Fatou

This fine 2012 debut from Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara showcases her distinctive melodic voice singing her own songs in her native Bambara tongue with themes as serious as personal betrayal, the effect of wars in Africa, the plight of illegal African migrants in Europe, arranged marriage and female circumcision.In addition to accompanying her own voice on simple acoustic guitar traditional western rock guitars, bass and drums are deployed alongside West African instruments like the kori, calabash and ngoni, so the result has a distinctive `world music' sound.Most of the album was recorded at Livingston Studios in London and produced by Diawara and Nick Gold, and the quality of the mix is superb.The album's main feature is Diawara's melodic voice and it has some beautiful, poignant moments. However it somehow lacks that indefinable quality (which for example Salif Keita has in spades) which really sets your hair on fire. It also needs to be said that by the end of the album the tracks are starting to sound very much the same, with little variation in dynamics. But there's no doubt about it: for a debut recording it's pretty impressive and knocks the spots off most `popular' music manufactured to feed the tastes of western audiences. Fatou is still young, an obviously talented natural singer and composer who seems - on the evidence of this collection - to have what it takes to develop into a significant force in world music. We should look forward to her follow-up album to see in which direction it grows.The CD package is excellent with a 24-page booklet offering all the song lyrics in the original Bambara with translations in each case into French and English.

Superb; classic album quickly delivered.

I like buying vinyl to add to my collection but always required a download option when away from home. The weblink on the card in the sleeve is no longer operated by the label - amazon gave me a small credit towards the purchase the CD. - not ideal.

Loved all the tracks

Joyful and reflective in equal measure, Fatou is a superb debut album by this hugely talented Paris-based Malian sensation. My album of the year for 2011, first impressions were confirmed when seeing her at London's Jazz Cafe. Fatoumata Diawara is simply superb - soulful vocals, delicate and intricate guitar playing, backed up by rythmic percussion - the album has everything. From the beautiful, reflective tracks, Wilile and Clandestin, to the catchy dance tracks, Bakonoba and Bissa (single from the album), this album has something for everyone who loves African music. Highly recommended

Like the climate and not so much the sadness of the songs but those things come together I think.

If you like African music then you will greatly enjoy Fatou. If you are new to this genre then it is a good place to start. I feel very fortunate to have had a great deal of exposure to African music over the years and have attained a real appreciation for it. Stand out tracks on this album are Kanou, Sowa, Kele and Bissa, however all tracks are beautiful. Strongly recommended

This music plants the African landscape in your imagination and invites you to party in it. This is a lovely upbeat collection of exquisitely played guitar based songs.She has a beautiful resonant voice with a tonal quality that matches her guitar, and with which she delivers strong melody embellished with intricate decoration - but with tasteful restraint.I defy you to listen to it and not be humming the songs repeatedly afterwards.