listen to music from master drummer Baba Sissoko, (also a guitarist), who blends Malian griot music with psychedelic rock on Tchiwara. Then, the Malian singer named Bijou is accompanied by a Damon Albarn soundscape, from the record, “Africa Express Presents: Maison de Jeunes,” a meeting of western and West African musicians. Plus, music from the Tuareg band Tinariwen, in collaboration with Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone of TV On The Radio. And more.
PROGRAM #3631 West Meets West Africa (First aired on 8/21/2014)
ARTIST: Mamar Kassey (feat. Jean Luc Thomas & Harouna Godjé)
WORK: Habdè, excerpt [1:00]
RECORDING: Taboussizé-niger
SOURCE: Innacor
INFO: Available at Amazon.com or iTunes
ARTIST: Baba Sissoko
WORK: Tchi Wara [3:21]
RECORDING: Tchiwara
SOURCE: Goodfellas
INFO: babasissoko.com
Available at Amazon.com, iTunes
ARTIST: Raja Kassis
WORK: Aiisha [4:56]
RECORDING: Human Being
SOURCE: Ropeadope
INFO: store.ropeadope.com
ARTIST: Zion80
WORK: Zorn: Metatron [9:06]
RECORDING: Adramelech: Book of Angels, Vol. 22
SOURCE: Tzadik 8319
INFO: tzadik.com
ARTIST: Bijou
WORK: Dougoudé Sarrafo (Produced by Damon Albarn) [3:29]
RECORDING: Africa Express Presents: Maison Des Jeunes
SOURCE: Transgressive Records
INFO: transgressiverecords.com OR africaexpress.co.uk
ARTIST: Tinariwen
WORK: Tenere Taqqim Tossam [4:13]
RECORDING: Tassili
SOURCE: Anti - #87148-2
INFO: anti.com | kingsroadmerch.com
ARTIST: Benyoro
WORK: Kaira [8:22]
RECORDING: Benyoro
SOURCE: Benyoro Music
INFO: benyoro.com
ARTIST: Various:Aicha Sidibe
WORK: Damaro [4:13]
RECORDING: Sembeh Ma Fa Fe - Roots Volume
SOURCE: Stronghold Sound
INFO: strongholdsound.com
ARTIST: Mamani Keita
WORK: Kanou [3:52]
RECORDING: Kanou
SOURCE: World Village 479080
INFO: store.harmoniamundi.com
ARTIST: Angelique Kidjo
WORK: Orisha [3:26]
RECORDING: Eve
SOURCE: Savoy Records / 429 Records / Universal
INFO: 429records.com
ARTIST: Mamar Kassey (feat. Jean Luc Thomas & Harouna Godjé)
WORK: Habdè, excerpt [1:00]
RECORDING: Taboussizé-niger
SOURCE: Innacor
INFO: Available at Amazon.com or iTunes