Multiple award-winning vocalist
Dee Dee Bridgewater delivers an astounding masterwork complete with an entrancing set of original compositions and four reworked jazz classics on
Red Earth. It is her ode to Mali and Africa -- the story of a lost child finding her way home. Singing in the spirit that calls on her African and Malian ancestry and with reverence for jazz vocalists such as
Billie Holiday and
Ella Fitzgerald at their best,
Bridgewater exudes the artistic depth she is revered for around the world. Recorded in Mali and featuring some of its most respected artists, this ambitious concept recording explores Malian and other African jazz roots on such songs as "Bani" (Bad Spirits), "Sakhodougou" (The Griots), "Oh My Love," and "Massane Cissé" (Red Earth). When it was written, "Bambo" (No More), composed by
Tata "Bambo" Kouyaté, was so powerful that it led the government to abolish forced marriage in the 1960s. In addition to including "Bambo," such prominent female vocalists and outspoken women's rights advocates as
Oumou Sangaré,
Ramata Diakité, rising star
Mamani Kéita, and Fatoumata "Mama" Kouyaté, the latter being hailed as the "golden voice of Mali," are prominently featured. "Bani," "Sakhodougou," and "Massane Cissé," which originated in the 12th and 13th centuries, are told in the oral tradition of "the Griots." In deference to the importance of these traditions,
Bridgewater features lauded griots (musical and otherwise)
Kassé-Mady Diabaté, up-and-coming talent
Kabiné Kouyaté,
Bassékou Kouyaté,
Toumani Diabaté, and
Baba Sissoko. On the jazz side,
Bridgewater revisits "Afro Blue," previously released in 1974, with a new beginning, beautiful accentuation, and skillfully elongated lyrics. A favorite among jazz and folk vocalists,
Nina Simone's "Four Women" also serves as a brilliant new showcase for
Bridgewater's amazing vocals. This compelling song is reintroduced via an
Edsel Gomez arrangement.
Bridgewater weaves her emphatic emotions and storytelling expertise throughout
Simone's heartfelt lyrics and simply holds you spellbound, compelling you to replay it more than once. For fans of
Dee Dee Bridgewater, this masterwork is yet another brilliant testament to her linguistic versatility. On the Grammy-nominated
J'Ai Deaux Amours, released in 2005, she sang in French as well as in English on a collection of French cabaret-style songs. With
Red Earth she takes you into the depths of the African diaspora complete with references to several native dialects. This CD was nominated for a Grammy award in 2007 for Best Jazz Vocal Album. ~ Paula Edelstein