Djam Leelii

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 1998
Recorded in 1982 and originally released in 1984, Djam Leelii reappears in 1998 with all its graceful glory intact--and a little added on. Adorned with three previously unheard remastered tracks from the original sessions, this atmospheric masterpiece is carried along by the complementary voices and guitars of Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck, two of West Africa's leading lights. A sense of mystery permeates this classic of acoustic world music. --Steven Stolder

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Amazon.com essential recording
After its release to wide acclaim in 1984, first on Rogue Records in the United Kingdom, and then worldwide by Mango the following year, the record slipped into oblivion. Now Djam Leelii is available again, this time with some newly mastered tracks from the original 1982 sessions. It is the soul of West Africa, a model of brilliant guitar music and as sublime an example of Senegalese musical art as ever was made. Mansour Seck and Baaba Maal have been partners in music for a long time, always experimenting, always surprising, whether it's bold pop or subtle acoustics. This is one of the latter. Primarily two guitars and two voices, Djam Leelii insinuates rather than insists. There is a slight backing of electric guitars, a hint of balafon and a variety of small percussion, just enough to prod the music along, never rushing it. Even the excess of reverb seems to be in service of the surreal atmosphere they create here. For those who love West African acoustic music, and for those who love excellent musicianship in any form, this recording is a classic. Even if you already have an earlier release of the record, these three long tracks still make a second purchase worthwhile. Mixed in a drier ambiance, they feature grittier guitar sounds, a more urgent vocal combination, and some wonderful kora and balafon work by Mamad Kouyate and Jombo Kouyate. The closing track, "Taara," is one of the most gorgeous tracks of modern acoustic Hapulaar (Fulani) music available on disc. Djam Leelii has stood the test of time, and it sustains the listener year after year. --Louis Gibson

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Customer reviews

review by: papillon date: 2008-04-20 rating:
A GIFT FOR ALL THE HUMANITY
DJAM LEELI is a landark recording in the fields of world ethnic jazz .It is not only BAABA MAALs MASTERPIECE but also MANSOUR SECKs too , his blind friend and co-patriot since childhood,also a singer, gifted from GOD to play gracefully classical guitar .It is not so the wonderful north senegalese folk african music played here along with great musicianship, but mainly the fact that the STRENTH OF SOUL wins and celebrates against all oddities ,armed with will and determination to prove it .DJAM LEELI is more traditional than BAAYO but of the same impact and value .IT IS A GIFT FOR ALL THE HUMANITY .Check also mansour secks personal work which is fine too.

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review by: date: 2008-03-13 rating:
Mesmerizing beauty
I first heard Djam Leelii playing in the darkened room of a mellow party and was just mesmerized. Rather than spend time talking with friends I sat on the couch... and just listened. I couldn't believe the beauty I was hearing. I quickly bought a copy and listened to it constantly for years. As my tastes shifted over time I didn't listen to it as often, but it remained a perennial favorite... Discovering recently that the album had been reissued with three additional tracks I didn't hesitate to get a copy, and have to say, I'm just as in love with this beautiful music as I was the first time I heard it. About half the songs are more upbeat and 'traditional' West African, then half - those mostly with acoustic guitars and occasional (and mellow) electrics - are darker with an understated drive that's quite compelling. And all get into a marvelous easy groove, some with percussion and some without. Baaba Maal's singing is unaffected, gorgeous and heartfelt. The title track is just sublime. The three additional songs are very excellent; their recording is a bit more direct, not quite as warm, but not far from the originally released tracks. If you love acoustic guitar music of any kind, or West African music, do yourself a wonderful favor by listening to this!

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review by: date: 2008-01-24 rating:
Incredible album.
This album is really incredible. I've never heard anything else like it, and everyone I've ever played it for has also thought it was incredible.

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review by: date: 2007-02-04 rating:
Buy & Listen...over and over!
Baba Maal & Masour Seck have created a Masterpiece that is a must for any collection; no matter what your style of music may be, this will touch you.


review by: Dr_Shannon date: 2006-05-25 rating:
Deserves 6 Stars - out of this world - beautifuly haunting
This CD has so many haunting melodies. It can take you to another place, a place you want to be. It is soothing and stimulates a warm happy feeling at the same time. It almost sounds like something from another time, a simpler time. Beautiful music, frustrating to try to put to words, but really fine music.

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