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  Keletigui Diabate
Sandiya (Contre Jour CJ012, 2004)
The balafon (or simply bala, if you prefer the non-Francophone name) is a West
African gourd resonator xylophone that produces a distinctly rustic yet
crystalline melodic sound. Along with the kora (21-stringed lute) and jembe
drum, it's an instrument that even some of the most modern West African bands
employ to retain a link to tradition. Keletigui Diabate is presently best known
as the bala (and violin) player in
Habib
Koité's superb band Bamada, though he had a long and distinguished career
prior to that. Born in Mali, his instrumental skills (first on guitar) led to
his also being highly influential in the modernization of music in Guinea,
Senegal, and Ivory Coast in the 1960's. As his skills on the bala moved to the
fore, his stints included everything from a Washington, D.C. jam session with
vibraphonist Lionel Hampton to extensive work with
Salif
Keita.
I don't know if Sandiya is the first album he's made under his own name, but
it's an absolute stunner. I found it nearly impossible to write this review
while listening to the disc, since the music is so engaging- mesmerizing one
moment, energizing and dazzling the next. It would seem to be a live recording
(bits of applause can be heard) and the sound quality absolutely sparkles.
Diabate is joined by various guests, including some, such as his son Fassery,
who are relatives and others like kora master
Toumani Diabate who are not. What's unquestionable is the musical kinship,
as Keletigui's bala is heard in various duo and group combinations with
accompaniment on flute, kora, guitar (courtesy of both Habib Koite and
Super
Rail Band's
Djelimady Tounkara), percussion, vocals and more bala.
The majority of the pieces are treasure troves of tradition, culminating in a
lengthy ode to legendary Manding prince Sundiata. But just when you think all is
said and done, the disc closes with a surprising Bamada-assisted jazz shuffle
that shows both the range and open-mindedness of the players. By all means,
track down and buy this wonderful piece of work without hesitation. Buy Sandiya.
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