Red Earth Dee Dee Bridgewater album
"Red Earth," released in 2007, is an album by Dee Dee Bridgewater subtitled "A Malian Journey," reflecting her exploration of her African and Malian heritage. It earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2008 Grammy Awards and reached Number 16 on Billboard's Top Jazz Album chart.
The album received critical acclaim, with John L. Walters of *The Guardian* praising it as a successful fusion of jazz and Malian musical traditions. Highlighted tracks include "Bad Spirits" featuring Kassé Mady Diabaté and Toumani Diabaté, and "Mama Don't Ever Go Away," a duet with Ramata Diakité. The album also features contributions from notable Malian artists like Oumou Sangare, Mamani Keita, and Fatoumata Kouyaté, as well as traditional instruments such as the balafon and kora.
Recorded primarily in Bamako at Studio Bogolan, "Red Earth" includes a mix of original compositions and reinterpretations of classic songs. Personnel comprises an extensive lineup of Malian musicians and international collaborators, reflecting Bridgewater's commitment to blending African and Afro-American musical influences.