Samba

Son of the legendary Ali, Vieux Farka Touré once again upholds the family name with an inventive take on Malian desert blues. Largely recorded in front of an audience as part of the *Woodstock Sessions* series, these 10 new tracks display a versatility to match his nimble-fingered virtuosity. Whether leading the mercurial interplay between electric and acoustic strings on “Mariam,” flexing rock muscle on “Homafu Wawa,” or settling into a poppy groove on “Maya,” Touré is never less than dazzling.

Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Vol. 1, Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Betty’s Blends, Vol. 3: Self-Rising, Southern Blends, Dan Tuffy – Songs From Dan, and Diagrams – Dorothy

CD New Music review by Mark Kidel