Daby Toure - Stereo Spirit

(Real World/ CDRW142)

Daby Touré’s second solo album has been received by mixed reviews – mostly favourable – so I’m going to stick with the positive, as this is a lovely and refreshing collection of African pop songs. ‘Stereo Spirit’  introduces us to the fusion of the sounds and influences Daby has collated throughout his musical career; living in Mauritania and Paris blending the languages of his childhood, Wolof, Soninké, and Pulaar, with English.

A competent and self-assured solo musician, Daby wrote all the tracks on ‘Stereo Spirit’, plays all his own instruments, including guitars, bass and drums, creating an album that will have you hooked from the very first track.  If you like guitar-based singer songwriters - and I dare to compare Daby to the great Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) – but are looking for something a little different to kick back to, this is the CD for you. Daby’s vocals and sentiment gives artist in a similar genre like Youssou N'Dour and Seu Jorge a run for their money. I can guarantee this will be a staple summer listening. Standout tracks are ‘Baye’ and ‘Setal’. My favourite is ‘Yafod’.

Reviewer : Yve Ngoo