African-raised vocalist puts together a world-pop release of material that highlights her rich and flexible vocal charms. Her band of Otis Brown III/dr, Toru Dodo/p, Liberty Ellman/g and Michael Olatuja/b produce a modern R&Bish to jazz groove as on “Ankara Sundays” and “Lady Revisited” which also features Angeliqaue Kidjo. Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire delivers a wonderfully agonizing solo on the melancholy “Brown Round Thngs” while a peppy horn section arranged by Etienne Charles gives some snap to “Akobi: First Born S(u)n.” Lots of percussion and electronic support make this have a contemporary pop feel, but the Third World atmosphere still peaks through like a sunrise through the Baobab trees.
Sony Masterworks