Mory Kanté - Sabou
Legendary West African singer and kora player

This CD by legendary West African singer and kora player Mory Kanté has depth and poise that is both contemporary and modern while also being firmly grounded in his traditional griot roots.

Sabou is an all-acoustic release by the first African artist to sell a million singles with 'Yéké Yéké', which topped the European charts in 1988. Kanté was a contemporary with Salif Keita in the Rail Band back in the 1970s.

"Here are the jangling, exuberant sounds of the kora, the bubbling rhythms of the balafon and the glorious, interweaved magic of Kante's female backing singers all bent to a joyful music tradition which is hundreds of years old. Like so much great West African music, this is compulsive and irresistible." - Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald

"an acoustic album that shines with life and vibrancy, while the gorgeous melodies and intricate rhythms mean it's anything but uncommercial." - Michael Rofe, The Australian - 5-Star review

"it’s a cracker... Once upon a time, the singer was able to usurp the great Salif Keita as lead singer with Bamako’s Super Rail Band, at last we get to discover why." - MOJO, UK Four ****stars

"the real strength of Sabou lies in its gloriously textured harmonies and cascading melodies as Kanté’s own virtuoso playing of the harp-like kora is backed by ethereal female choruses, African flute, balafon (a kind of wooden African xylophone) and some thrilling traditional percussion. The result is a record imbued with an almost spiritual grace that must rank as Kanté’s most satisfying release in years." - The Times, UK Four****stars

"the best songs match his soaring vocals and impressive multi-instrumental work with the rhythms section at times galloping away with the songs." - The Guardian, UK Four****stars

"Sabou doesn't disappoint. It's an acoustic masterpiece at a time when more and more African artists are incorporating electric sounds and electronic fusion... Sabou which means ‘the cause’, should re-establish Kanté for a new generation of listeners." - The San Francisco Chronicle, USA

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