*** Baaba Maal

NOMAD SOUL

(Palm Pictures/Island)

Among the first releases on former Island chief Chris Blackwell's new Palm Pictures label, Nomad Soul features the stunning vocal talents of Senegalese star Baaba Maal backed by the crack West African ensemble Daande Leñol, and a variety of production approaches, including an adventurous turn from Howie B., Brian Eno, and trumpet rogue Jon Hassell on the cyber-Africana of "Lam Lam." Maal's voice, a sturdy if gymnastic tenor with unearthly phrasing, ranges freely over piquant kora filigrees, layers of polyrhythmic djembe and drum-kit grooves, and interlocking guitar figures. Pan-African pop with a nod to modern dance-music sonics, Nomad embraces washy synth patches and hip-hop grooves ("Guelel"), slick R&B stylings ("Douwayra"), and Brazilian percussion work ("Yiriyayo"), without sacrificing Maal's distinctive singing and earnest social commentary.

-- James Rotondi