Toumani Diabate, Punch Brothers Selected for Songlines' "Top of the World"

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Toumani Diabate graces the cover of the April/May issue of Songlines magazine, out of the UK, on newstands now. He's also included in "Top of the World," the magazine's editor's-choice collection of the ten best new releases, which features the track "Ali Farka Toure" off Toumani's new solo kora album, The Mande Variations.

Listen to "Ali Farka Toure" here:


Diabate_mande_lg

Songlines' Nigel Williamson calls the album title's reference to Bach's Goldberg Variations "a good analogy, for there's a courtly grace and elegance to these eight long, solo instrumental pieces." Williamson also cites the works' rhythms as being "of an astonishingly subtle complexity" and finds "a voluptuousness in Toumani's endlessly varying contours of interdependent melody, harmony and rhythm that is quite engrossing."  He marvels: "How a solo instrument recorded without overdubs can sound so lush and layered is remarkable ... This is a heroic record in every sense."

The Mande Variations debuts at the top spot on the Songlines World Music Chart.

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Punch_bros_punch_lg

Also featured in Songlines' "Top of the World" collection is "Sometimes" off Punch Brothers' Punch. Reviewer Chris Jones calls the album the "masterpiece" that finds Chris Thile to be "a fully matured artist." Of the album's central work, the four-movement The Blind Leaving the Blind, which Thile wrote in response to the pain of divorce, Jones writes:

its intricate changes of pace divide episodic verses that drip with both knotty metaphor and confessional wisdom. Despite references to late night drinking and sorrow, you’re left with an undeniable feeling of the resilience of the spirit, finding salvation through the healing power of music. This is therapy, but of the kind that you feel privileged to witness.

For the complete reviews and more on the "Top of the World" selections, visit songlines.co.uk.

Diabate_mande_lg_2

Click here to add The Mande Variations CD plus the free album MP3s to your Shopping Cart now for only $16.

Punch_bros_punch_lgClick here to add the Punch CD plus free album MP3s, including the bonus download, "Bailey," direct to your Shopping Cart for $16.

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  • Monday, March 24, 2008
    Toumani Diabate, Punch Brothers Selected for Songlines' "Top of the World"

    Toumani Diabate graces the cover of the April/May issue of Songlines magazine, out of the UK, on newstands now. He's also included in "Top of the World," the magazine's editor's-choice collection of the ten best new releases, which features the track "Ali Farka Toure" off Toumani's new solo kora album, The Mande Variations.

    Listen to "Ali Farka Toure" here:


    Diabate_mande_lg

    Songlines    ' Nigel Williamson calls the album title's reference to Bach's Goldberg Variations "a good analogy, for there's a courtly grace and elegance to these eight long, solo instrumental pieces." Williamson also cites the works' rhythms as being "of an astonishingly subtle complexity" and finds "a voluptuousness in Toumani's endlessly varying contours of interdependent melody, harmony and rhythm that is quite engrossing."  He marvels: "How a solo instrument recorded without overdubs can sound so lush and layered is remarkable ... This is a heroic record in every sense."

    The Mande Variations debuts at the top spot on the Songlines World Music Chart.

    ---

    Punch_bros_punch_lg

    Also featured in Songlines' "Top of the World" collection is "Sometimes" off Punch Brothers' Punch. Reviewer Chris Jones calls the album the "masterpiece" that finds Chris Thile to be "a fully matured artist." Of the album's central work, the four-movement The Blind Leaving the Blind, which Thile wrote in response to the pain of divorce, Jones writes:

    its intricate changes of pace divide episodic verses that drip with both knotty metaphor and confessional wisdom. Despite references to late night drinking and sorrow, you’re left with an undeniable feeling of the resilience of the spirit, finding salvation through the healing power of music. This is therapy, but of the kind that you feel privileged to witness.

    For the complete reviews and more on the "Top of the World" selections, visit songlines.co.uk.

    Diabate_mande_lg_2

    Click here to add The Mande Variations CD plus the free album MP3s to your Shopping Cart now for only $16.

    Punch_bros_punch_lgClick here to add the Punch CD plus free album MP3s, including the bonus download, "Bailey," direct to your Shopping Cart for $16.

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