Baarakelaw

Samba Touré may have started out playing alongside his mentor, the legendary Ali Farka Touré, but has gone on to create his own style of desert blues in which his songwriting is as powerful and distinctive as his guitar work or vocals. He uses his music as a form of social commentary, dealing with anything from political upheaval to the dangers of easy money. His latest set – the follow-up to the much-praised Binga, four years ago – is a concept work in which he praises not the rich and powerful but Mali’s poorly-paid workers, with songs about water-sellers, street tailors and hand-cart drivers. The songs are easy-going, loping and rhythmic, with his relaxed, thoughtful vocals and guitar backed by ngoni, calabash and bass, to which producer Mark Mulholland has added extra textures from banjo to harmonica. The result is a glorious, bravely original tribute to everyday heroes – though he changes direction in the final track with an emotional tribute to his late wife.