Leon Keïta

Born in Conakry, Guinea, guitarist Leon Keïta eventually became a significant figure on the Malian scene, helping to form the Rail Band, then joining Les Ambassadeurs Internationaux. This is a collection of six long tracks from the late 1970s, five of them rarely heard. ‘Diarabi Mana’ has a crisp, powerful sound, with pert basslines, swirling organ, sweetly stinging guitar, shimmering hi-hat and joyous vocals, all the key elements present in their prime. The second track has a slightly muted recording quality, but ‘Dalaka’ changes the palette with walking keys, citrus-soaked sax and bass like blotches of paint thrown on a canvas, all over weaving cross-rhythms. Fourth cut ‘Gnanassouma’ adopts a faster pace, making dancing easier for the less complex mover, boasting a standout keyboard solo, all prickly percussiveness. The outstanding ‘Dakan Sate, Korotoumi’ provides nine minutes of sheer ecstasy, suddenly accelerating at three minutes, giving a further rush of excitement with a tenor saxophone solo steeped in passion. At six minutes, there’s a keys solo, upping the intensity further. This is a crucial retro-release from the golden age of Mande groove.