The press notes call this the finest album of West African guitar music, and it really is just that!!! You'll hear pieces handed down since the 13th century by Mali's griots (bards who delivered news and stories by word of mouth), plus, of course, Latin rhythms brought over from Cuba (Afro-rumba), and — under the influence of soul and funk coming out of America — the traditional balafon put to work carrying bass lines and organ-like melodies. The high-minded experimental spirit of the era comes through loud and clear.
The lineup wasn't just Salif Keita and Mory Kanté: the founder was Tidiani Koné, a legendary Malian saxophonist who played traditional Ngoni instruments before the sax ever arrived in Mali. And on those unforgettable guitar lines is Djelimady Tounkara! He's one of the greatest guitarists in the history of Manding (West African) music, still putting out records into the 2000s. This band, one of the very finest in Malian and Manding music history, hit its peak in the few years before Salif Keita left to join Les Ambassadeurs — another all-time great Malian group — and this record captures that most beautiful period.
How to put it… it's just plain classy, no arguments. Also a perfect entry point into Afro music! Fantastic〜〜 (Original Japanese text by Shhhhh)