V/A- Ishlihan N-Tenere: Guitar Music From The Western Sahel (Mississippi Records 2010, MR079)

Here's a fresh repost via SahelSounds. Ishlihan N-Tenere: Guitar Music From The Western Sahel is one of Mississipi Record's very latest LP releases (MR-079). What's more, an official high-quality version of the album is available at Bandcamp for just two bucks. Cheap! And 60% of the profits go to the artists. Great stuff. Get on it!

"After a substantial work, we’ve finally wrapped up the first official release from SahelSounds. In collaboration with Mississippi Records, the record Ishilan N-Tenere features contemporary guitar music from three ethnic regions of the Sahel — Fouta Toro, the Niger Buckle, and Adrar D’Ifoghas:

“This compilation highlights recordings of local guitar bands in three areas of modern day Senegal and Mali. These bands are almost unknown outside of their homes but have a devoted local following. They play all events, celebratory or political. Their songs are folk anthems, hummed under the breath and chanted by children, traded by cassette and transferred by cellphone. The guitar bands are the pride of their towns.”

The release is available on vinyl only, the first pressing limited to 2,000 copies, and features a 12 page full color booklet and extensive liner notes written by yours truly.

I strongly believe digital music should be free. However, the option to support the artists is provided should one be so inclined. Much of the music was once featured here on the site, but I’ve also made it available with a sliding scale price beginning at $2, but with the option to go much higher (for the sake of transparency Bandcamp takes a cut and the remaining profit is split 60% to the artists and 40% for SahelSounds).

Download the album at Bandcamp."