Xalam
Ben Aylon
Awards:
-
Songlines, Top of the World, July 2021
The melodies Aylon composed for Xalam, which he recorded with the late Senegalese sabar master Doudou N’diaye Rose starting in 2013, blend the sounds of Africa, the Middle East, rock, reggae...
Xalam
Ben Aylon
Purchase product
Awards:
-
Songlines, Top of the World, July 2021
The melodies Aylon composed for Xalam, which he recorded with the late Senegalese sabar master Doudou N’diaye Rose starting in 2013, blend the sounds of Africa, the Middle East, rock, reggae...
About
Ben Aylon's debut international album sees him elevate the traditional music and instruments of Senegal and Mali into a fresh contemporary setting. Seven years in the making, 'Xalam' features the late, great Malian diva Khaira Arby and sabar drumming legend Doudou Ndiaye Rose.
Ben Aylon - renowned for his "Neu-African Drumming" style, explosive-burning rhythms and cutting-edge hybrid drumming techniques - has collaborated with famous artists including Cheikh Lo, Omar Pene, Bombino and Doudou Ndiaye Rose. His drumming style is considered as the 'next generation' of Senegalese drumming and his mesmerizing solo act 'One Man Tribe' has made him a musical celebrity in Senegal.
Many years in the making, Ben produced this album to reflect his musical vision and journey to date, which showcases his xalam/djeli ngoni playing to beautiful effect.
Contents and tracklist
- Xalam
Awards and reviews
-
SonglinesTop of the WorldJuly 2021
September 2021
The melodies Aylon composed for Xalam, which he recorded with the late Senegalese sabar master Doudou N’diaye Rose starting in 2013, blend the sounds of Africa, the Middle East, rock, reggae and more into a pleasing sonic landscape.
July 2021
What stands out is how seamlessly Aylon has absorbed the essence of different West African styles – from Mande griot music to Senegalese mbalax via desert blues – and distilled them into a unique and highly compelling montage to emerge as the blackest toubab (white man) in West Africa. Xalam is already shaping up to be one of my albums of the year.
