Elikeh

Twelve years ago, when Massama Dogo left his hometown of Lomé, Togo for Washington, DC, the already-seasoned songwriter was delighted to find that the Nation's Capital was an active hub for African and world music. Between 2 Worlds, the second release from Elikeh, reminds listeners just what fuels Dogo's eclectic, electric musical collective. Blending African rhythms with North American song structures, guest musicians like Malian blues guitarist Vieux Farka Touré and John Kadlecik (of jam bands Further and Dark Star Orchestra) can be viewed as fitting ambassadors for Elikeh's melting pot of sound. There's genuine energy stemming from Josh Kay's congo playing that allows the groupo's brass section to take on an unbridled rock feel. But, from the reggae crawl of opener "No Vision" to folk-tinged closer "Nye Dji," it's Dogo's expressive delivery and knack for allowing his compositions to suitably breath and pulsate that help make Between 2 Worlds such an absorbing and authentic listen.