Red & Green

Red was the album that caused such a commotion in Europe during the mid-1980s and features the original versions of several of Ali's best-loved songs, including the languid La Drogue and the beguiling groove that is Timbindy. Although recorded nearly a decade later, Green could have been cut the same afternoon as Red, such is the timeless feel that Ali's acoustic guitar and minimal percussion evoke, transporting the listener straight to the dustbowls of northern Mali. Wonderful recordings that confirm why the spirit of Lightnin' Hopkins was believed to have been channelled through a guitar-toting farmer living on the banks of the mighty Niger River. Nothing short of historic.

"Hypnotic and irresistible. As fresh and deep as ever – and you can hear exactly why the likes of Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal got so excited." - The Times (UK) *****

"These remastered versions of the great Malian guitarist's two breakthrough albums are the real deal, making this reissue a must have." - Independent On Sunday (UK) ****