rokku mi rokka

translated from senegalese to english means give and take
or more precisely according to the man himself
you give me something, i give you something
in reference to his countries part in the world
this is the 22nd album from youssou n'dour
the so-called lion of african music
discovered and nurtured by peter gabriel
had a hit single with neneh cherry titled 7 seconds
performed at womadelaide a few years back
records on the prestigious nonesuch label
starred in the recent film amazing grace
is held in high esteem by all and sundry
on this album he has done a springsteen
reformed his original band from years ago - super etoile
including several members of the equally famous orchestra baobab
4-4-44
calpyso kind of feel and slick production
his unmistakable high, fluid, clear voice dominating
the equally familiar dondo drum is the dominant african instrument
amongst a host of flutes, guitars, percussion and brass
a great up-beat, building tune to start the album
pullo ardo
stripped back to electric guitar, percussion, bass mostly
there's also a piano-accordian (or african equivalent) working away also
amazingly clean production again which seems to be a youssou trademark
this one has a kind of almost zydeco feel to it - for obvious reasons
would be a real singalong tune if you could speak the language
sama gammu
the kora is introduced on this very west african sounding tune
distinctive looping percussive rhythm gets the head nodding
his voice backed up with some equally impressive male voice harmonising
the kora is in the tune from start to finish including the big climax
same as always - the sum of the parts makes for a totally unique tune
bajjan
heading off into almost experimental electronica territory
it may well be the sound of real instruments
but the core of this tune sounds like someone noodling with electronica
and various other instruments hanging off that - tapped drum cymbals the most obvious
but in the end it's that voice again - rising to the challenge on this fun little tune
baay faal
kora heaven again and the introduction sounding very familiar
have to say it again - stunning production with various instruments given space
simulated or actual string sounds worked into the mix
voice as instrument an equal on this occasion and not dominating
again no idea what the lyrics mean but who really cares - if feeeeeels fine
sportif
caribbean kind of feel introduction to this one with light instrumentation
bass, drums, backing vocals kick in and there's the kora again
the emphasis seems to be on the vocals which are as clear as a bell
at times like this it would be even better to understand the language
but let it go, get into the groove, enjoy the music and vocal dexterity
tukki
he sure has a very distinctive voice - he is rated as a great tenor
this tune again has minimal/background instrumentation
meaning his voice is the standout instrument and filling the song
a looping catchy bass line holds this tune together
the orchestra baobab influence coming through with the other guitar sounds
lett ma
can't pick it but this one sounds quite familiar - maybe orchestra baobab again
starts out very gentle, with voice then guitar only
builds to another very nicely produced tune with a strong beat
vocal harmonising/overlaying going on to add to the appeal
can imagine this being a live favourite with it's easy dance feel
dabbaax
bit odd this one - attempting to mix it up i suspect
has sent most of the band packing and has various acoustic instruments being played
a very repetitive riff played on the acoustic and his voice again dominating proceedings
the bridge part of the song to me doesn't quite fit but a small issue really
in the end quite a pleasant and easily-consumed song about....something
xel
the return of the piano accordian leads in this song
band kicks in with a big drum sound and vocal harmonising
a very distinctive verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-etc type song
another case of better appreciation would be had understanding the lyrics
but still quite catchy though not as impressively produced as other tracks
wake up (it's africa calling)
album closer and a real throwback to a sound from the 90's
the familiar voice of neneh cherry comes in doing her sing-rap
youssour sings in english repeatedly wake up this is africa calling
it's not 7 seconds and it's a real departure from the other tracks
it's ok but sounds quite out of a place - seems a blatant marketing intervention

quite a good album overall - will stand up to repeat play
though you would have to like his voice for that
strikes me it's one of those like/leave voices
you either like it....or.....leave it
still - he has my respect
22 albums down
more to come
no doubt