World Circuit Records to reissue Savane by Ali Farka Touré

The reissue forms part of the label’s 40th anniversary celebrations and will launch a series of colour vinyl re-releases featuring albums from its catalogue.

Originally released in July 2006, Savane was recorded in Bamako, Mali, with a group of musicians assembled by Ali Farka Touré. The album has often been regarded as one of the artist’s most traditional and blues-influenced works.

The new edition will be issued as a limited yellow double vinyl package in a gatefold sleeve and will include a 16-page booklet.

In a statement, World Circuit Records said: “Whether you’ve lived with the music for two decades or are discovering it anew, this edition invites you to experience Savane with fresh eyes and ears.”

Ali Farka Touré was widely recognised for blending traditional Malian music with blues influences. His 1994 collaborative album Talking Timbuktu with American guitarist Ry Cooder won a Grammy Award and helped establish the international reputation of World Circuit Records.

Over the years, the label has worked with artists including Oumou Sangaré, Toumani Diabaté, Orchestra Baobab, Cheikh Lô and Fatoumata Diawara.

The label also released ‘REJOICE’, a collaboration between Nigerian drummer Tony Allen and South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela.

Nick Gold, co-founder of World Circuit Records, has overseen many of the label’s releases. In 2006, The New York Times described him as a “musical matchmaker” whose work had helped build the label’s international profile.