New Music From Souad Massi on Calabash Music

Honeysuckle (Mesk Elil)

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:43:02 -0500

Mesk Elil (Honeysuckle) is the work of an artist at the peak of her creative powers—and one hot on the heels of Yngy, Souad Massi’s first child—Mesk Elil broadens the musical spectrum with orchestral sections, loping West African grooves and a maturity that is “the natural result of two years of constant touring.” Produced by the visionary Jean Lamoot (Noir Desir, Salif Keita) and featuring such stellar musicians as long-time guitarist Jean-Francois Kellner, Malian axeman Djely Moussa Kouyate (from Salif Keita’s band) and burgeoning world music superstar Daby Touré, Mesk Elil reflects both Massi’s personal and social concerns. Once again the purity of her vocals belie the often harrowing intensity of lyrics on love, heartache and longing (lyrics that could be about herself or her country), but there’s a sweetness here, a sense of hope, that hints at brighter days to come.

Deb (Heart Broken)

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:43:02 -0500

Souad Massi has had the time to let her second album mature, meet other artists and tour extensively. Musically, she has blossomed,allowing her to pursue her dreams with even more intensity and verve. From the very opening chords of this new album, there is a world devoid of arbitrary borders. burbling tablas from Pakistan, gypsy intonations, the sobbing of cellos, ethereal lutes, cosmopolitan folk-rock, Andalusian flamenco… throughout this vibrant, generous album, her nuance-laden voice soars and swoops with a fabulous confidence and subtlety.

Raoui

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:43:02 -0500