Special Fin D’Année 2009

As a long time Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Etoile devotee I especially look forward to the recordings that appear via Youssou’s Jololi - Xippi set up in Senegal. Along with his live Le Grand Bal recordings he periodically comes with a ‘Special Fin D’Année’ selection for the home market. Yes, the 2009 selection is with us and the mbalax is in full force. From the opening cut of ‘Salogne Salogne’ we are given the template of what to expect over the next 7 tracks. Recorded in Paris the vibe in the studio is pure energy and in the mix are reworkings of ‘Tukki’ and ‘Lett Ma’ from the recent Rokku Mi Rokka (Give & Take) along with ‘Lima Wesu’ from Nothing’s In Vain. By the third song, ‘Ndakarou’, this session is in full flight and as the tune gathers momentum to a heady guitar solo I defy anyone to stay still. Throughout the set we are treated to rolling bass-lines and scintillating guitar solos from Jimmy Mbaye and Oumar Sow. Master Pape Omar Ngame provides dynamite rhythm guitar while trap drummer Abdoulaye Lo underpins the rapid fire shifts in tempo demanded by the rattling tama of Assan Thiam and fierce crack of Mbaye Dieye Faye’s sabar drums. Youssou is in fine voice, soaring majestically over the confident, complex and unique rhythms that define Senegalese mbalax. This is Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Etoile De Dakar uncut. Close you eyes and let the heat in.

Paul Bradshaw / Straight No Chaser

Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Etoile – Special Fin D’Année 2009
is out now on Xippi via www.sternsmusic.com

Comments