Editorial Reviews

Senegal's self-made griot, Baaba Maal, is fully back-to-roots on the triumphant Missing You (Mi Yeewnii). After the heavy-handed fusion of Nomad Soul, Baaba's finally done what Western fans have yearned for, returning with an elemental spread of acoustic guitar, kora, balaphon, bass, choir, and percussion such as talking drum to deliver a warm album that conveys the vast earthiness of his native land -- not to mention the raw power of his crack live shows. Not since Djam Leeli, Maal's intimate showdown with guitarist Mansour Seck, has his natural gift -- a soaring high tenor -- so richly rewarded the listener. Recorded in a mobile studio in the coastal village of Nbunk, the tracks often pick up the mellow background sounds of crickets and local goings-on. A sense of measured repose reigns throughout as Baaba heartily sings of lovers, family, nature scenes, and African unity. Studio maven Chris Franck (Bebel Gilberto, Da Lata, Smoke City) offers his hand at guitar and Brazilian percussion, and Baaba's backing singers make songs such as "Jumma Jengi" and "Fa Laay Fanaan" positively sparkle. But "Allah Addu Jam" is the crown jewel here, capping the album with enough spirit to arouse green thoughts in the most praise-filled gospel choir. Pensively strumming his hoddu (a four-string zither), Baaba's sonorous entreaty for peace is soon joined by the full-throttle revelry of his band, Daande Lenol, and it's easy as ever to see why folks such as Carlos Santana and Peter Gabriel remain such fans of this man. Abraham Velez, Barnes & Noble