CD-Charts Position 1
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The Mande Variations

by: Toumani Diabate

Release Date February 25, 2008
I bought this as part of the run up to the 2008 WOMAD and I am so glad that I did. This is a work of great virtuosity that transports me to another world. I feel humbled by the presence of Diabate's playing genius and simultaneously soothed by music of great beauty. Oh and by the way he was as good live as he is on disc. I can highly recommend this CD to anyone wanting to experience superb music and a living African legend.

CD-Charts Position 2
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In the Heart of the Moon

by: Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate

Release Date June 27, 2005
I know little about world music and came to buy this having heard Toumani Diabaté's contributions to the Damon Albarn's co-authored Mali Music. I can see that some of the reviews here from the world music community have levelled accusations that this album is rather bland and that it has been watered-down to render it inoffensive for the wider music-buying community. Others have said that it is background music and that the musicians' playing is quite average and uninspired by their standards. From a layman's point of view, I cannot question the authenticity of the recording but can attest to the beauty of the music. If the accusation is that it is too simple, then my argument would be that simplicity is not necessarily a bad thing. The interplay ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Mali Music

by: Afel Bocoum & Damon Albarn, Toumani Diabate & Friends

Release Date April 15, 2002
Being a post punk indie kid this album is very different to anything else I own.

However if you like laid back Damon Albarn & proper tunes this album is very good. Personally I think better than any of the Gorillaz material.

CD-Charts Position 4
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New Ancient Strings (Nouvelle Cordes Anciennes)

by: Toumani Diabate

Release Date April 01, 2002
Listening to Toumani Diabaté's NEW ANCIENT STRINGS is the next best thing to sitting in the audience of one of his concerts in Bamako (the capital of Mali and Toumani's hometown). Toumani has become one of the world's leading interpreters of the 'kora', a 21-string, traditional African harp-lute, which originates in Mali. The string arrangements around the body of the instrument and along the long neck make it a complex instrument to play. At the same time, it allows the musician to create complex harmonies ideally suited for a solo instrument. It was the favourite instrument at the courts of the kingdoms of Mali, going back to at least the 13th century.

The melodies in this collection, passed down from the rich Malian music traditions are ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Kaira

by: Toumani Diabate

Release Date May 01, 1989
This is Toumani Diabate at his best. Personally, I prefer this CD to his more recent New Ancient Strings (with Ballake Sissoko) - the style is more traditional kora (if kora without song can be traditional, of course!), the virtuosity and pure melodic rythm more intense, I feel, than in the more recent CD. Either way, Kora music is pure magic, as is this CD.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Boulevard De L'independance: +DVD

by: Toumani Diabate

Release Date March 27, 2006
Approach this from the Cuban end of the World Circuit catalogue, via Orchestra Baobab, and you slide into a heady melting pot of swirling rhythms and styles that'll put a big grin on your face and set your feet tapping. "Africa Challenge" is a salsa to end all salsas, and you can only imagine the atmosphere in Bamako's Hogon Club when the Symmetric Orchestra end their set with it.

All World Circuit releases are special - this one just a bit extra special!

CD-Charts Position 7
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Djelika

by: Toumani Diabate

Release Date April 01, 2002
lovely album from the kora maestro from Mali.

the sheer intricacy and timing that Diabate applies to playing the kora (a type of African instrument most closely resembling a harp) is hard to comprehend if you haven't seen him playing it live as i did recently.

he also applies his craft to some wonderful pieces of music

he's accompanied on this album by some marvellous but minimal additional instrumentation, this is the perfect music to accompany your most relaxing and reflective moods

CD-Charts Position 8
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Songhai

by: Ketama, Danny Thompson, Toumani Diabate

Release Date September 06, 2004
an absolute must for me, with dazzling guitar flamenco which any player will be stunned by, and the instantly recognisable double bass of the best player ever Danny Thompson...combined with Kora player Toumani Diabate.. this is a stunning collection of tracks with energy to spare..have had this album on cassette for years and worn it out in various cars,,, but really must get it on CD now that time and cars have moved on.. ha ha...fabulous mix of african and spanish music with energetic rythyms and that authentic 'cafe' atmosphere...if you listen to Noches en Vela on the Nitin Sawhney CD Philtre that also is an example of the type of music you can hear on this work.. it transports you to a high energy spain/africa mix that lifts moods and sparks up your day ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Tomora

by: Ballake Sissoko, Toumani Diabate, Rokia Traore

Release Date May 30, 2005
This release came out in the same period as the Ali Farka Toure / Toumani Diabate duet "In the Heart of the Moon", and has been compared with it in reviews. Both discs are thoroughly in keeping with the respective artists: Ali and Toumani are renewers, and Ballake draws more on his traditions.

This is outstandingly beautiful music; it's more of an ensemble piece, prominently employing balafon, ngoni and vocals. And these instruments fit together so seamlessly. The quality of the musicianship is, as you would expect, superb; the vocal tracks, particularly with Rokia Traore, add focus; elsewhere you just drift into bliss.

For me, New Ancient Strings (with Toumani Diabate) was a milestone - this release belongs in that same league. Where, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
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The Mande Variations

by: Toumani Diabate

Release Date
I bought this as part of the run up to the 2008 WOMAD and I am so glad that I did. This is a work of great virtuosity that transports me to another world. I feel humbled by the presence of Diabate's playing genius and simultaneously soothed by music of great beauty. Oh and by the way he was as good live as he is on disc. I can highly recommend this CD to anyone wanting to experience superb music and a living African legend.