Latest releases reviewed

ISSA BAGAYOGO
Tassourmakan  Wrasse Records
****

This often stunningly beautiful album manages to form a bridge between Western electronic pop and native Malian music. That bridge is built on Bagayogo's terms, though he is helped by French keyboardist/ producer Yves Wernert. The music may utilise all manner of electronic tools and sounds, but they never overwhelm or undermine the sense that this is an African album. Bagayogo's stately baritone is set against heavenly female backing vocals, creating a sound wall of irresistible cross-patterned harmony. Like Bagayogo's 2002 breakthrough album, Timbukto, Tassourmakan is not simply about outstanding tracks - though there are plenty - but about the low-key infectious rhythmic stew which bubbles away through the 15 tracks. The mood and music he creates may indeed justify the tag  Afro-Techno, but the accent is, thankfully, on the Afro side. www.wrasserecords.com

Joe Breen

BUDDY MILLER
Universal United House of Prayer Zoe
****

At the heart of this passionate new album from alt.country singer, songwriter and guitarist Buddy Miller lies his deep Christian faith. But before the secular among you move on, be warned that this is an album of such ringing conviction and exquisite touch that the legend that the devil has all the best tunes is held up to scrutiny again. The key track is a riveting nine-minute-plus version of With God on Our Side, Miller's voice shaking with outrage as he informs Dylan's lyrics with the spectre of the Iraqi war - he's no fan of Bush. The guitarist, who leads Emmylou Harris's band Spyboy, enlists her for the haunting Wide River to Cross, but it is his natural sense of country soul/gospel, leaning heavily on both black and white influences such as the Staple Singers and the Louvin Brothers, his sense of humour and, of course, his strength in his beliefs that make this collection so memorable and so pertinent. www.buddyandjulie.com

Joe Breen