Aynaabe

The traditional bowed violin of the Senegalese Peul shepherds is called nianiorou or riti. Former shepherd Issa Sow is perhaps the most successful exponent of the instrument having collaborated with artists like Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal. This is the follow-up to his excellent 2009 release Doumale in which he spectacularly combined his instrument with a full orchestral string section. On Aynaabe he again works with classical violinists but this time stripped down to just two: Wouter Vandenabeele, who appeared on Doumale, and Shalan Alhamwy.

Together the two violinists weave some beautiful passages around the guitar, kora and percussion of Sow's Senegalese musicians. Principal vocalist Abdou Camara has some of the power and vocal inflection of Youssou N'Dour when at his most traditional. This is highly melancholic and pure Senegalese music – far removed from the fizzing modern dance grooves of the likes of the Star Band and Orchestra Baobab. Perhaps the most notable thing about this album is how the contrast exists between the pair of classical violins and the traditional nianiorou. To the unsuspecting Western ear the traditional instrument is strident and coarse in comparison to the conservatory style of a classical violin. At times, particularly on a couple of tracks towards the end of the album, Issa Sow's playing becomes almost uncomfortably challenging. It's a fascinating ride that at times requires perseverance in order to gain reward.