“Ballade sur la lagune” (1983) – African Virtuoses * LP: Nanibali/Ballade sur la lagune * Label: Jaz
Although the Guinea-based African Virtuoses included four Diabate brothers—Abdoulaye, Sire, Sekou, and Papa—only the first three appear on this cool breeze of an album (Nanibali/Ballade sur la lagune). The term “virtuoso” usually suggests an athletic approach to music that ends up taxing the ear, but it applies here in terms of sheer artistry. The final song is “Ballade sur la lagune,” and it’s the one you imagine them playing while getting their picture taken for the cover, their melodies trailing off over the water. A 2007 CD called The Classic Guinean Group includes this entire album plus two extra tracks: one from 1970 (featuring Papa) and another from 1975.