It doesn’t get more international than this from Malian Rokia Traoré, which showcases her intimate voice with uncluttered, repetitive Gretsch guitar and simple percussion.
Daughter of a diplomat who travelled the US, Europe and Middle East, and schooled in Brussels, Traoré brings a West African sensibility to her eclecticism, but western harp and steel drums also make surprising contributions (‘Kounandi’, ‘A Ou Ni Sou’).
It’s sparse in the bravest way only a truly confident musician can achieve, allowing Traoré’s voice to breathe—something it’s more than welcome to do.
Traditional African music is given an invigorating lift.
[etRating value=“ 4”]