Six Degrees

Produced by Eric Krasno of Soulive, Vieux Farka Touré’s third solo album is both an attempt to join the mainstream and a melancholy search for meaning. The Middle Eastern rhythm of “Ali,” combined with Malian chants and Touré’s sitar-like droning, creates a sad, ambulatory space. Appearances by Derek Trucks, Dave Matthews, John Scofield and Krasno himself enhance the most remarkable elements of Touré’s guitar playing: how nearly indistinguishable West African guitar traditions and the blues are. The most heartfelt moment comes in “The Secret,” the last collaboration between Touré and his father, the great Ali Farka Touré. Anticipating each other’s thoughts, searching for the same answer, this is father and son – and listener – communicating on a deep level. This is a must-hear album.