Kimi Djabaté is not a traditionalist. He plays drums, guitar and balafon (an African xylophone). His songs start with Afrobeat and then add blues and folk influences. At times, the rhythms swing so much that Djabaté's music comes to resemble a reggae hybrid. Whatever his sound, Djabaté keeps the grooves flowing.

Kimi Djabaté Dindin (Cumbancha)

I'm not as well-versed in the intricacies of these styles as I should be, but even a novice like me can appreciate how Djabaté is able to find and encourage flows. Listening is a pure pleasure.

Most of the instruments are acoustic, which also aids in creating the intimacy of this album. Djabaté doesn't scream or shout. Often he's much closer to speaking than singing. After a few songs pass, this album feels more like a one-on-one conversation.

And that's no mean feat. Again, I'm not particularly aware of the intricacies of the music of Guinea-Bissau . I'm sure I'm missing most of the important take-aways. But to my untrained ear, this is one of the most immediately arresting and intriguing albums I've heard this year. Settle in and be entranced.

Jon Worley