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Boubacar Diebate
My Family

You won't have to squint to spot the words "Mandinka
Traditional Music from Senegal" beneath the title of this CD, nor will it take much listening time to realize that Diebate is every bit as accomplished in a traditional setting as a contemporary one. There is an unmistakable familial, handed-down feel to the music. Dual koras, ngoni lute and balafon create dryly ethereal ripples of sound, Boubacar's lead vocals are equal parts balladeer and muezzin and the melodies have the right mix of hypnotic repetition and unhinged lilt.

Not a lot of sugar coating as far as production goes, and none needed. The music is naturally sweet. The final track, a kora/banjo duet with Bela Fleck, suffers just a bit from one-upmanship but largely manages to keep a cool head. A very good disc, showcasing Diebate's expertise in bringing the kora back to its roots.

World Music Central
by Tom Orr

Boubacar Diebate & Dialy Kounda
Kambeng

The celestially rustic tones of the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp/lute, arguably sound as good in progressive settings as traditional ones. Boubacar Diebate’s music belongs in the former. Along with players Foday Musa Suso and Kaouding Cissoko, Diebate puts the kora front and center in songs with arrangements designed to move the body and edify
heart and spirit. Though based in Boulder, Colorado, Diebate comes from a long line of Senegalese griots. This album, according to the brief liner notes, is his “contribution to the establishment of peace and love between all people.” While there’s no printed lyrics or explanations as to what the songs are about, the nine tracks mix Afro-pop, reggae and sharp symbiosis of modern with folkloric. Drum set and djembe lock
the beat as the alternately full and sparse kora tones are
supported by guitar, bass, recurring saxophone and rich vocals, befitting Diebate’s griot status. From the opening paean “Africa” to the elegant “Saya,” this array of tribal stompers scores.

World Music CD Reviews Africa
by Tom Orr

Peter Joseph Burtt
Sunken Forest
produced by Corey Harris

"He brings the instrument home in a spare, unpretentious performance of songs. Burtt a pleasing, dust dry voice well suited to blues and balladry. Burtt's own piece "be the one," also shifts the mood with a welcome shot of warm, three-chord harmony.
Burtt performs with understated intensity and at his best creates a powerful mood, as on his fine rendition of the Irish traditional, "Cragie Hill." There's nothing didactic or overreaching here, just strong, honest performances by a troubadour whose world is wide open."
Banning Eyre

"Sunken Forest...like our consciousness, our ancient roots...deep and rich, pulling images and emotions from a primal place that compels us with its pure familiarity. This album is absolutely exquisite. The eerily evocative voice and Kora tonalities achieved
by Burtt are absolutely astonishing. The kind of music you want to hear on a surf trip from anywhere to anywhere."
Drew Kampion

Peter Joseph Burtt
Traveloque

Ten to Twelve productions presents Travelogue, a fusion of Peter Joseph Burtt's many influences. His attempt to bridge cultural gaps, and create a unique sound. Burtt, a lifelong drummer and a student of music and the spoken word, spent 3 years in Africa studying with master musicians, traveling and performing. He began looking to cultures that maintain oral histories for
connections between rhythm, music, and poetry.

"Fine debut album. Exciting chronicle. A heartfelt meditation from a sensitive, versatile songwriter. The music is simultaneously deeply soothing and haunting, immeasurably deepened by the traditional instruments that were used."
Rioport and Sonic Net

"A work of astonishing depth, heart, and authenticity. A polyrythmic, haunting, and soulful realm of fuzzed out guitar, nappy textures, and georgous melodies. Burtt's work weeps with respect for the musicians he worked with."
Scott Hulett, Surfer's Journal

"Outstanding and interesting in so many ways"
Lawrence Ferlinghetti, US Poet Laureate

"Smart production. Vivid stories fleshed out with Mbira, and Kora. Global singer - songwriter Burtt is on to something"
College Music Journal