Ba power

"An impressive and expanded cast of musicians contribute to the vibrancy and power of the album ... This broader range of contributors, alongside the sharpness and clarity of Chris Eckman's production sees the songs take on a more immediate and resonating form ... Kouyaté's instrument of choice still occupies a starring role on the album but it's a denser and in places a more guitar-centric sound than heard to date ... It's the sound of an artist who has achieved a level of mastery of his own instrument and rather than sit still has sought new directions to move in".

Read review

"Ami Sacko [er] fuldt på højde med husbonden og synger vidunderligt i den klassiske stil, som kvinder af griot-familie fra Mali bare gør bedre end de fleste, bare hør den herlige smægtende Aye Sira Bla. Ligesom Bassekou Kouyaté tager nogle herlige traditionelle ture hen mod slutningen af albummet, eksempelvis afslutteren Bassekouni, som med spillet på kalabas viser, at den afrikanske blues hører til hos denne spillemand frem for Saharas tuareger. Et historisk faktum, som illustreres på fornemmeste vis".

"Ba Power finds Kouyaté in full command, his chattering ngoni lines augmented by guest guitars (Samba Touré, Chris Brokaw), the rhythms given a rock tinge by Robert Plant's drummer Dave Smith. Opener Siran Fen is a blast, Waati an intricate, funky workout, and Fama Magni has a John Lee Hooker swagger. Ba power indeed".

Read review

"Two years ago, the world's greatest n'goni player released the magnificent Jama Ko, an album that matched furious songs about the chaos then threatening Mali with exhilarating solos on the ancient African lute, transformed with electric pick-ups and effects pedals. Now, Kouyaté has decided to add guests and new instruments to his family n'goni band, but they aren't always necessary ... A set that succeeds because of Kouyaté's memorable playing on the attacking Waati or the bluesy Bassekouni, the commanding vocal work of his wife, Amy Sacko, and a fine selection of thoughtful songs".

Read review

"In Kouyaté's hands, the little lute, with its skin made from the head of a cow, becomes every bit as thuggish as a distorted Les Paul".

"The world's foremost ngoni player on fine form, backed all the way by his aptly named band Ngoni Ba [and] a wealth of guest musicians ... As would be expected, Bassekou's delicate vocals and machine-gun ngoni are there, rendered beautifully by Chris Eckman of Tamikrest fame. Also featured, however, are a range of more Western-friendly sounds, wah wah pedals and electric guitars. When done subtly (...), this fusion works brilliantly ... Another step forward for an artist who is gradually emerging as one of the great Malian musicians. A combination of powerful rhythms and spellbinding riffs, Ba Power promises to be one of the albums of the year".