DEBUT ALBUM
DONSO
‘Donso’ (Cometcd051)
OUT IN EUROPE ON JUNE 2010
Video EPK including live studio sessions + Interview of Pierre Antoine Grison the album producer.
There is only one proven way to move music forward: to innovate new sounds and combine styles that seem to stand in strong contrast to one another. Whether it is the fusion of Pop and african, jazz and hip-hop, or rock and electro, it is often within these experimental sounds that the future of music can be heard. To this point, whenever groups attempt to fuse together the sounds of African Beat, or any of the traditional sounds of that continent, it can yield some of the most original and stunning music ever. Following this tradition, the debut record from the French and Malian group known as Donso is unquestionably one of the most uniquely exciting albums in years.
The album itself is easily one of the most musically diverse records in years, as it runs a wide range in terms of styles and influences that are found on the eleven tracks. Each track has a very unique sound and mood, and the sheer diversity in sonic textures is an amazing accomplishment. Presenting sounds from traditional African Beat all the way to deep, ambient textures, Donsohas something that is sure to engage music fans across the spectrum. Regardless of the genres that the group fuses together, the results are consistently fantastic, as they quickly make it clear that the African Beat sound can be seamlessly injected into any other style and yield extraordinary results.
Donso consists of a quartet of brilliant musicians who, when combined, clearly push one another to greater musical feats at every turn. Much of the modern spin on the music comes from the work of electronic instrumentalist, Pierre-Antoine Grison
(aka KrazyBaldhead), and the way in which he waves the traditional African sounds into the electronic genre is nothing short of stunning. The guitar and Djele N'Goni work from Guimba Kouyate is equally fantastic, and a wide range of playing styles are found here, from the winding, almost spacey progressions on “Musow” to a energic rock sound on «Djanjigui”. Playing both Donso N'Goni as well as handing the live percussion, Thomas Guillaume brings some of the most wonderfully primitive beats ever heard, and the way in which they are worked into the modern sounds is nothing short of sonic genius. Also appearing on Donso are Ballake Sissoko on Kora and keyboardist Cheick Thidiane Seck, and the massive amount of diverse instrumentation and stylistic approach truly makes the album like nothing else in music.
Along with the superb musical landscapes, the vocal work of Gedeon Papa Diarra serves as the ideal finishing touch to the unique compositions throughout Donso. From soulful, ambient singing on “Tile Ban” to the almost hip-hop style of “Musow,” the vocals on the album prove that there is far more to the African vocal style than just chanting and traditional singing arrangements. The combination of the music and vocals throughout Donsoare almost a futuristic African Beat, and the fact that the group shows no fear in incorporating computerized and synthesizer-created sounds, such as the loops on “Baara” proves just how visionary a mind lives within these musicians. The group shows that they have a clear understanding and love for their roots, as is displayed on the most traditionally African Beat track, “Koniya,” The latter of these songs also features one of the most hypnotic, head-bobbing rhythms ever recorded, and it also shows that in many cases, vocals are not necessary to convey the spirit of a song. Conversely, though it is the most tradional at its base, “Koniya” still has an undeniably modern feel, as the programmed drums and synthesizer patterns fit perfectly. This ability to beautifully, seamlessly blend old and new is a rare talent, yet Donso proves that the musicians in this group overflow with this skill.
The fact that each song is so perfectly executed is no doubt in large part due to the fact that Pierre-Antoine Grison played such a large role on “both sides of the glass.” Along with engineer, Lucas Chauviere, the duo gives each instrument enough space to be fully realized, and yet the entire sound fits together perfectly, creating a massive wall of sonic beauty. Clearly representing the future of African Beat, Donso reflects the global nature of music, and proves that there is still much ground to be explored within the world of music. Finding the ideal balance between the traditional sounds of African Beat, yet giving them a modern spin like nothing else, the long-awaited debut from Donso is sure to blow the minds of music fans across all genres and cultures.
Groupe Donso :
Gédéon Diarra : chant
Pierre-Antoine Grison: programmation, claviers
Thomas Guillaume: Donso N'Goni, percussions
Guimba Kouyaté: guitare, Djele N'Goni
Tracklisting Album
1. Koniya
2. Mogoya
3. Djama
4. Musow
5. Hunters
6. Djandjigui
7. Tile Ban
8. Diya
9. Tiyamba
10. Baara
11. Kono