Diamond Fingers

Among a crowded field of West African guitar heroes, Malian Mama Sissoko stands out as an artist of keen sensitivity and virtuosic skill. His lyrics carry messages of social justice and political dissent, while his music conveys deep knowledge of traditional repertoire filtered through modern performance trends. Originally recorded around 2015, Diamond Fingers arrives on the heels of Sissoko’s powerful Live album, which was recorded in Paris in 1998. With its reverb-laden guitar and reggae-style rhythm, ‘Nkana’ speaks to unification between brothers and sisters. ‘Douga’ (a tribute to warrior courage) and ‘Massane Cisse’ (a tragic romantic tale) highlight Sissoko’s adeptness in the Bambara-blues realm. Long celebrated for singing and guitar-slinging in the 70s with Orchestra A de Bamako and Super Biton de Ségou, as well as collaborating with the likes of Santana and Herbie Hancock, Sissoko’s time has come again. In his consummately skillful hands, Diamond Fingers is a precious gem.