Customer Reviews

Ali & Toumani

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"...it's like you're reading a book about Ali..." With these words Toumani Diabaté opened his introduction to this, the last recording made with the late Ali Farka Touré. The eleven pieces on this exceedingly beautiful CD tell the story not only of the legendary blues man Ali Farka but of both virtuosi - Toumani at the kora and Ali Farka with the guitar - and their close friendship and harmonious collaboration that evolved during the last years of Ali Farka's life.

Anybody who has enjoyed their individual music and recordings for many years and their first, outstanding, joint production of In the Heart of the Moon will want to add this album to their collection. Yet, newcomers to Mali music will find this set of mostly instrumental songs especially rewarding. The tunes, all rooted in the history of the different regions of Mali, are gentle and subtle and richly melodious. Their styles reflect their respective ethnic cultures: Ali comes from the northern Songraļ and Toumani from a long line of (southern) Mandé griot tradition. As Toumani explains in the accompanying notes, the melodies have been "refined" over several sessions to perfection; they are the outcome of an ever deepening mutual understanding of the two artists and appreciation of their musical roots and talents. Some of the pieces, familiar to one or the other, had never been recorded before or not in this combination of instruments. Others, were developed ad hoc from traditional melodies and historical stories. All are rich and diverse and illustrate why Mali plays such an important role in West African music. It is impossible to choose a favourite or two. Listen to all of them, many times. A beautiful tribute indeed to both artists.


The recording was made in London and brought Orlando 'Cachaito' Lopez to join the two musicians on bass as well as Ali's son, Vieux Farka and his band for backup instruments and vocals. [Friederike Knabe]

For those who love World Music, this is the epitome. It combines virtuoso performances on both traditional African and modern western instruments. Music for ALL.

take two megastars with oodles of talent, put them together for their second outing, sit back and listen in awe! I cannot conceive of something better. A must-hear if not a must-purchase

This recording was the last one made by two of West Africa's pre-eminent folk instrumentalists, due to the death of Ali Farka Toure. Even though Ali was in great pain, the recording demonstrated sensitivity and a working relationship between the two men that was jazz-like in its inter-play. It is Diabate's kora that shines through with shimmering runs and inventive effects that will surely entrance the listener and will ease the commute to work effortlessly. A sample of the music may be heard at [...], the sponsors of both this recording and the previous 'In The Heart of the Moon' recording.

one of my favorites, Ali, always sounds fabulous - think I have all of his recordings, commercial that is, and only wish he had had a longer life. He was such a positive force.

I loved this cd, and it is wonderful addition to my collection of West African music. This music sets up an environment that makes me feel as though I am listening to it live.

This is a great mix of Kora (African harp) and Toure's memorable guitar. It seem like a jam session in it's ease and flow.

This album is a must if you like African music! And I think it could be good start for those who have some interest in African music, but didn't quite developed love to it yet.
It didn't came to me as surprise the quality of music resulted from collaboration of this two giants of African music. What surprised me the most is quality of recording, even this probably should be expected as well, since so many African leading musicians have recorded their albums in top studios in Europe in last 8-10 years.
I bought MP3 download from Amazon because I just absolutely needed to listen to entire album after previewing just 3 samples. I love it so much, I'm planning to buy CD as well.

What beautiful music these two create together! I could listen for ever. I have it in my car for long journeys, and it's the ideal for background sweetness while I'm working at the computer. We've lost Ali forever, unfortunately, but this recording is the best-ever epitaph.
Thanks Amazon!

Anything you can get your hands on by these two guys is wonderful. Toumani's New Ancient Strings is not to be missed. This is their second and last album together and I couldn't pick one over the other. These guys make me want to go to Mali. Now Ali is gone but his son's second cd is just out and great.