Dec 17/06
The Barber of Marrakech
Yesterday I stumbled home late after a good night at the Sattelit Café in Paris. The music was the usual good mix of African/South American/Middle Eastern. An ecclectic mix of rai, mbalax, salsa, gnawa and coupé décalé still rings a bit in my ears.
In the spirit of this mix of musical styles while at the same time sticking to my recent North Africa kick, let’s listen to some Abdeljalil Kodssi.
Originally the “best barber in town”, Marrakech native Kodssi starting devoting himself to music in the late 70s. His career slowly developed over the twenty years, first touring Spain in the mid 80s then eventually broke into the French market a couple years ago with his solo album, Mimoun.
The root of most of Kodssi’s music is obviously a Moroccan Gnawa style but he mixes in rock, West African pop and some flamenco. I think the organ he often uses on Mimoun sounds perfect over the North African rhythms and strumming.
Crisp, sunny Paris Sunday. Big coffee. Good music. Bliss.
Abdeljalil Kodssi – Bechokek
Abdeljalil Kodssi – Hada Rayeh
December 20th, 2006 at 10:46
Just discovered your blog. It’s fantastic. I’ve been looking for one like yours.
every post is a gem. Thanks!
December 22nd, 2006 at 16:14
I’m a fan of your blog from many months now (I have a world music blog too and I write sometimes about african music and I learn lots with your blog)… But I never had a good «excuse» to comment in your blog… Now, I have: Wish you a Merry Christmas and a very good new year! Keep up the excellent work!!!
December 29th, 2006 at 03:12
I’m getting seriously tempted to jump on a train and get down to Paris. If it happens (it’s not likely), I’ll let you know.
December 30th, 2006 at 00:15
Hi! I´m just discovering your blog, but i have to say, thank´s for the beautiful sounds
.
Rasheed
February 13th, 2007 at 12:19
[...] Marrakech native Kodssi starting devoting himself to music in the late 70s. Abdeljalil Kodssi on Benn Loxo, the entry is from December so be quick as it might disappear [...]