Soul Science (feat. Juldeh Camara)

In Gambian singer and multi-instrumentalist Juldeh Camara, guitarist Justin Adams (who also plays in Robert Plant's band) has found an ideal foil for his African blues sound. Soul Science kicks off with "Yerro Mama," which sounds like primal rock & roll, with Camara's one-string fiddle roaring through a solo like any wild electric guitarist. And that's just the beginning. "Ya Ta Kaaya" tosses a nod to the ancient hambone rhythm that became Bo Diddley's trademark. With the addition of percussionist Salah Dawson Miller and bassist Billy Fuller on some tracks, there's a fiery little band working here. The mix of a Fulani griot — Camara — and Western musicians with a love and deep understanding of West African music makes for a charged mix that rocks its socks off while hewing close to Camara's roots. He's the central figure here, even though Adams' name is on the title, and Adams is happy to have him that way, acting as strong support but also creating this blend that manages to be rooted and forward-looking at the same time. It's a gem of a disc, electrifying and roaring, both musically and in spirit. Whether it's science or art is up for debate, but it certainly has soul.