REVIEW: Serah, Senegal Moon (Great Northern Arts)
- Joann D. Ball
The name Serah may not be immediately recognizable, but that is likely to change, given the innovative methods being used introduce the artist and her latest release Senegal Moon to American audiences.
Serah is a talented singer/songwriter who has crafted her own, distinctive sound by bridging cultures and musical genres. East Africa, where Serah once lived, is the primary inspiration for her music and lyrics. Her creative blend of contemporary pop and New Age with world music is perfectly suited for her poetic lyrics. It's a wonderful combination, which makes Senegal Moon the most impressive of Serah's four releases.
A collection of eleven songs, Senegal Moon captures the beauty of nature and the essence of human spirit. Among the most uplifting songs are those which feature African dialect ad libs, contributed by Daby Toure on title track and "Papillion," and by Daby and Omar Toure and Guilla Thiam on "Wedding Song," "Singing Tree" and "Papaya Moon."
Produced by Grammy Award winner Neil Dorfsman (Sting, Dire Straits, Bruce Hornsby), Senegal Moon is truly a cross-cultural, multinational record. Joining the American-born vocalist was a group of talented musicians, including bassist Bernard Paganotti, keyboardist Bertrand LaJudie, guitarist Patrice Tison, percussionist Xavier Desandre-Navarre, and drummers Pierre-Alain Dahan and Antoine Paganotti. Also, a number of background singers add a rich texture to the record.
Released by New York-based record label Great Northern Artists (GNA), Senegal Moon has figured prominently in an alternative music marketing campaign in which traditional radio airplay is only one component. In the past three months, Serah's record has been featured as an in-flight selection on Delta and Northwest Airlines. During this same period, the lead singles ("Papaya Moon" and "The Wedding Song") have been introduced to audiences in more than 2,000 United Artists movie theaters and in independent theaters in several major U.S. cities. And Senegal Moon has been placed in over 300 coffee houses nationwide as part of the Cafe Music Network.
Serah's music and lyrics are socially conscious and she has consistently used her music to promote world peace. To this end, she and her band will perform on the opening day of the Hague Appeal for Peace (this celebration of the First International Peace Conference will be held May 11-15, 1999, in the Netherlands).
Senegal Moon will catch your ear because of Serah's clear and soothing voice, and its positive and moving sound. The elegant, environmentally conscious design of the CD package will certainly capture your attention, and the celebration of life and nature projected throughout the almost hour long release will capture your heart and soul.
