Ernest Ranglin, an influential mainstay of Jamaican music with roots in ska and reggae, leaves behind the groove-heavy jazz terrain of his recent material for the earthier turf of West Africa on "In Search of the Lost Riddim."
The guitarist has realized a lifelong dream -- recording with African musicians on the continent that provided the foundation for so much of his work. The result is an intoxicating aural bath that matches Ranglin's eclectic six-string leads and fills and the steady bass work of Ira Coleman with traditional percussion and string instruments and luxurious chanting and singing. Senegalese singer-guitarist Baaba Maal penned three of the most inspired collaborations and joined the oversized ensemble on the call-and-response "Minuit" and the hypnotic "Haayo."
