Salif Keita Moffou CD

MOFFOU was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best World Music Album.

From the calebasse and accordion intro on MOFFOU's opening song, it is clear that this Salif Keita record is markedly different from past outings by the Malian singer/songwriter. On previous releases, Keita's sound fused African music with European pop and other Western influences, but this album features spare arrangements and a feel that is decidedly rootsy and traditionally West African. Characterized by a quiet intensity and lilting sway, MOFFOU is beautifully realized and executed from beginning to end.

"Yamore" features vocals by Cesaria Evora, whose rich alto nicely complements Keita's high tenor. The sultry feel of the track sets the album's mood, which modulates into Keita's beautiful acoustic guitar playing and singing on the ballad "Iniagige," and, later, into the low-key groove of "Moussolou." Up-tempo dance tracks are here, too, as on the thrilling, group vocal-led "Madan," but the sound is largely acoustic and well served by the absence of synthesizer, which usually drives Keita's faster songs. The carefully arranged acoustic timbre of MOFFOU frames Keita's soaring vocals perfectly and brings out the earthier elements of his African-based style, while losing none of the accessibility that made him a star.

Featuring entirely acoustic arrangements and Keita's stark vocals, this debut recording for Verve France is a suitably intimate, stripped-down affair. A perfect beginning for those looking to acquaint themselves with popular West African music. Also features Cesaria Evora, who contributes vocals to 'Yamore.' Digipak. 2002.

Recorded at Les Studios De La Seine, Paris, France between July 15 & December 14, 2001.

Personnel: Salif Keita (vocals, acoustic guitar); Césaria Évora (vocals); Kante Manfila (acoustic guitar); Djeli Moussa Kouyaté (electric guitar); Jean Louis Solans (cavaquinho); David Aubaile (flute); Arnaud Devos (harmonica, piano, marimba, steel drum, percussion, gong); Benoît Urbain (accordion); Guy N'Sangue, Guy Sangue (electric bass); Souleymanne Doumbia (congas); Mino Cinelu (percussion); Hadja Kouyate (background vocals).

Liner Note Author: Salif Keita.

Recording information: :es Studios de la Seine, Studio A, Paris, France (07/30/2001-12/14/2001).

Photographer: Lucille Reyboz.

Arranger: Kante Manfila.

Personnel: Salif Keita (vocals, acoustic guitar); Cesaria Evora (vocals); Jean Louis Solans (acoustic guitar, E-bow, cavaquinho); Kante Manfila, Bruno Lasnier (acoustic guitar); Djelly Moussa Kouyate (electric guitar); Mehdi Haddad (lute); Arnaud Devos (gu zheng, harmonica, piano, marimba, steel drums, percussion, gong); David Aubaile (flute); Olivier Gato (upright bass); Guy N'Sangue (electric bass); Souleyman Doumbia (congas); Drissa Bakayoko (djembe); Adama Kouyate (tama); Mino Cinelu, Harouna Samake, Sayon Sissoko, Mamadou Kone (percussion); Oliza, Nayanka Belle, Hadja Kouyate, Assitan Diarra, Aminata Doumbia, Sekouba Sissoko (background vocals).

Producers: Salif Keita, Jean Lamoot, Freddy Zerbib.

Rolling Stone (10/3/02, p.104) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...The largely acoustic MOFFOU is Keita's return to form. This is the way Keita's glorious voice works best: singing hymnlike songs, bouncing over gently insistent beats..."
Yoga Journal (06/03, pp.183-4) - "...MOFFOU has a spacious, almost minimalist feel, allowing Keita's distinctively raspy and expressive voice to convey intense feeling that transcends the language barrier..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.56) - Ranked #85 in Mojo's "100 Modern Classics" -- "[T]he balance of near-religious fervour and laidback spirituality make this the perfect Saturday-night album for Sunday mornings."