Habib Koite & Bamada

Foly! Live around the World

The 16-minute. Mailian folk freak-out “Kunfecta” easily warrents a jam label for this superb band.  Habib Koite’s fancy isn’t flight or fusion, however, but adding further beauty to the pentatonic blues tradition of his African homeland.  Inspired by (and eventually playing alongside) legendary bluesman Ali Farke Toure, Koite’s three stateside recordings have garnered much acclaim for their spacious melodies between multi-lingual (five in all) poetics and gorgeous guitar dexterity.  Add in homegrown instruments like the balafon, calebasse and n’goni and this two-disc live release showcases Koite and his crew at their best.  Ambassador as much as axe-man, Koite relives local mythologies through traditional farming and familial tales; it is his hope to introduce both the historical aspects of Africa outside as well as bring outside in via technological and economic resources.  What lies at root is a passion for exploring communal and individual identity through aural ritual.  If we’re talking Malian blues, in Habib Koite resides a true master.