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Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate: Ali and Toumani
ByTheir musical partnership was immortalized in the Grammy-awarded In the heart of the Moon (Nonesuch, 2005), which contained unforgettable music and showed a level of communication that was close to magical.
Ali and Toumani is not only a second collaboration between these two Artists, but also a second album with original materialincluding "Savane" (World Circuit, 2006)to be released after Touré's passing. It is a final recording for him as well as for Cachaíto Lopez, the bassist from the Buena Vista Social Club Orchestra and a guest collaborator on both albums.
Ali and Toumani once again shows that the two artists are like minds and their playing is brilliant and most importantly, unified. There is an alchemical connection to their playing that makes it deeply creative. Even though the music is deeply anchored in the folk traditions of Mali, this is gripping music that penetrates into new spaces by the searching energies of its protagonists. For the most part it is largely improvised, but they are perfectly capable of landing on unison themes with a puzzling precision.
The music is soothing and quiet but brimming with life. It is calm but intense; passionate but peaceful. Just like its predecessor, Ali and Toumani will certainly join the ranks of recordings that are "beyond criticism."
Track Listing
Ruby; Sabu Yerkoy; Bé Mankan; Doudou; Warbé; Samba Geladio; Sina Mory; 56; Fantasy; Machengoidi; Kala Djula.
Personnel
Ali Farka Toure
guitarAli Farka Touré: guitar, vocals; Toumani Diabaté:kora; guests: Orlando 'Cachaíto' Lopez: bass; Vieux Farka Touré: congas, backing vocals; Souleye Kane, Ali Magasa: backing vocals; Tim Keiper: percussion.
Album information
Title: Ali and Toumani | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: World Circuit
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