Missing You (Mi Yeewnii)

The material on this incandescent release evokes the Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal's previous acoustic stunners, Djam Leeli and Baayo. 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