An artist whose music surges from an ancient vein while opening a dialogue with the future, Issa Bagayogo’s Tassoumakan breaks new ground. His third album in six years, Bagayogo’s latest is a robust expression of contemporary African jazz. This is more than “World Music from Mali.” A seasoned singer and player of the kamele n’goni, he has become “Techno Issa” to his Malian fans by collaborating with composer/producer Yves Wernert as well as other talented African musicians. Exquisite vocals are mixed with electronic drum and bass beats, keyboard, and multipile guitars without diluting the rich sounds of the six-string and gourd N’goni. Bagayogo’s melodic lyrics posess and emotive quality reminiscent of Youssou N’Dour, of Senegal and the tirelessly upbeat funk, seems to draw inspiration from revolutionary South African, Femi Kuti, but Bagayogo’s work is distinctive. Issa sings the blues without weeping, and he needs only whisper to get his point across without translation into English. He plays traditional instruments with urban intelligence. His deep voice is accompanied by a female chorus, echoing in a traditional call and response style that gives any listener the impression of being embraced by familiar voices. Tassoumakan summons a new definition of African Jazz music; one that is founded in folklore and amplified by technology. Bagayogo and fellow musicians have produced a sensual meeting of sound that rocks with sophistication and pulses from a collective heart. This play-it-all-the-way-through album has that incredible timeless quality that facilitates mental reflection as well as physical action. Take this album with you as you travel to anywhere, and let your body bounce and your mind wander.

-Maija Garcia