Review of 'Tzenni' from Noura Mint Seymali

Tzenni is the latest album from the international recording artist, Noura Mint Seymali. Bringing the best of African blues to the US and abroad, Seymali proves to be a force to be reckoned with.

Seymali, who toured at Summerstage in New York on July 5th, is Mauritania’s musical ambassador. Her music is billed as a contemporary take on “Moorish griot music.” Other members of her band include Jeiche Ould Chighaly on guitar, Ousmane Touré on bass, and Matthew Tinari on drums.

Although the music is definitely African, it sounds like American blues. The album is produced at the highest quality, and some tracks on the album include “Eguetmar,” “Tzenni,” “El Barm,” and “El Madi.” None of the songs are English. Seymali’s voice slides up and down the scale, leaving the audience impressed. As her vocals sails, she sounds like an African Janis Joplin.

Noura was raised in a “transitive culture across the Sahara, the Magreb, and West Africa.” Guitar guides some of the tracks, and there is plenty of emotion on the album. Though the album doesn’t aspire to be transcendent, it is a freeing journey in song. Recording Tzenni seems to be a joy for this international recording artist, who has performed at the Festival-au-Desert in Mali, Hayy Festival in Egypt, and Festival Timitar in Morocco.

Some of the lyrics are repetitive, and the sounds are worthy of a transcontinental journey. The harmonies are pleasant to listen to, and the back-up singers are soulful. It is reminiscent of the blues/ funk of the late 70s. We never wait for a chorus to repeat, but rather, follow along with the track.

Seymali has tour dates scheduled in July and August, including concerts at the Vancouver Folk Festival, and the Calgary Folk Music Festival, and The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and finally, the Beloved Festival in Tidewater, OR. Fans can expect an impressive tour, if the album is any indicator.

Tzenni was released on June 20 from Glitterbeat.