The Original Sound of Mali 2

Malian musicians have faced a rough time in recent years, thanks to political upheaval and security problems, so here’s a reminder of their more easy-going past, with a second Mr Bongo compilation of “rare and lost gems from Mali’s inspirational musical legacy.” Compiled by the French writer Florent Mazzoleni and Mr Bongo’s David Buttle, The Original Sound of Mali 2 follows the same pattern as the first album, eight years ago, in mixing tracks by well and lesser-known bands. Once again, there are appearances from Bamako’s two great and glorious rival dance bands, Rail Band and Les Ambassadeurs, with the latter providing a reminder that popular bands had to cater to their audience’s demand for US music with their James Brown tribute, ‘Get Up James’. Elsewhere, the Tjiwara Band de Kati provide an energetic cover of ‘Midnight Hour’, there’s driving dance music from kamalengoni exponent Allata Broulaye and an edgy, hypnotic track, ‘Sidi Yahia’, from Mystère Jazz de Timbouctou.