That`s a very good analysis that pin-points how I felt too, stp.
I have an album called "Griot from Senegal" which features the kora of Pape Kanouté, but is marred by his sometimes grating voice. So I had high hopes of Diabaté`s instrumental album; I thought it would be an improvement on Pape Kanouté.
But although the kora has a wonderfully light, crystal-clear tone, I felt "The Mandé Variations" just proved the truth of that old saying, "You can have too much of a good thing." A few tracks, first thing in the morning is a great way to wake up your ears, but then the problems that you mention show through, as one track becomes barely distinguishable from the next.
Maybe one of those Diabeté collaborations would be more satisfying than this collection, which I feel is more for the deeply-committed purist. Any suggestions ?
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"Am I enjoying this moment? I know of it and perhaps that is enough." - Sybille Bedford, 1953
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