Guitar Fo

Sékou Diabaté, known as Diamond Fingers, is most famous as the guitarist for the legendary Guinean band Bembeya Jazz. This solo outing, back by the five-piece Bembeya rhythm section, is essentially the same sound that made them one of Africa's greatest outfits, but without the horns, leaving guitar very much front and center. Even some of the material comes from the band's repertoire, like the signature title track, a bravura piece of fingering where Diabaté can let rip in his trademark style, showing exactly why he earned his nickname: every note arrives with crystal clarity, and even the fastest runs have a gorgeous precision. He's equally at home on acoustic, as the lovely "Bala Koura" shows with its lilting, relaxed runs. Marvelous as he is on guitar, he's not a singer, as "Ikanam Minala," "Dianamo," and "Diamond Fingers" all show clearly. He wavers around the notes, often falling just flat; be grateful that "Safiata Conde" steps in to help on the first two of those cuts. But the reason for anyone to listen is his playing, and that never disappoints, and nor do the other Bembeya people, who provide the laid-back but crucial support that gives him the freedom to roam the fretboard while keeping the music perfectly Guinean. It's a minor masterpiece of form and technique.