"The Mandé Variations" breaks new ground for the kora in many ways, establishing this West African haro as one of the world's great solo musical instruments. It refelcts Toumani's extraordinary personal and musical journey over the past two decades, taking on ideas and ...

"The Mandé Variations" breaks new ground for the kora in many ways, establishing this West African haro as one of the world's great solo musical instruments. It refelcts Toumani's extraordinary personal and musical journey over the past two decades, taking on ideas and approaches from styles as diverse as Western pop, Indian classical music, flamenco and blues, but ultimately remaining frimly rooted in the Malian griot music that is his heritage. (Lucy Durán)