This album was reportedly made in a hotel room with an acoustic guitar when he came to Japan for the 2023 Kyotophonie Festival. Up to now he had apparently refused to make an acoustic album, and "Un Autre Blanc," recorded before the pandemic, was said to be his final work. Where the change of heart came from we don't know, but here at last is a gem built from nothing but guitar and voice. Calling it chill-out might sound too casual, but this is the very summit of Afro-acoustic sound, distilled from over 45 years of growth rings. It brings to mind Fela Kuti's final album. One of the headwaters of Afrobeats and Nyege Nyege Tapes.
From beloved classics of years past to brand-new recordings. Julia Sarr's presence on backing vocals is a thrill. The Paris-based No Format production adds even more aura. (Original Japanese text by Shhhhh)