a light in the darkness.

Sory Kandia Kouyaté was a remarkable singer who died at the age of 44 in 1977, just a few years before western audiences began to more widely appreciate west African music. He was a celebrity in Guinea and toured widely as an ambassador for his country, even appearing at the UN, and would certainly have attained the global status of his compatriot Mory Kanté if he had lived longer. This intriguing double album is a reminder of why of he was special. It is divided into two very different sections: an acoustic set with backing provided by kora, balafon, and his own ngoni and guitar; and an even more distinctive set in which he is supported by two leading Guinean bands of the early 70s. They match electric guitar and brass against his sometimes startlingly powerful vocals, on rousing, stately praise songs for his country and its ruling party. The politics may be questionable, but the music is magnificent. - the guardian

this is absolutely stunning. his voice is angelic & the playing is beautiful. essential summer listening.

pt.1 // pt.2