When the world music movement exploded out of Africa in the early 1980s, one of the most popular groups packing concert venues was Toure Kunda. Formed by two Senegalese brothers, the band blended traditional African music with Latin, reggae and vibrant pop. Their younger brother, Ousmane Toure, later joined them to help with vocals, before the group, sadly, disbanded.
Twenty-some years later Ousmane Toure has released his own CD, "Avenue du Monde," showing he learned plenty from his older siblings before developing his own distinctive approach. With a sound reminiscent of Senegalese Youssou N'Dour, this is an intense, passionate recording.
Most of the tunes feature a fast polyrhythmic drive underneath Toure's robust, radiant vocals. The opener, "Mandou," shoots forward with nimble energy, while "Simbala" and "Terena Mou Teu," have thick, juicy bass lines. The ballads feature more nuanced singing in a lush background of kora (African harp) and pristine acoustic instruments, both European and African.
Recorded in Paris, the quality is stunning -- audiophiles will love hearing every delicately placed note. "Avenue du Monde" is one of the best African releases of the year. (Michael Pronko)
