BBC’s top international music DJ, Charlie Gilett, said Festival in the Desert may be the “best live album ever.”  Hefty claim, but certain validity backs it.  In 2001, EFES, an association of the nomadic tribe of the Tamashek, and French worldbeat supergroup Lo’Jo initiated a grueling display of sonic dexterity by showcasing a festival in the middle of the Sahara Desert.  Gaining popularity annually, 2003’s chapter garnered critical acclaim for not only the lineup, but the unearthly atmosphere.  Mali – often referred to as the true home of the blues – serves as the perfect backdrop for this incredible textured pentatonic journey into gorgeous African dreamscapes.  Homegrowm musicians via guitar master Ali Farka Touré, Oumou Sangaré, Afel Bocoum and Tinariwen show up alongside the French founders, as well as Robert Plant popping up with Brit bluster Justin Adams.  The blend of styles, all rooted in darkly uplifting tones and spiraling, at times meditative, harmonics is seamless.