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
Afrocubism cover

Afrocubism

Afrocubism
The Secret cover

The Secret

Vieux Farka Touré
The Lost Album cover

The Lost Album

Kante Manfila, Salif Keita
Venus in Cancer cover

Venus in Cancer

Robbie Basho
Kanawa cover

Kanawa

Nahawa Doumbia
22 Strings cover

22 Strings

Seckou Keita
The Ripple Effect cover

The Ripple Effect

Toumani Diabaté, Béla Fleck
River cover

River

Daniel Bachman
Rodrigo y Gabriela cover

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela