African Music: Tones Both Soothing and Lively

African music--from the soothing sounds of Samite to the lively tones of Orchestra Marrabenta Star de Mozambique--is the focus of this edition of On the Offbeat, a periodic review of roots, ethnic and pop music from around the globe.

* * * * Samite of Uganda, “Pearl of Africa Reborn,” Shanachie. Samite’s flute, kalimba (thumb piano), marimba and vocals receive acoustic guitar and percussion support from musicians hailing from the United States, Senegal and the Barbados on this quiet, insinuating gem. The multiple rhythms are forceful but not domineering, and Samite’s melodies ride over and through them to create a soothing, almost lullaby-like effect. It’s modern African folk music devoid of anthropological traces.

* * * 1/2 Orchestra Marrabenta Star de Mozambique, “Independance,” Pirahna (import). Orchestra Marrabenta Star has taken a basic rhythm of rural Mozambique, doubled the tempo and dressed it up for the city with horns and rippling electric guitars. The all-star group’s debut album reveals a versatile, energetic ensemble, and the marrabenta sound is an influence-spotter’s delight. Plenty of South African, Caribbean and West African sounds pop up, but the skillful way they’re woven into the arrangements and the sheer verve of the performances attest to Marrabenta Star’s originality.

* * * 1/2 Various artists, “Women of Mali: The Wassoulou Sound,” Stern’s Africa. This collection, focusing on a particular region of Mali where impassioned women singers have dominated, cuts a nice sonic balance. Traditional stringed instruments play a prominent role, but the arrangements are fully contemporary and deftly support the three members of the Sidibe family who take vocal honors on six of the nine strong tracks. “The Wassoulou Sound” shines on its own merits and it’s also a good primer on the roots of such Malian artists as Salif Keita.

* * 1/2 Tarika Sammy, “Fanafody,” Green Linnet. “Fanafody” introduces one of Madagascar’s popular young groups, with production and some rhythm section assistance courtesy of 3 Mustaphas 3. The quartet’s ragged-but-right harmonies float over an attractively light, acoustic sound dominated by guitar, touches of accordion and what sounds like a harp. “Fanafody” would have benefited from more variety in the arrangements, and this promising group needs to develop the musical depth of Rossy, the island’s premier artist.

* * * Netsanet Mellesse, “Spirit of Sheba,” Shanachie. Ethiopian pop may be both more “foreign” and familiar to Western listeners than much African music. The singing is full of the melismatic twists and turns common to the Islamic vocal tradition, but strong melodic hooks give a recognizable sense of structure to the music. Mellesse’s debut album, recorded in Paris, conveys a smoky, spiritually tinged flavor through arrangements built around her swirling vocal lines, catchy keyboard riffs and horns interjecting tart flashes of color.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).