Sarala (1995)

About this title: This must surely be one of the most unusual items in Hank Jones' catalog. Few people would probably associate Jones -- one of the finest pianists that jazz has ever known, and a man who has played with everyone from Charlie Parker to Tony Williams -- with contemporary Afro-pop; yet this album is an infectiously grooving example of just that, featuring the remarkably versatile pianist alongside a stellar cast of musicians from the West African nation of Mali. At first glance, the Malian pop music that is featured on this cross-cultural outing would seem to be light-years from the kind of ... read more

Tracks:

1. Aly Kawélé [Wague]
2. Sarala [Seck]
3. Maningafoly [Seck]
4. Tounia Kanibala [Diabate]
5. Komidiara [Diakite]
6. Fantagué [Kouyate]
7. Mâké [Seck]
8. Walidid Ya [Seck/Annabi]
9. Soundjata [Traditional/Diabate]
10. Hank Miri [Seck]
11. Hadja Fadima [Seck]
12. Moriba Ka Foly [Koita]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.