Big String Theory

Bajourou is an acoustic guitar trio from Mali.
Bajourou: Lafia Diabate (vocals); Jalimaki Tounkara, Bouba Sacko (guitar).
Personnel: Lafia Diabate (vocals); Djelimady Tounkara, Bouba Sacko (guitar).
Liner Note Author: Ben Mandelson.
Recording information: Oubien Studio, Bamako, Mali (11/1992).
Photographer: Lucy Duran.
Big String Theory is a set of traditional acoustic music by Bajourou, named for the style of music that the trio performs. It is unique to Mali. It is traditional Manding music developed by the Jalis -- Manding musicians. This trio includes Lafia Diabaté on vocals and Djelimady Tounkara and Bouba Sacko on acoustic guitars. It is pretty cool, too. Diabaté sings in his native tongue, so his voice serves as another instrument in the sound design. The music is heartfelt and sincere, but it has been done hundreds of times before. ~ Jim Brenholts