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Mansa America

by Fula Flute

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1.
Obama 06:53
(translated from Malinke and Pulaar (Malinke) Chorus: Obama (bis) You are the pillar of the people Everybody trusts you If you are looking for a good man Obama is not just anybody A good man is hard to find Chorus People, if you want to find someone good It is Obama that we see Chorus Husband of Michelle Son of Ann We are searching for good people Father of Malia Father of Sasha The World is looking for good people If you want to search Look to find the good people If you are looking for a great leader You have to find a good person If you are looking for someone who will be at the head of the people You must choose a good person A person who thinks of the welfare of those below him Good evening Good evening Barrack Obama Good evening to a great among the greats Manden Djelis wish a good evening to you Good evening courageous man Son of Barrack Obama it is you I am calling You have to listen, you are the lucky charm Yoooo, it is Barrack Obama I am calling I pray for you: It is the will of God He has created people differently There are all kinds of people Some are small, some are tall Some of them can And some of them can not Chorus Obama, it is you we are calling ... the pillar of the people Chorus Relatives, it's not just about people But finding good people That is what is difficult (bis) (Pulaar:) America likes Obama Europe likes Obama Asia likes Obama Africa likes Obama Artists like Obama The one called "Chinois" loves Obama The whole World loves Obama May God help us And help America
2.
Dagna 06:07
3.
Douga 07:41
4.
Lele 05:34
5.
Fouta Canada 05:15
6.
Boloba 07:27
7.
Yadou Mayo 04:17
8.
Eva 04:26
9.
10.
56 06:39
11.
Salya 04:36

about

A duo of 'vocalizing' tambin (african flute) masters lead this neo-traditional vocal and instrumental ensemble through a repertoire that bridges Africa and the New World. The YouTube hit song "Obama" epitomizes the spirit of the album in its cross-integration of the ancient Mande praise-song in the service of honoring the new American President. Daring horn arrangements bring the African sound into modernity while griot epics pay respects to the roots.

Fula Flute previously released to substantial critical acclaim the seminal self-titled CD “Fula Flute” in 2002. That led to performances such as the opening of Zankel Hall and a concert there the following season with El Hadj Djeli Sory Kouyate, widely-respected balafonist, Dean of Mande musicians. Music from “Fula Flute” has, and continues to be, a staple of Guinean radio-television and movies, and the track “Keme Bourema,” was licensed to the recently released “Desert Blues III.” Fula Flute has put the tambin on the map and inspired a new generation of players around the world.

With Mansa America, this six-piece virtuoso ensemble offers twelve tracks of high-level, uplifting music. But more than that, Mansa America is a mind altering experience.

REVIEW: "A spirited release from the land of Guinea, Mansa America showcases the music of the most popular ethnic group in Guinea: the Fula. In the same manner, the popular traditional instrument of choice is the tambin, which is a diatonic flute. Though, it's presence is widespread from West Africa to Sudan. A mix of vocal and instrumental arrangements includes a variety of instruments including, kora, guitar, congas, balafon, bass, ngoni, trumpet, trombone, and French horn. The opening track, 'Obama', is a fitting dedication to the new president of the United States of America. Each track is delicately arranged and beautifully executed. The instrumentation mix is varied and rich. If you are looking for a fun release of music to bring in the New Year and celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama, then let Mansa America be the soundtrack for 2009!"

— Matthew Forss

credits

released December 9, 2008

Musicians:

Bailo Bah, tambin, lead vocal
Abdoulaye Diabate, lead vocal, guitar, congas
Sylvain Leroux, tambin, vocal
Yacouba Sissoko, kora, vocal
Famoro Dioubaté, balafon, vocal
Peter Fand, contrabass, bolon, vocal

Special guests:
Jekoria Mory Kante, guitar (Dagna)
Cheick Hamala Diabate, ngoni (56)
Arthur Murray, trumpet (Fouta Canada I and II)
Susan Babcock, french horn (Fouta Canada I)
Gordon Wolfe, trombone (Fouta Canada I)
Bruce Eidem: trombone (Fouta Canada II)

Recorded at The Hook Studio and Grand Street Recording
Engineered by Peter Fand and Ethan Donaldson
Mixed at Grand Street Recording by Ethan Donaldson and Sylvain Leroux
Mastered at Sertso Studio by Ted Orr
Arrangements by Famoro Dioubate and Sylvain Leroux with contributions by all members of Fula Flute
Musical Director: Famoro Dioubate
Graphic design by Sylvain Leroux
Cover painting by Monique Serres
Cover photo © 2005 William Gotebeski
Inside photo © Jack Vartoogian/FrontRowPhotos

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Magali Regis, Monique Serres, Marco Schaap, David Schommer, Karl Berger, Anonymous, Daniel Villeneuve, Nili Belkind, Arthur Murray and Central Park Brass, Maryna Lansky, Joe Serling, Wallace Collins and DJ Neva

Produced by Sylvain Leroux for Fula Flute Music
All songs © 2008 Fula Flute Music ASCAP

Completelly Nuts Records / Mulatta Records

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