I have to admit that the first thing I thought when I saw the cover of this CD was, “I don’t like bass clarinet.” I don’t. I never have. My aversion to bass clarinet actually prevented me from listening to it for a long time. When I finally did get around to listening to it, I was pleasantly surprised.

Oran Etkin’s album Kelenia is a blend of music from different traditions. You should know from reading my past reviews that I like albums that combine world music and jazz elements. I don’t like just any music that fits falls into this category. Recently, I’ve been sent some CD’s in this category that are stinkers to say the least. This album definitely isn’t a stinker.

Etkin is a clarinetist and saxophonist. Originally from Israel, Etkin currently lives in New York. His band, Kelenia, is composed of American and Malian musicians who combine their varied musical influences to make a great sound. The band includes Oran Etkin on tenor sax, clarinet and bass clarinet, Balla Kouyate on balafon, Makane Kouyate on calabash and vocals on a few tracks, and Joe Sanders on bass. A few tracks feature Lionel Loueke on guitar, John Benitex on bass, and Abdoulaye Diabate on vocals.

I like all of the songs on this album, except for the rather unfortunate cover of It Don’t Mean a Thing.

Download a one of the songs from the album for free below and consider getting the whole album.
Click here to download Nama (mp3)

Buy at iTunes Music Store

Buy the MP3 or CD from Amazon.