This second offering from Senegal's majestic, Cheikh Lo was produced by Youssou N'Dour and Nick Gold at Studio Xippi in Dakar and sees Lo extend the vibe of his debut, "Ne la Thiass". The airy, uplifting, acoustic sound is propelled along by rippling sabar and tama drums and on Bambay Gueej he boosts his horn section to feature the tenor sax and arrangements of former James Brown side-man Pee Wee Ellis. As a Baye Fall, Cheikh is a conscious, religious man and his lyrics reflect his concerns. While "M'Beddemi" deals with homelessness, "N'Dox" and "N'Jarinu Garab" focus on Man's relationship to nature. There's a chemistry at work on this album that ensures the open spirit of collaboration never detracts from the overall feel. Bambay Gueej, tips a respectful nod to Fela's afro beat while Orquesta Aragon's mercurial flautist Richard Egues and the Afro Cuban All Stars stamp the sound of Cuba on "M'Beddemi" and "N'Jarinu Garab". Malian label mate, Oumou Sangare sings a beautiful duet on haunting "Bobo-Dioulasso" and as this album draws to a close you just want to press Play again. --Paul Bradshaw