Contemporary African guitarists manage to get the brightest sounds out of their instruments, and on African Acoustic, where each track runs fairly long, these fine players are able to stretch out and build intricate, fluid guitar lines that seem to almost shimmer in the sun. Highlights are constant, but include Sali Sidibe's solid "Ne Ma Nin Me," Mansour Seck's sliding and gliding "Yelayo," and Boubacar Traore's beautiful "Marjama." The future of the acoustic guitar appears to be in Africa, and if so, this collection is a fit introduction. ~ Steve Leggett|

Rovi