Sila Kang

On a first listen to this debut album from Nottingham-based Gambian musician Sura Susso, the word that kept coming to mind was ‘pleasant’, Now, you might like pleasant, in which case this kora-centred collection of originals and traditional tunes could be just the ticket. But I prefer a bit of edge, even if it only surfaces once in a while, like the spike on a lie detector readout. But a few more plays down the line and I'm more convinced. Because although Susso has an agreeable singing voice and plays djembé, calabash and other percussion, it's his fluid kora work that holds everything together and lends the whole album an over-arching grace and consistent feel. There's also some guest musicians who add a certain amount of oomph and much-needed textual variation, such as Pete Bernard on bass and guitar. On a couple of tunes, Baba Galleh Kante rocks it on flute – and not many musicians can rock it on the flute.

Although the album is divided between traditional Gambian tunes and the man's own compositions, there's an overall cohesiveness to proceedings. And yes, there's the obligatory song called ‘Africa’ – if Africa had a dollar for every song sentimentally singing its praises, it would no longer be a third world continent. But as it's a delicate instrumental, rather than a rousing chorus-laden anthem, it can be forgiven.