CD review: Bela Fleck, “Throw Down Your Heart”
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
World music
Bela Fleck “Throw Down Your Heart, Tales from the Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3: Africa Sesssions” (Rounder Records)
Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck took his open, creative mind and skilled fingers to Uganda, Mali, Tanzania and several other countries to make music with African performers in “Throw Down Your Heart,” the third of his occasional series “Tales from the Acoustic Planet.”
The Grammy winner and his crew effectively capture and convey the earthy beauty and diversity of African music with the 18 engaging tracks. The album offers a mix of traditionals, originals penned by Fleck’s collaborators and new songs co-written by the banjo picker and his African cohorts.
In the equally absorbing liner notes, Fleck says he was inspired to travel to Africa after learning of his instrument’s origins there. He also tells interesting stories about the recording process and the meaning of each song in the notes.
Fleck worked with several famous African talents, including talented guitarist D’Gary, singer/songwriter/activist Vusi Mahlasela and powerful songstress Oumou Sangare.
But some of the album’s best songs come from his collaborations with obscure African musicians who will probably never be known outside their own communities. Blind singer/thumb piano layer Anania Nogoglia pulls off incredible vocal feats on “Kabibi,” while the Nakisenyi Women’s Group, who cooked for Fleck and Co. on the trek, brings authentic warmth to “Tulinesangala.”
The songs sound exotic to American ears, and the performers create amazing sonic effects with their voices and instruments. But the exoticism doesn’t seem contrived; the music feels genuine and down-to-earth. And it’s a testament to Fleck’s skills that his banjo sounds right at home in these African songs.
- BAM
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