Various Artists - Ishilan N-Tenere

Another Mississippi job. This one is a comp of music recorded by Chris Kirkley (Sahel Sounds). Chris traveled to Senegal and Northern mali and recorded a bunch of different acoustic guitar players and vocalists all field recording stylee. The recordings are excellent considering they're not recorded in a studio. In fact you wouldn't be able to tell they weren't. I've not really heard too much like this before. Accompanying the guitar are varying sorts of percussion but largely the guitarist taps the guitar or there's some folks clapping. It's remarkably effective and the music veers from more sombre bluesy sounding numbers to more upbeat summery uplifting music. It's a fascinating comp and one I don't really want to turn off! Beautiful heartfelt soulful music which is inspirational and moving. I can't recommend this enough. Comes with a 1 page booklet inside which is well interesting and there's lots of lovely pics 'n all. Smashing!