Mamadou Diabate - Tunga (2000)

Son of kora virtuoso Djelimory Diabate and cousin to Toumani Diabate, 25-year-old Mamadou Diabate steps into his own here on Tunga ("Adventure"). It's a strong debut with interpretations of 13th-century African music shaped by contemporary hands. Diabate, who resettled in New York, invites not only African expatriate friends but also noted jazz bassist Ira Coleman to accompany him. Their collaboration is a pleasantly gentle but still intriguing mix of Malian music. On "Dounuya," Chicago-style blues somehow floats into the lovely African landscape, and though "Dagna" is an original composition, Coleman's acoustic bass work blurs the line between bebop and Malian court music. And ancient Malian court music dominates this collection, whether through classic songs portrayed with modern elements or adaptations of Manding standards. Balafon gently chimes in with its woody, teardrop tones on a handful of tracks, and the vocals of Abdoulaye Diabate on "Dounuya" and "Mamadou Diawara" add a distinctly Malian narrative. The overall beauty of Tunga is in its ability to explore the future while staying true to its roots; Diabate may be living in New York, but fortunately his heart's still in Africa.