One of the first releases out of the World Circuit/ Nonesuch chute was Malian singer Oumou Sangare’s Worotan (World Circuit/Nonesuch 79470; 59:29), an album which seamlessly blends rural, acoustic elements with the more urban pulse of electric instruments, and even cameos from James Brown veteran saxist Pee Wee Ellis. Sangare spins lavish, sensuous phrases that resonate within the tradition of Mali-sometimes with-and beyond. Also in the label’s recent batch, from Senegal, singer Cheikh Lo is showcased on the album Ne le Thiass (World Circuit/Nonesuch 79471; 46:27), produced by and also featuring Youssou N’Dour. He’s another proud son of Senegalese tradition.
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