Griots are the musicians and storytellers, the ones who keep history alive in song and story. The art of the griot is something that's global, whatever name it goes by. People like Bill Laswell, Philip Glass, and Pharoah Sanders recognize that, which is why you'll find them contributing alongside real griots like Foday Musa Suso, founder of the groundbreaking Mandingo Griot Society, a band that worked to break down the barriers between world music and jazz. All of this makes Jali Kunda part travelogue, part entertainment, and part education. Since it's all wrapped up so beautifully, it makes the perfect present. Anyone with good ears and an open mind will thank you. --Chris Nickson
