Rail Band / Les Ambassadeurs Du Motel De Bamako Mariba Yassah Feat. Mory Kante / Get Up James

A. Rail Band - Mariba Yassah ft. Mory Kanté

One of Mali’s best known outfits, also known as Super Rail Band and the Bamako Rail Band. Led by the legendary Salif Keita. Their unique style came about as a result of the fusion of Afro-Latin-Jazz and traditional styles.

This track is super funky and tight from the first beat, with a catchy trumpet line running over the top and throughout. Mory Kanté features here on lead vocals.

Originally released on their album entitled ‘Super Rail Band Of The Buffet Hotel Del La Gare De Bamako, Mali - Rail Band’, in 1973 on RCAM.

B. Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako - Get Up James

Salif Keita becomes the subject of some unusual A-side/B-side drama here - he left Rail Band to join Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako! Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako are considered to be one of Africa’s greatest bands, assembled in the early 70’s in Mali.

This record is a James Brown cover with a psychedelic-West African twist. Loud and proud JB style call-and-response vocals, driving organ, drums and guitar.