Balla et ses Balladins - The Syliphone Years (2008)

Known as the “intellectuals of Guinean music”, their range of material was vast and incorporated elements from local Malinké and Fula traditions, as well as Cuban music and jazz. They toured widely and were an orchestra to which others aspired. These 2CDs were assembled with the help of collectors the world over and include some of their rarest recordings along with their greatest hits - not least the classic “Sara ‘70”, the independence anthem “Kaïra” or their swansong recordings “Bamba” & “Paulette”. They are a unique and compelling record of a very special time for African music. "It is impossible for me to imagine a big electric dance band from Africa, or anywhere else on Earth for that matter, better at conjuring a mood than Balla et ses Balladins ." Barry Eisenberg Beat Magazine Visit Sterns' blog to find out more about BALLA & SES BALLADINS Also for sale as digital download atemusic amazon uk amazon us itunes uk itunes us

It is impossible for me to imagine a big electric dance band from Africa, or anywhere else on Earth for that matter, better at conjuring a mood than Balla et Ses Balladins. --The Beat