Baaba Maal

Possessing one of the most extraordinary voices in popular music, Baaba Maal became a star in his native Senegal and a favorite of globally attuned listeners everywhere. But the road to international acclaim was a long one. Born in the north of Senegal among the Fula people, Maal did not belong to a clan of griots, (traditional singers of folk history). But after studying music in Paris, he paid his dues and sharpened his skills by traveling with his griot friend, the gentle, blind, charismatic guitarist Mansour Seck. In 1984, they recorded Djam Leelii, a song sequence set to guitars, kora, and percussion. The tracks are floating, gorgeous, and seemingly tranquil, though with close listening (and a translation of lyrics), passages of intense sadness, tragedy, and want reveal themselves.

Maal then set out to further modernize and electrify his music. The first efforts were uneven, sometimes clumsy or indistinct, but always highlighted by his piercing, unmistakable voice. Firin' in Fouta is a romping, all-out fustian album featuring electronic percussion, horns, synths, and guest spots for the finest West African rap team, Positive Black Soul. (This small landmark also inspired the members of Afro-Celt Sound System to get together.) Best of the Early Years cherry-picks Wango, Baayo, and Lam Toto, with only minimal overlap with Firin' in Fouta. In 1999, Maal released Missing You, a beautiful, understated acoustic album, and Live at Royal Festival Hall, a brief but bubbling set sparked by dramatic contributions from master reggae guitarist Ernest Ranglin, who also costars on the relentlessly eclectic Nomad Soul. The artfully selected and sequenced Best of the Early Years is a fine choice for those who want only one album besides the essential Djam Leelii. (MILO MILES)

From 2004's The New Rolling Stone Album Guide