Personnel: Salif Keita (vocals); Djelly Moussa Kouyante, Kante Manfila, Ousmane Kouyate (guitar); Mino Cinellu (percussion).
Lilting and mellifluous, the voice of Malian folk singer Salif Keita is a treasure. One always looks forward to his recordings, but the 2006 Grammy-nominated M'BEMBE is a particularly filler-free affair that finds the artist backed by a crew of strong acoustic musicians, including Toumani Diabate on the kora (harp). Standouts include album opener "Bobo," a sonic soak in a warm bath, and the tough and soulful "Ladji," featuring reggae star Buju Banton.