As on the initial volume, this lavishly illustrated and annotated two-CD set explores assorted blueslike traditions found in and around the Sahara. Many of these artists use pentatonic scales and yes, their earthy vocals are often reminiscent of acoustic North American strains. But as each song unfolds into the next, like stanzas of an epic poem, individual identities and nationalities emerge loud and clear. Malian troubadour Boubacar Traore's woebegone keening could melt a heart of industrial-grade granite, while Momo Wandel Soumah of Conakry, Guinea, trades licks with a honking sax and periodically breaks into an irrepressible talking blues. When, or even if, African and Western players first began to influence one another is irrelevant in the face of such soul-stirring beauty. Wherever these tunes originated or have traveled since, they deal with real life in all its heartbreak, frustration, and glory and are triumphs of fierce, vulnerable humanity. --Christina Roden

Product details
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches; 6.37 Ounces
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Network
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 22.762
SPARS Code ‏ : ‎ DDD
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 9, 2007
Label ‏ : ‎ Network
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00006L708
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 2
Best Sellers Rank: #154,974 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
#401 in African Music