Wouty

On first listen this sounds like a very pleasant, semi-acoustic, low-key, album of relaxed, modern Senegalese music. After several plays, it reveals itself to be a rather splendid and multi-faceted session of jazz and blues-tinged mbalax. Vocalist and guitarist Abdoulaye Samb founded the group Minnjiaraby in 2001. His principle musical background is of Fula and Mande cultures, and his voice, while not as distinctive as Youssou N’Dour or Baaba Maal, is highly enjoyable. On this recording the group Minnjiaraby employ a line-up of guitars, bass, drums and percussion. Additionally there is some splendid Fula flute and kora, plus some excellent female backing vocalists. The album's production is understated – a refreshing change from many Senegalese albums that receive big-budget productions and are sometimes electronically over-laden.

While the song compositions and vocals are very satisfying, it is the instrumental passages that really set this apart. Some of the jazz-influenced guitar work is sublime. Both acoustic and electric guitar work is exceptional, and the band's sympathetic backing is really enjoyable.