Kelly sings about life. He praises and thanks those who do admirable things. He evokes the spirits of collective memory. Seemingly simple, upon listening, his songs reveal multi-layered complexity. He is a master of the desert blues. His group on this album includes longtime colleague Aly Magassa (electric guitar), Kande Sissoko (ngoni), and Hamadoun "Afo" Guindo (percussion). They are joined on tracks by Malian musicians Adama Sidibe (balafon(, Madou Diabate (violin), and Hama Sangho (backup vocal), as well as American friends Jacob Silver (bass), Cindy Cashdollar (lap steel guitar), and David Rothenberg (clarinets). Les Bateaux was recorded live in Bamako and New York. CD has four bonus track.
Tracks:
1. Woma Gara
2. Adinna Kadidja
3. Les Bateaux / The Boats
4. MTchiokoroba
5. Sinewe / l'Eglise de Tominia
6. Lana Hidjori
7. Nayes
8. Oumou Diallo
9. Nisi TIndi
10. Haira (Dave Cook Remix)
11. Ni Allah (Dave Cook Remix)
12. Haira (David Harrow Remix)
13. MNayes (Video Edit)
