Recently reformed West African band Les Ambassadeurs are not only touring again, they've also released a double-disc compilation, Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako on Sterns Music. Comprised of the original 1975-77 recordings, the reissue includes tracks that were never released digitally, as well as two previously unreleased recordings from Radio Mali.
Featuring clutch members Salif Këita, Ousmane Kouyate, Cheick Tidiane Seck and Amadou Bagayoko (now of husband and wife duo Amadou & Mariam), the double album builds on the group's trad African tastings with some affluent horns, cheerful balafon lines and sprly seductive vocals.
Les Ambassadeurs recent tour stops have included the famed World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) at Charlton Park in the U.K., La Mar de Musicas in Cartagena, Spain and will continue on to Belgium, France and Norway.
Les Ambassadeurs started in the early 1970s, by way of a senior member of Mali's military entertaining at a motel in Bamako. Original members included the late Kanté Manfila on guitar, Idrissa Soumaoro on keys and Amadou Bagayoko. Këita came to Les Ambassadeurs by way of their competition, the Rail Band.
You can catch more history--as well as future endeavors--over on their Facebook page, where journalist Andy Morgan has been posting the “#LesAmbassadeursStory” in several parts. An enticing segment, Morgan keeps both old and new fans up to date on all things Ambassadeurs.
Below, check out a high-spirited video of their reunion, including rehearsals for the Euro tour, filmed in beautiful Bamako. And look out for the snippet where Seck and Salif work on the set list.
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