What's most striking about Xale —and this goes for its predecessor Mbeuguel Dafa Nekh as well—is the multi-faceted nature of Mark Ernestus' production. Had he released these companion plates a decade ago (back in the Rhythm & Sound days, let's say), they most definitely would have revolved around..
It's always a pleasure to see something new from the master of masters, Mark Ernestus. Here's the video from the first Ndagga release http://youtu.be/_rPIzyKkuNs
mark ernestus brought the guys to europe in spring, it was nothing short of totally awesome to see them play live.
however, this record somehow seems to be out of the reviewer's depth, as desperately as he is trying to establish some references which are out of place imho...