Habib Koité, Eric Bibb – Brothers In Bamako (2012)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 52:15 minutes | 618 MB | Genre: Blues, Folk, World, African
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Dixiefrog
A spirit of cross-cultural camaraderie lights up Brothers in Bamako, a collaborative project from American blues/folk artist Eric Bibb and West African singer/guitarist Habib Koite. Their original tunes embody a sense of shared values, while amiable, laid-back vibes pervade the sessions overall. Bibb’s Delta-rooted playing is complemented by the subtle lines that Koite unreels on guitar, banjo, and ukulele. The wide-eyed expectancy Bibb brings to “On My Way to Bamako” and “Tombouctou” is mirrored by the mood of gratitude infusing Koite’s “L.A.” Prayerful numbers like “Send Us Brighter Days” and “With My Maker I Am One” lend a spiritual tone to the proceedings. The theme of human unity is underscored by the duo’s bilingual interpretation of Bibb’s signature tune “Needed Time.” There are gentle interludes like the traditional African tune “Nani Le,” as well as thoughtful social commentaries like “We Don’t Care.” Fresh interpretations of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” and the blues standard “Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad” bring the album to a life-affirming close.
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