Adrian Phillips hopes that Kasse Mady's Manden Djeli Kan, his first release since 2002 redresses the balance and gains him more recognition. Lauded by Blur’s Damon Albarn, Mali’s Kasse Maddy Diabate talents have been somewhat overshadowed in the West by his better known relative Toumani Diabate.
Each piece of music bristles with vitality and individuality; from the gentle flow of the album’s opener Bandja, whose hypnotic beat nearly made me drift off, to the frantic pulse of Douga Djabira which builds to an exciting climax and had completely the opposite effect.
Other stand out tracks include Kia Ko Djou with some sublime flute work by Ahemd Fofana, Manden Mandinkadenou with it’s guitar driven funky feel and the pure Cora of Nankoumanddjianf which features Toumani Diabate.
The production by Cheick Tidiane Seck and Jean Lamoot is clear and sympathetic to all involved with vocals and instrumentation sitting comfortably in the mix. I for one hope that this release brings Kasse Mady the recognition his undoubted gifts deserve.
