Ali Farka Touré - Savane
Legendary Malian guitarist - the King of the desert "blues" singers

Legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré is 'back' with an album that is already being hailed as his finest work. Recorded over a two and a half year period, Savane was completed shortly before his death in early 2006.

Lyrically, it is the testament of a man who considered himself first and foremost a farmer, with songs that speak of savannah erosion, disconnection, survival in foreign lands, the need for Africans to work for themselves - and for the West to stop sending arms and to send agricultural equipment instead.

Musically, it is a powerful reaffirmation of Ali's Songhai and Fulani musical roots, with Ali's regular Bamako-based ngoni/guitar band joined by traditional musicians from his home town Niafunke.

But with raucous harmonica by Little George Sueref, percussion by Fain S Duenas from Spanish group Radio Tarifa and vocal-toned tenor sax from former James Brown horn man Pee Wee Ellis, the album also breaks new ground - raw blues with touches of Celtic vibe, reggae lilt and even quasi-flamenco passages.

"Absolutely perfect. He's in an enriched musical state. A truly great piece of work."
Ry Cooder

"The D.N.A. of the blues."
Martin Scorsese

"I know this is my best album ever. It has the most power and is the most different."
Ali Farka Touré

Tracks included:
Ewly
Yer Bounda Fara
Beto
Savane
Soya
Penda Yoro
Machengoidi
Ledi Coumbe
Hanana
Soko Yhinka
Gambari Didi
Banga
N'Jaroul

What they say about NI..