ANALOG AFRICA No.10 - Bambara Mystic Soul - "The Raw Sound of Burkina Faso 1974-1979"

Release Date: October 10, 2011

For its commemorative 10th release, Analog Africa indulges in Burkina Faso, one of the jewels of the Sahel, a harsh and arid strip that straddles the southern Sahara, stretching from Dakar in the west to Djibouti in the east. Formerly known as Haute Volta, Burkina Faso's sound was organized and nurtured during the country's time as part of a vast patchwork making up French colonial West Africa.

The rise of a post-independence urban middle class willing to invest in the Burkinabé arts spawned a cadre of singers, bands, orchestras and, most importantly, competitive record labels who all played their part in ushering in a golden age of music in their landlocked nation during the 1970's - a decade marred by political instability in the country and an era of artistic enlightenment empowering the whole of Africa.

The Sahelian climate fortunately bore no influence on the Burkinabé sound, which is cosmopolitan as it was raw. West Africa was and continues to remain deeply interconnected. In search of better gigs, well-to-do producers and sufficient recording equipment, Burkinabé musicians ventured across the surrounding region, returning home with a wealth of knowledge of their neighbors' distinctive styles.

The raw sound of Burkina Faso combined Afro-Funk, traditional Islamic rhythms and subtle Afro-Latin sounds brought over by visiting Cuban ensembles. Mandingue melodies and guitar techniques from Mali and Guinea, however, were by far the most defining traits of a potent African mix that distinguished the Voltaic style between 1974 and 1979.

Beginning with L'Harmonie Voltaïque and Orchestre Super Volta (both featured in this compilation), the pioneering orchestras from the capital Ouagadougou, several groups followed suit. Regional orchestras outside of the capital proudly boasted the contemporary sound through ensembles such as Echo del Africa National and Volta Jazz, and exported much needed skilled musicians back to the capital.

Record labels across Burkina Faso sprung up to capture the newly born mystic and soulful sound taking over the country. Volta Discobel and Club Voltaïque du Disque (CVD) emerged in 1974 and competed for the modern music of their people. Despite its humble beginnings as a record shop, CVD came to dominate the industry. Both labels worked with the heavyweights of the time, such as the majestic Amadou Ballaké, a national icon who is featured extensively on this compilation.

By the mid 70's, Ouagadougou had become a hotbed for African music, filled with touring bands, gifted instrumentalists and hypnotic vocalists. Talent was abound, to say the least. Jean Claube Bamago, the founder of Afro-Soul System, went from being a "musician's tailor" to a celebrated singer. Legendary singer Amadou Ballaké himself jumped from job to job before being recognized for his graceful voice.

While it might be Analog Africa's venture into possibly the most obscure of African sounds thus far, the sounds of the golden age of Burkinabé music deserve to be heard and the varying styles that came to define the era are completely covered in this 16-track release, accompanied by a 44-page booklet.

Tracklisting :

1. Amadou Ballaké et l'Orchestre Super Volta - "Bar Konou Mousso" 5:27

2. Abdoulaye Cissé - "Kodjougou" 5:14

3. Compaoré Issouf - "Dambakale" 4:37

4. Amadou Ballaké et Les 5 Consuls - "Renouveau" 4:46 LISTEN HERE

5. Afro Soul System - "Tink Tank" 4:10

6. Mamo Lagbema - "Love, Music and Dance" 4:07

7. Amadou Ballaké et Les 5 Consuls - "Baden Djougou" 4:2

8. Amadou Ballaké et l'Orchestre Super Volta - "Johnny" 3:31

9. Coulibaly Tidiani - "Sie Koumgolo" 4:09

10. Mangue Konde et Le Super Mandé - "Kabendo" 7:44

11. Orchestre CVD - "Rog Mik Africa" 4:46

12. Amadou Ballaké et l'Orchestre Super Volta - "Sali" 4:04

13. Mamo Lagbema - "Zambo Zambo" 4:32

14. Traoré Seydou Richard et Les Vadou du Flamboyant - "Katougou" 4:19

15. Amadou Ballaké et l'Orchestre Super Volta - "Oye Ka Bara Kignan" 4:01

16. Sandwidi Pierre et l'Orchestre Harmonie Voltaïque - "Tond Yabramba" 5:22

Five years in the making, Analog Africa has strived to showcase the rich diversity of 70's African and Latin music, always staying true to the sounds' value. The label has also successfully organized the first-ever European tours for Colombia's Anibal Velasquez and Ghana's Ebo Taylor as well resurrecting the force that is Benin's Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou, amongst others.

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. The accolades are as follows:

*German Record Critics’ Prize 2011 Winner - "Angola Soundtrack: The Unique Sound of Luanda 1968-1976"

*Gilles Peterson Worldwide Award 2011 Nominee - Label of the Year

*Red Dot Designer Award 2008 Winner - "African Scream Contest: Raw & Pscyhedelic Afro Sounds from Benin & Togo 70s"

*European Design "Silver" Award 2010 Winner - "Legends of Benin"