Balake ('porcupine' in Mandinka) is Burkina Faso's proudest musical export, and in 2013 he recorded his final album before passing away: 'In Conclusion'. The record saw him revisit some of his most popular tracks from his remarkable 50-year career, backed by an eight-piece Burkinabe band who took the country's traditional sounds and brought them into a contemporary light.

Gomori retains the essence of the original recordings - which were mostly captured in one take - and marries them to vigorous afro-house stylings. 'Bar Konon Mousso (Musicien C'est Pas Quelqu'un)', in which Balake tells of a bar lady being unimpressed by his profession, gets a gentle push towards the modern dancefloor, its wonderful sax lines resplendent. 'Massa Kamba' is taken for a drive down the more traditional route, with commanding drums bolstering the original grooves and a marvelous triple harmony brass section at its core. Balake's freewheeling style suits the hypnotic feel of the edits to a tee.


Support on these edits come from everyone from Optimo to ANOTR, Laurent Garnier, Benji B, Tigerbalm, Detroit Swindle, Benji B, Jimpster, Disclosure, Soul Clap, Atjazz, Jacques Renault, Adesse Versions, Craig Charles, Nuno Dos Santos, Charles Webster, Roger Sanchez, Joyce Muniz, COEO, Auntie Flo, Waze & Odyssey, HAAi, Nachtbraker, Souldynamic, Terry Farley, Lars Behrenroth, Coco Cole, Peter Kruder, Moodymanc, jozif, Severino, Harri, Dom Servini, James Curd, Piek, Llorca, Speaking Minds, Mark Farina, Voyeur, Jad & The, Shield, Simbad, Zepherin Saint, Penguin Prison, Loz Goddard, Droog...[info sheet from distr.]