COMPOSERS: Cheikh Lô
LABELS: World Circuit
PERFORMER: Cheikh Lo (voice, guitar) et al
CATALOGUE NO: WCD 084
Cheikh Lo's work has a more contemporary edge and urgency, and this first album in five years sets the Senegal veteran’s throaty vocal power against a diverse set of musical influences, especially from Spain and Cuba.
But it remains a fine showcase of African styles over a typical range: peace and corruption, migration and African identity and praise of Allah. Its regular supporting musicians are joined by drummer Tony Allen and saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis. Robert Maycock