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
Joint Control cover

Joint Control

Wizz Jones, John Renbourn
Mon Pays cover

Mon Pays

Vieux Farka Touré
The Ripple Effect cover

The Ripple Effect

Toumani Diabaté, Béla Fleck
Rodrigo y Gabriela cover

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela
School of the Flower cover

School of the Flower

Six Organs of Admittance
Ba Power cover

Ba Power

Ngoni Ba, Bassekou Kouyate
Aduna cover

Aduna

Peul Bao Sissoko, Malick Pathé Sow
Du Mali cover

Du Mali

Sorry Bamba
3ma cover

3ma

Driss El Maloumi, Rajery, Ballaké Sissoko
Sya cover

Sya

Issa Bagayogo