Two albums from the early 80s which made this king of Malian music known to the world. Here nicely packaged with notes, lyrics, photos. Highly recommended.

The Groupe Asko recorded in 1991, with Taj Mahal on two tracks.

Ex-Honest Jon’s employee Nick Gold celebrates 20 years of his World Circuit label with this double. Includes previously unissued tracks plus smashers from Buena Vista, Ali Farka Toure et al.

Beautiful, small-group boleros. Ibrahim’s last, attenuated sessions before his passing in 2005.

How many fingers has the guy got? Truly jaw-dropping skill, from dazzling torrents of notes to beautiful simplicity, with a deeply spiritual undercurrent. In short, stunning and essential.

‘A stunning collection of songs, fusing her distinctive Malian sound and voice with elements of blues, folk and rock – resulting in a timeless body of work, free from borders and genres.
‘Written and recorded in the US during coronavirus lockdowns, the album is the latest chapter in an unparalleled musical epic which has seen an artist born in the poorest districts of Bamako, Mali, become the greatest and most influential African singer alive, as well as a powerful feminist icon.
‘Between the hometown pride exhibited in Wassulu Don, the quiet introspection of Degui N’Kelena, the amorous languor expressed on Kanou, the compassion in Demissimw and the sadness and frustration in Kêlê Magni, many emotions nourish this record, with common threads of courage and optimism woven throughout.’