ALI FARKA TOURE & TOUMANI DIABATE – ALI FARKA TOURE & TOUMANI DIABATE

A follow-up to the hugely successful In the Heart of the Moon, this self-titled album was to be the last time Ali Farka Toure recorded. Laid down over four days in June of 2005 in London, Toure and Toumani Diabate were joined by Cuban bass-player Orlando “Cachaito” Lopez on five of the tracks, but his contributions, along with those of Toure’s son on congas, never interferes with the joyous interplay of Toure’s guitar and Diabate’s kora. By the time of this recording Toure knew his time was short, and yet here is some of his lightest and most delicate playing. The interplay on the traditional tune Doudou is truly magical, with Toure overlaying one of his own tunes Singya. Diabate meanwhile continues to weave his kora magic, his fingers dancing over the strings with a warmth and generosity that continues to astound. This is album of two great musicians, two great songwriters and above all two great friends, and it is a fitting tribute to them on all three counts.

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