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Issa Bagayogo
TIMBUKTU
(SIX DEGREES)

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With his second international release, Mali’s Issa Bagayogo delivers some of the hippest African takes on club music around. On "Sisi," the deep-toned plunk of Bagayogo’s large, six-string harp drops into a spare, swinging club groove adorned by keyboard horns, tasty guitar riffing, and a smoky, laid-back vocal. Even slower and more sensual, "Baro" works around a flute riff and fine backing vocals. Bagayogo is no Salif Keita at the microphone, but his cool, slightly rough vocals give his songs a reedy authenticity. And though slow, sultry numbers like the title track are his stock in trade, there are a few crankers here as well, notably "Dambalou," in which traditional xylophone and harp and a winning electric guitar hook interplay with electronic bleeps, whistles, and tones in a spare, satisfying arrangement that never flags. "Saye Mogo Bana," with its catchy vocals and mid-tempo lope, is similar to much local Malian pop, but the production makes a world of difference. Ambient guitar and backing vocals weave through the mix, and the techno touches enhance rather than bury or supplant the acoustic instruments.

BY BANNING EYRE

Issue Date: January 31 - February 7, 2002
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