BEMBEYA JAZZ: "Bembeya" (World Village) - Three stars

Formed in 1961, Afro-pop visionaries Bembeya Jazz presages Senegal's Orchestra Baobab by 11 years and Mali's Super Rail Band by a decade. In its first recording in 14 years, the group offers new works and twists on some of the group's tracks from the 1960s ("Bembeya"), '70s ("Sanfaran") and '80s ("Yelema Yelemaso"). The disc also highlights the band's signature four-guitar interplay led by Sekou "Diamond Fingers" Diabate. Bembeya is vibrant as ever and its deep grooves come with lots of swinging soul.

- Philip Zonkel