Source

It is unfortunate that the early recordings by this brilliant Malian guitarist/singer/songwriter have been somewhat overshadowed by his better-known collaborations with Western artists (such as 1994's Grammy-winning, TALKING TIMBUKTU with Ry Cooder). This is not to say that Ali Farka Toure's more recent efforts aren't excellent, but rather that albums like THE SOURCE are so exceptional as to outshine even the best of his other work. Like his self-titled debut, THE SOURCE focuses on Toure's lucid, bluesy, guitar work and beautiful vocals (he sings in French and West African dialects) informed by work chants and Islamic melodies.
Many of the tracks, such as "Dofana" (a narrative that details community work in Niafunke, Toure's homeland) and the quietly mesmerizing "Inchana Massina," revolve around hypnotic guitar drones reminiscent of American blues music from the North Mississippi hills. Textures are heightened by Toure's double-tracked guitars (his fluid, electric leads are often anchored by a lock-rhythm acoustic) and the occasional colorings of a wood flute called a njarka. All of these elements combine to create an organic, indigenous music of almost overwhelmingly intense beauty. THE SOURCE is a superior work by one of Africa's finest and most original voices.