Really wonderful work from the early 90s scene in Khartoum – sounds that have a much more 70s-styled sound than you might expect! That sound is in keeping with Kamal Keila, who was never a mainstream artist at all – and instead made material like this away from the limelight, which might account for the older spirit – as the music mixes together currents of vintage American soul, particularly some of the Texas horn-heavy bands of the late 60s – plus a bit of Ethiopian flair in the rhythms, and maybe even a bit of bluesy inflections in Keila's voice – even though the music is hardly in the realm of blues at all! The whole thing is as compelling as it is righteous – a quality you'll certainly discover in the English language lyrics of the set, which comprise about half the material. Titles include "Agricultural Revolution", "Sudan In The Heart Of Africa", "Muslims & Christians", "African Unity", "Taban Ahwak", "Ya Shanifi", and "Ajmal Youm". LP, Vinyl record album

A heady tribute to the legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure – served up here with really wonderful lead guitar lines from his son, Vieux Farka Toure, who gets some fantastic help on the record from the Khruangbin trio! Given the fame of that latter group, the set could end up in territory that might be too mixed-up or rock-based – but instead, Khruangbin are wonderfully respectful of the legacy in which they work – and almost seem to come into play as a really great rhythm combo, backing up the lead – instead of trying to muscle their way into limelight on the set! That approach is what makes the record great, and allows us to tip our hat once again to the ever-changing and surprisingly generous spirit of Khruangbin – as they help Vieux Farka Toure turn out one of his best records to date, on titles that include "Savanne", "Diarabi", "Tongo Barra", "Tamalla", "Mahine Me", "Ali Hala Abada", and "Alakarra". LP, Vinyl record album