With his long dreadlocks, patchwork clothing and heavy leather medallion necklace, Cheikh Lô is a striking appearance. In this way, the Senegalese artist shows that he is part of the Baay Fall, a progressive mystical Islamic sect that believes in peace and tolerance. This philosophy of life is also noticeable in Lô's songs. The son of a jeweler, Lô lived for a long time in Burkina Faso, where it
… was a sweet foray of guests into Father's big house. He was introduced to all kinds of African styles, from Congolese rumba to Malian mande music. After starting his musical career as a percussionist, Lô began writing music in a pan-African style that blends Senegalese mbalax with Cuban salsa, jazz and diverse African musical traditions. Lô's fourth album Jamm (= peace) offers a versatile nostalgic look back. Each song evokes memories, which Lô describes in detail in the CD booklet. Pee Wee Ellis and Tony Allen played on some tracks. The semi-acoustic music on Jamm is just as colorful as the patches on Lô's clothing. (SvdP)more