Ever since I heard about the title of the Amadou Balaké* compilation on Oriki Music (which I have heard since my last post about Balaké and can highly recommend), I have been wondering about the relevance of this title. I mean, is Amadou Balaké "Señor Eclectico"?If you're interested in reading about eclecticism, here is an interesting entry in the wikipedia.
I prefer to think of Amadou Balaké as an artist who has succeeded in staying close to his public. He has a high level of 'street cred', if you like. This is reflected in his songs. They are about normal people in normal situations.
Like in the song "N'Kanan Djanfa" on this third volume from 1979 on the Sacodis label, where Balaké is a woman addressing the musician Balaké to tell him she has found someone better. Or on "Soum Grouba" where Balaké is a woman who finds herself forced to prostitute herself and has to argue about the price.What can I say? Eclectic or authentic, just go and buy the Oriki CD!
*Amadou seems to have lost an "l" over the years.....
That really is a wonderful album. However, I believe the whole thing is included in the "Taximen" cd reissue, which might still be available. BTW, you don't happen to have "Vol. 2" [LS 8-78], do you? The two tracks from that album included in the Oriki CD are so amazing...
ReplyDeleteYou are right, - but I don't have the "Taximen" CD...
ReplyDeleteI do have the LS 8-78 lp and will post it.
This post was mainly intended to support whoever has released the Eclectico CD, which is absolutely great (nominee for CD of the year 2008).