Boulevard de l'indépendance

by

Toumani Diabaté's Symmetric Orchestra

Edit

This is one of the finest albums in an Afro World genre that I have ever heard. The liveness of this recording jumps out of your speakers with an energy similar to that from Orchestra Baobab except Diabate has gone big -- a great big band sound. The spirit reminded me a bit of what Van Morrison was able to achieve with the New Caledonia Band (back in the day.) When I heard the horns I thought of Van's arrangments when Pee Wee Ellis was in the band and was pleasantly surprised to find Mr. Ellis' name among the credits on this album. Of course Diabate's wonderful kora playing sweeps in and out of the songs, but it is clear that the conductor is more interested in seeing that everyone in the band has the chance to shine. Truly superb performances by everyone involved. Wish I could give it 10 stars.

Please bring this wonderful music from Mali to concert halls or dance halls or churches--this is the kind of music that transforms and makes our higher nature emerge into the world.