| World Blues |
This album is sure to captivate all fans of Baba Sissoko—and they are many. In just eight tracks, we traverse the breadth of this concert. At first glance, this might seem modest, but some live renditions stretch to nearly ten minutes, enriched by fascinating musical interludes. One may lament the subpar quality of the sound recording, yet this is a minor quibble; Baba Sissoko’s appearances are rare treasures, and aficionados will be delighted to find this gem on the shelves.
Recorded in Basel, Switzerland, in 2023, the album immerses us in the electrifying atmosphere that such festivals evoke—a vivid reminder of the profound debt modern music owes to our African friends. So much of today’s music traces its lineage back to the era of slavery, when the blues was born amidst the cotton fields of the American South long ago.
From the blues sprang all contemporary music, and here Baba Sissoko offers a modern vision of the blues, deeply infused with its African roots. Live in Basel is a true celebration, where one can hear the audience singing and dancing—a testament to the virtuosity of Baba Sissoko, whose guitar mastery stirs the crowd rather than pacifies it. At moments, one might feel transported to the heart of a Sufi ceremony, with whirling dervishes spinning to intoxicating rhythms, surrendering to the night’s enchantment. Indeed, this is likely what unfolded during this remarkable concert.
Baba Sissoko’s artistry is not solely musical; it is also poetic, steeped in the tradition of storytelling. These elements combine to create the exceptional artistry for which he is so deeply admired by his peers.
Many of you will undoubtedly recall his previous album, Griot Blues (2021), a pure marvel of its genre and still available here: Griot Jazz on Bandcamp.
If you are discovering Baba Sissoko for the first time through this article, I would strongly recommend starting with these two albums: the first, an indispensable masterpiece, and the second, a vibrant window into the concert experience.
As for Baba Sissoko & Mediterranean Blues – Live in Basel, despite the modest recording quality, the pleasure of experiencing this live performance remains undeniable. For that, I would award it three stars.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, December 10th 2024
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