A Great World Music Album
01/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tama, a core group composed of four members with various guest musicians, is one of the most exciting world music groups playing today. With "Espace," the group has made a gorgeous record that not only contains pure, mostly acoustic instrumentation (an abnormality with the growing use of electronics and techno effects in today's world music collaborations) but also, Tama comes together as a true group. There is no star on this recording, just talented musicians coming together and forming a unique fusion. Greatly influenced by the traditional styles of Mali (two of the groups members hail from the country) the music also mixes afro-pop sensibilites with soaring vocals from Guinea-Bissau, funk influenced guitar lines, and guests from Morocco and Cameroon. Every song on this album is full of an undefinable group energy and musicianship that is mature and giving. This is surely one of the best albums to be released on Peter Gabriel's "Real World" label."