The Mandé Variations breaks new ground for the kora in many ways, establishing this West African harp as one of the world's great solo musical instruments. Superbly recorded so that we can hear every touch of the strings, every throb and creak of the instrument's wood and sinew, it is an African classical album that rocks and swings, that has learnt from Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix, yet remains true to the Malian griot music that is its heritage. Toumani Diabaté, one of Africa's most remarkable musicians, has produced at once the definitive statement of where the kora is today and one of the most beautiful and accessible albums you will hear.