Kandia Kouyate - Biriko 2002

Few voices can truly command attention, but Kandia Kouyate is one of them. A Malian national treasure and quite possibly that country's greatest female singer, she's what her countrymen call a ngara, a person with almost supernatural powers. And from her singing, it's quite feasible that she possesses them; she not only exudes charisma, even on CD, but there's also a sense that she's barely using the extent of her gifts. This collection of her songs based in the Bambara tradition is acoustic, a perfect setting for her. In addition to standard instruments like djembe, the marimba-like balofon, guitar, and ngoni, flute features occasionally, as do Indian violin and saxophone (which sounds out of place, really). But this is a disc that plays one of its strongest cards at the opening of the first track, as guest guitarist Djelimady Tounkara, from the Super Rail Band, unleashes a jaw-dropping cascade of notes as the introduction to "San Barano" -- a minute's worth of playing that's worth the price of the album by itself. Richly and warmly produced by veteran Ibrahim Sylla, the ultimate aim is to showcase Kouyate, and that's what happens, from the raw, churning groove of "Tchegniba" to the rhythmically dense "Kadabila," where she seems to simply float over the rhythm. Apart from offering 11 tracks of superb music, this record proves that Kouyate is the equal of the best divas in the world -- and deserves the respect that goes along with it. AMG.

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