Argile was formed by flutist Dieter Weberpals who obviously has a fascination with the music of West Africa, South America, India and the Orient. Barry Sangare from Mali provides vocals, N'goni - and his djembe playing is one the best examples I have heard of the instrument being utilized in a more "western" style band. Gert Kilian, on djembes and congas, is also a fine balaphon player. The ensemble is rounded out with Robert Hofmann on guitar/bass and Werner Treiber on traps and vibes. The music on "Koko" is a fascinating blend, with the dominant root being traditional Mandeng djembe and griot style compositions. Within a given tune the flow can seamlessly transition from a total "roots" feeling through deep FUNK and onward into soaring flights of jazz. There's a sense of Herbie Mann meets Mamady Keita, with all the musicians fully participating as soloists in an on-going musical conversation.

On this first album, the compositions are consistently diverse, interesting and very well executed! Dieter Weberpals seems to have the knack of finding great musicians AND creating a context where they ALL shine.
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