The connection between West African music and traditional American blues is dramatically demonstrated on Boubacar Traore’s latest release, “Kongo Magni.”  Once known as Mali’s Chuck Berry or Elvis, Kar-Kar (as he’s affectionately called in his homeland) now comes off as a Malian Robert Johnson, with his own version of spooky African blues. 

Drawing on decades of experience, Traore delivers stripped down acoustic music featuring his world weary chanting and amazing mastery of the guitar.  Recorded in Paris and Mali’s capital, Bambako, the session features small ensemble backing, including harmonica, percussion, calabash gourd and balafon, a marimbalike instrument. 

On first listen, the album seems to run together because of its midtempo rhythms and Traore’s droning vocals, but subsequent explorations reveal tonal shadings and nuances along with his tour-de-force fretwork, a taut finger style reminiscent of American Southern rural bluesmen.

From Mali to Mississippi, Traore’s West African blues stand on their own with haunting tones and emotions. 

Eric Feber, The Pilot