Baayo
This is a classic in the West African popular music genre,  perhaps because of its defiance of "pop." Baaba Maal has become famous  as one of the great popularizers of Senegalese music, with big  productions and illustrious stars peppering his records. ButBaayowas  a major change, as he dug deep into the roots of the music and came out  with a deeply moving, sonically gorgeous acoustic recording. The  interplay of the guitar between Maal and longtime compatriot Mansour  Seck is rich and clear. Other acoustic strings and percussion lend it  warmth and depth, and a very light touch on the synthesizers enhances a  few tracks by remaining almost unnoticeable. Not since the now historicDjam Leelii(a set of guitar duets with Mansour Seck in the early  '80s) had Maal reached as deep into the well of time for inspiration.  For the traditionalist this is Maal's essential album; for his longtime  fans, this is the revelation of the music's long history.--Louis  Gibson