This video is a great introduction to the Fusion Sounds of Mali with Talking Drum master Baye Kouyate (former member of Mamadou's band).

A Griot or Jali is a West African Poet, praise singer, and wandering musician, considered a repository of oral tradition.

This is a short 3 minute clip from the forthcoming CD+DVD release of Tinariwen - 'Imidiwan: Companions'. Songlines Magazine is offering an exclusive first listen of the new album at http://soundcloud.com/songlines/sets/tinariwen-imidiwan-companions. (You will have to sign up to the site to get the free listen. It took us about 10 secs to sign up...very easy)