Home » Music » Song of the Day
Xalat Bou Set by Raphaël Pannier
From the album
Album Title: Live in St. Louis, Senegal
Label: Miel Music
Released: 2025
Listen
Sign in to view listen count
About the Album
Raphaël Pannier Quartet & Khadim Niang have taken jazz to a new level with “Live in Saint Louis, Senegal.” The recording combines Pannier’s stellar quartet (saxophonist Yosvany Terry, pianist Thomas Enhco and drummer François Moutin) with eight master West African percussionists led by Niang, who performed with the legendary sabar drummer Doudou N’Diaye Rose.
“Xalat Bou Set” means “The Holy Spirit” in Wolof. This Pannier/Niang composition blends ritual rhythm with melodic improvisation in a rare moment of cross-cultural alchemy. Anchored in a sabar foundation by Khadim and expanded with layered harmonies and jazz phrasing — featuring pianist Thomas Enhco and saxophonist Yosvany Terry — the track builds toward a transcendent exchange between François Moutin’s double bass and Khadim’s sabars: a moment so intense it seems to lift beyond the studio itself. “Xalat Bou Set” is a powerful dialogue between rhythm and spirit, jazz and tradition.
Tracks
Lonely Woman 12:38; Take Five 14:18; Xalat Bou Set 10:16; Naima 13:39; Homage a Doudou N'Diaye Rose 8:20; Sine Saloum 10:44; Djolokanete! 1:36
Personnel
Date featured
January 19, 2026
This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.
