ProJazz.net

Village Life is an album by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and Mandinka griot Foday Musa Suso. It was recorded in Japan and released in 1985. Hancock and Suso had worked together as part of a larger ensemble for Hancock’s 1984 album Sound-System, and Village Life was recorded shortly after a world tour. There are no overdubs, Village Life was recorded live in the studio. The album was coproduced by Bill Laswell.

Reception

The Globe and Mail wrote that “Hancock generally adds color in four pieces that move lightly when they move at all… Pretty, but ultimately a curio.” The Christian Science Monitor wrote that “Hancock traces lacy patterns around Suso’s native vamps, underscoring the latter’s vocals.” AllMusic review by Richard S. Ginell awarded the album 4.5 stars stating “This music generates the same feeling of ecstatic well-being as an Indian raga – and even hardcore jazz fans may find themselves seduced against their will.”

Track listing
“Moon/Light” (Hancock, Suso) – 7:57
“Ndan Ndan Nyaria” (Suso) – 9:50
“Early Warning” (Hancock) – 2:52
“Kanatente” (Hancock, Suso) – 19:59

Personnel
Herbie Hancock – detunable Yamaha DX1 synthesizer, Yamaha RX-11 drum machine programming
Foday Musa Suso – kora, talking drum, vocals

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Released: December 1985 (Japan)
Recorded: August 7–9, 1984
Studios: CBS/Sony Shinanomachi, Shinanomachi, Tokyo
Length: 40:38
Labels: CBS/Sony, Columbia
Producers: Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock