Toubalbero (Gate)

Acclaimed Malian musician Sidi Tour' returns with his fourth album, Toubalbero. Named after the large traditional drum used to gather people in the Malian region of Gao, Toubalbero is a danceable, dynamic, and despite the region's significant political challenges, joyous album. For his first electro-acoustic album, Sidi Toure (vocals, guitar, and calabash) is joined by bassist Baba Traore drummer Mamadou 'Mandou'Kone (who also plays with Vieux Farka Toure), electric guitarist Djad' Traor', N'Goni player (traditional Malian guitar) Ousmane 'Papou Dagnon, and vocalist Babou Diallo. This is a reflection of his performance style of the last three years throughout Mali. The music is a celebration driven by the energy and groove of the rhythms. Toubalbero is exhilarating trance music overflowing with joy and carried by the beauty of Sidis voice. Previous Sidi Toure albums were recorded in a modest tin-roofed studio in Bamako. The recording sessions have to be timed around Mali's rainy season due to the noise from the rain pelting the roof. Toubalbero was recorded over the course of four days at Studio Bogolan, one of the best in Mali where artists that include Ali Farka Toure, Rokia Traore, Toumani Diabate and Bjork have recorded. The album was recorded by Yaya Cisse and produced by Nicolas 'Covalesky' Richard. The songs were recorded live to tape in order to capture the energy of the performance. The album was also mixed entirely live by Jason Meagher at Black Dirt Studio (Steve Gunn, Jack Rose). The approach mirrored the live mix of a performance. Much as mixes by the great King Tubby, it retains all the joy and energy of a gig. Sidi Toure's Toubalbero is an exuberant and irresistible call out for unity and peace for Malians and Africans. Much like the drum that gathers folks in Goa, this album's aim is to unite through joyous expression for the greater good of all. Unity is strength and joy is unstoppable.1. Hendjero Moulaye2. BK3. Djirbi Mardjie4. Toubalbero5. Tchirey6. Hannah7. Handaraïzo8. Heyyeya9. Sitiali Boubou10. Kaoula11. Tarzidet