Ali & Toumani cover
Released

This magnificent album is deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Mali, but it’s the delicate, deceptively effortless interplay between Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré and master kora player Toumani Diabaté that makes it a truly transcendental listen, speaking to the deep friendship and creative connection between the two. With subtle rhythm supplied by Buena Vista Social Club bassist Orlando “Cachaito” López and Farka Touré’s son Vieux on Congas, the two Malian greats trade phrases across 11 languid, bluesy tracks. Sadly, this  is the last recording of both Farka Touré and López: a fittingly tender, poignant celebration of life.

Megan Iacobini de Fazio

Recommended by

Suggestions
La Voix de la Revolution cover

La Voix de la Revolution

Sory Kandia Kouyate
Joint Control cover

Joint Control

Wizz Jones, John Renbourn
Emmaar cover

Emmaar

Tinariwen
Rodrigo y Gabriela cover

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela
Ba Power cover

Ba Power

Ngoni Ba, Bassekou Kouyate
Séno cover

Séno

Ba Cissoko
The Secret cover

The Secret

Vieux Farka Touré
Du Mali cover

Du Mali

Sorry Bamba
M’Bemba cover

M’Bemba

Salif Keita
Litany of Echoes cover

Litany of Echoes

James Blackshaw