Missing You (Mi Yeewnii)
The material on this incandescent release evokes the Senegalese  superstarBaaba Maal's  previous acoustic stunners,Djam LeeliandBaayo. Maal's  piercingly gorgeous, stratospheric Islamic wailing soars over melodies  constructed along austere yet sensuous lines as he sings of Africa's  imminent heyday, romantic love, and ancient tales. He interacts with  constantly shifting strands of song fashioned by guitarists Mansour  Seck (Maal's best friend from childhood, who also sings second voice)  and Kante Manfila, plus the nimble-fingered kora, or West African harp,  of Kaouding Cissokho. The lead trio ripples and leaps among woodsy  balafons (xylophones), rattling and swooping talking drums and sabar  percussion, and resonant, gutty plucked strings. The ambiance recalls  Maal's legendary small-venue live performances or dusk in a small  Fulani village, where musicians who have played together all their  lives still surprise each other while everybody else sings along.  Seasoned fans and newcomers alike will be challenged, astonished, and  delighted.--Christina Roden