In The Heart Of The Moon

ith albums like 1991's THE SOURCE, Malian guitarist, singer, and songwriter Ali Farka Toure proved he could come close to artistic perfection, a feat he accomplishes again with 2005's IN THE HEART OF THE MOON. A duet with kora player Toumani Diabate, IN THE HEART focuses on Malian and Guinean music from the 1950s and '60s with a few originals by Farka Toure. The subtle and complexly lyrical dialogues between the guitar and the kora (which has a resonant, plunking sound that is surprisingly versatile and expressive) are highly melodic, gently rhythmic, and quite haunting.
A few session musicians make low-key appearances here (including the ubiquitous Ry Cooder), but this is primarily a duo date, and the clean, straightforward production lets the immediate beauty of the music shine through. For its grace, balance, and loveliness, IN THE HEART OF THE MOON is one of the finest releases in Farka Toure's already outstanding catalogue.|