Consumer Guide Album

Thiossane Ablaye Ndiaye: Thiossane Ablaye Ndiaye [Syllart/Sterns, 2012]
In which a strong-voiced, historically-minded, salsa-loving Senegalese guitarist and painter records a suitably impressive elder's debut at 74, with his steadfast gravity the linchpin and the band the reason non-Wolof speakers will listen. With Xalam, OK Jazz, and Africando recruits on board, it's basically an Orchestra Baobab one-off with the focus on saxophonist Thierno Koyat? rather than crazier saxophonist Issa Cissoko and the Xalam and OK Jazz guys pitching in where Togo-based Barthelemy Attisso normally moves heaven and earth. The hypnotic clave of "Bouki Ndiour" and the warm lyricism of "Arawane Ndiaye" might heighten your expectations unduly. But hell--take a chance. B+