The Malian songwriter Boubacar Traore has led a remarkably turbulent life that's seen him celebrated as one of his nation's most recognized voices in the '60s, then utterly forgotten during years spent as a common laborer. Ironically, Traore re turned to music more than decade ago with a new songwriting style characterized by stoic realism, serene beauty and gently propulsive grooves.

His lovely new disc, "Kongo Magni," is another warm, mellow distillation of traditional Malian acoustic "blues" with subtle nods to modern influences. Traore keeps his music fresh by tastefully adding accordion and harmonica to his small ensemble of classic African instruments. Yet he also weaves Mali tradition into his songs, giving them a timeless, ancient quality. That's evident in the raw, earthy grace of the descending acoustic guitar riffs on "Djonkana" and in the gorgeous, plaintive-lyricism of his singing and fretwork on the title track.

Rick Regal