Sékou Diabaté -- "Guitar Fö"

Discorama (3 stars)

Jeff Gifford

In the early 1960s, shortly after the African nation of Guinea gained independence, state-sponsored Bembeya Jazz emerged as one of the country’s most beloved acts. One of the reasons for this band’s popularity was the guitar work of Sékou Diabaté, who eventually earned the nickname "Diamond Fingers," which tells you most of what you need to know about him. Diabaté has been out of retirement in recent years, first making an album and touring with Bembeya Jazz, and now offering this solo set of mostly instrumental pieces (he sings on three selections). Here, Diabaté’s fingers take the spotlight in a far more laid-back setting than Bembeya’s sometimes-frenetic orchestrations. Right from the opening number, Diabaté sets himself to wandering over the serene swing of gentle drum slaps, shakers, bass and a pair of backing guitars. His high notes sparkle; his low notes are lyric; his trills and slides full of finesse. In all, it’s a joy.

Recommended if you like: Bembeya Jazz, Orchestra Baobab, Rail Band, Habib Koité