Boubacar Traore

He's been compared to Ali Farka Toure, and had a hit in the '60s called "Mali Twist," but Boubacar Traore has been unknown in our part of the world for a very long time; widowed and working in construction in Paris. Apparently, his older brother spent time learning music in Cuba, and influenced the self-taught "Kar Kar." You can also hear American blues and Kassonke, from the Kayes region. This album is more polished than his two Sterns comeback records, with extended instrumentation and arrangements. Affecting songs that are beautifully sung.