Salif Keita
So Kono
★★★★
NØ FØRMAT!
Though he announced his retirement in 2018, few were convinced Salif Keita had sung his last and he now appears to be being coaxed back into the spotlight. Two years ago, aged 73, he played the Kyotoponie festival in Japan; and it was in his hotel room afterwards that he - reluctantly, as he said his playing would be substandard - picked up his guitar and, with the help of ngoni (lute) and calabash percussion, recorded these nine tracks.
At its best Keita’s music had an extraordinary lushness; stripped of this, there’s still a brittle, unavoidable magic in the air. His voice is magnificent, the songs simple and moving. He revisits Tassi (from 2012’s Talé) and Laban (first heard on 2005’s excellent M’Bemba), but the highlight may be his tribute to the guitarist Kanté Manfila, who guided Keita’s for more than three decades. Wonderful.
So Kono is out April 11 on No Format!
ORDER: Amazon | Rough Trade | HMV
Tracklisting:
Aboubakrin
Awa
Tassi
Kante Manfila
Cherie
Soundiata
Laban
Tu Vas me Manquer
Proud
Get the definitive verdict on all the month's essential new albums, reissues, music books and films only in the latest issue of MOJO, on sale now. More info and to order a copy HERE!
