Ali Toure "Farka" - Special Biennale Du Mali [LP]

Great work from the classic period of Ali Farka Toure – and a set that may well show its sound on the cover, where Ali is pictured with this beautiful woody guitar! The instrument rings out in this beautifully robust way – phrased in styles that seem to borrow a bit from American blues at times, but which are certainly taken in a range of different directions – especially at the times when Farka moves into this quicker-strumming style, which is then echoed by his deft inflections on vocals! Other moments have the guitar ringing out with more melodic, almost chime-like qualities – and titles include "Amadinin", "Sambadio", "Mali Wandagoye", "Foulbe Kede", and "Manakoide".