Issa Bagayogo

“Tassoumakan”; Six Degrees

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Issa Bagayogo – known as “Techno Issa” in Mali – makes a kind of 21^st century West African organic-electric groove music that makes as much sense blasting in a Western dance club as it does in a pickup on a sub-Saharan dirt road.  “Tassoumakan,” which means “Voice of Fire,” is one of the best blends you can find of the traditional with the postmodern.  The electronic production team’s techno-funky bass, keyboards and rhythm programming have altered but not lost Bagayogo’s traditional vibe.  The centerpiece remains the sound of Bagayogo’s work on the harp called the kamélé n’goni, and his deep-voiced rapid-fire singing that often switches to a often fast-talking prototypical rap, an old device among traditional West African singers.  Other classic African elements are the balafon (xylophone), call-and-response female backing chorus, bluesy guitars by Malian stars Mama Sissoko and Karamoko Diabate, and occasional bursts of throaty flute.  It all combines for a thoroughly authentic and athletic dance music that sounds so simple despite its many layers.

• Recommended If You Like:  Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabaté, Salif Keita

—Jeff Gifford, Reno Gazette-Journal