Nomad Soul

On Nomad Soul Baaba Maal has stayed true to his Fulani herdsman roots, singing as he travels and working with the best of those he meets along the way. On his seventh U.S. release, you will find collaborations with ambient pioneers Brian Eno and Jon Hassell, Celtic influences with Irish singers "The Screaming Orphans," and a duet with reggae star Luciano. Afro Celt Sound System mainstay Simon Emmerson produces, as do Groucho Smykle, Ron Aslan, and Mykael Riley. This CD is a successful blend of diverse musical influences united by the solid Senegalese sound of Baaba Maal. Maal and his band Daande Lenol are known for extraordinary live performances full of passionate playing and gravity-defying dancing but Maal also makes carefully refined studio recordings using top producers. The result is a polished album that does not lose Maal's vibrancy. --Jeff Grubb