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Yaya Diallo demonstrates a profound knowledge of traditional African healing arts and music on the reissue of his 1980 recording, "Nangape."
"...the album is a delightful exploration of the traditional music of Mali in general, and of the use of the balafon in particular."
Mike High, "Speaking Their Piece," Cadence: The American Review of Jazz and Blues, May 1982, p.35.
Two tracks, "Ivoirien" and "Wassoulou" are reserved for the voice of the drums. "Lobi a la Yaya" begins slowly, reflecting the patience required in life before transforming to an uplifting tempo. "Outeme" begins with water and ends with water--the sound of a rushing brook being a living force unrevealing of all that it contains. In the title track, "Nangape," Yaya recollects lessons learned with his protector and mentor, an elder healer, musician, and sorcerer to whom this piece and the album is dedicated.
Yaya Diallo is the author of "The Healing Drum: African Wisdom Teachings." In Mali, the elders said, this is not Yaya playing but the ancestors playing through him.
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