ABOUT THIS ITEM

A sophomore three-tracker on Mark Ernestus's Ndagga label: singer Mbene Diatta Seck is in sombre consideration of street-kids and parental neglect, buoyed by propulsive drumming and trenchant bass and speeding percussive rhythms that bring to mind Shangaan Electro (except in acoustic form!). Next we have a second version without vocals, which lays bare the poly-rhythmic interplay between marimba and percussion. On the flip there's a slightly slower and totally mesmeric six-minute instrumental track, with bassist Thierno Sarr grooving out on the top string of his instrument, bringing an elusive Manding flavor to the deep Mbalax mix.

A1: Xale
A2: Xale Rhythm
B: Daguagne