Born in Guinea but based in Paris, Moh! Kouyate has an impressive history. He has worked with his adventurous kora-playing compatriot Ba Cissoko, toured the US with bluesman Corey Harris, and while in France has recorded with Fatoumata Diawara. Now comes his debut solo album, dominated by easygoing, rolling songs that show off his pleasantly relaxed vocal work and fluid guitar solos. There are songs where he echoes Salif Keita, if without Keita’s thrilling ability to surprise, and songs where the emphasis veers from west Africa towards western styles. He has clearly made friends in France, and one of the most charming songs, Gassata, features singer Piers Faccini and the adventurous cellist Vincent Ségal, famed for his recordings with Ballaké Sissoko. Kouyaté has yet to discover a distinctive musical identity, but he’s a classy and versatile musician, and clearly a man to watch.
