Soul Science

In Gambian singer and multi-instrumentalist Juldeh Camara, guitarist Justin Adams (who also plays in Robert Plant's band) has found an ideal foil for his African blues sound. Soul Science kicks off with "Yerro Mama," which sounds like primal rock & roll, with Camara's one-string fiddle roaring through a solo like any wild electric guitarist. And that's just the beginning. "Ya Ta Kaaya" tosses a nod to the ancient hambone rhythm that became Bo Diddley's trademark. With the addition of percussionist Salah Dawson Miller and bassist Billy Fuller on some tracks, there's a fiery little band working here. The mix of a Fulani griot -- Camara -- and Western musicians with a love and deep understanding of West African music makes for a charged mix that rocks its socks off while hewing close to Camara's roots. He's the central figure here, even though Adams' name is on the title, and Adams is happy to have him that way, acting as strong support but also creating this blend that manages to be rooted and forward-looking at the same time. It's a gem of a disc, electrifying and roaring, both musically and in spirit. Whether it's science or art is up for debate, but it certainly has soul. ~ Chris Nickson|

ティナリウェンのプロデューサーでありロバート・プラント・バンドのギタリストとしても知られるジャスティン・アダムズが、ガンビア出身のリティ（1弦ヴァイオリン）奏者ジュルデー・カマラとのコンビで新作を発表。この二人の名義でのアルバムは2007年に続いて2作目となる。ジャスティンは白人だが、本作を聞けば彼が現在の〈砂漠のブルース〉を語る上でいかに重要なミュージシャンかがわかる。前作よりもロック的な色合いが強く、最近心に響くロックがないと思っている往年のロック・ファンにも聞いてほしい。
intoxicate (C)篠原裕治