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Leni Stern: Alu May

By John Barron
August 31, 2007
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Guitarist Leni Stern has always been an artist willing to push the boundaries of her creativity. Upon visiting the African nation of Mali in 2006, the multi-faceted guitarist/vocalist engaged in an experimental blending of her unique musicianship with a group of authentic African vocalists and instrumentalists. The resulting five song EP, Alu Mayé (Have You Heard), is a profound undertaking of personalized musical statements that seamlessly intertwine the diversity of distant cultures.

Along with four percussionists and three singers, the alluring sound of the n'goni, a lute-type instrument played widely throughout Mali, dominates the textural landscape of the music. Used in accompaniment and as a solo voice, the four n'goni performers create a captivating presence, complimented by Stern's electric and acoustic guitar layering.

Guest performers include guitarist Mike Stern, Leni's husband, who lends his signature scorching lines to "Ite ta Ninye, and the late Michael Brecker whose tenor saxophone envelopes "Ousamane and "Saya (For Don Alias). The latter is an especially poignant tribute to the late percussionist who first exposed Stern to the rich similarities between African and jazz music.

The disc closes with a beautiful cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe, featuring Stern's soothing rasp on the timeless lyrics and Haruna Samake on the camelagoni. It's a touching finish to a session full of serenity, sorrow and hope.

Track Listing

My Name is Oumou; Ousmane; Ite ta Ninye; Saya (For Don Alias); It Ain

Personnel

Leni Stern: guitars, vocals; Ami Sacko: vocals; Mah Soumano: backing vocals; Dally Kouyate: backing vocals; Bassekou Kouyate: jelli n'goni; Omar Kouyate: n'goni; Moussa Sesoko: n'goni; Andara Kouyate: n'goni bas; Haruna Samake: camelagoni; Moussa Bah: tama, jembe; Alu Couliba: calabas; Djelibah Diabate: dun dun superimpose; Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone (2, 4); Michael Stern: guitar solo (3); Deron Johnson: fender Rhodes (1).

Album information

Title: Alu May | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Self Produced

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