On its 11 tracks "From Mali To America" blends the musical traditions of West Africa and America with the pairing of Cheick Hamala Diabate on ngoni(a stringed lute, ancestor to the banjo), Bob Carlin on banjo with special guest Solo Tounkara on Malian guitar. Since the American banjo grew from West African roots, this exploration should come as no surprise. •Nominated for a 2007 Grammy in the category "Best Traditional World Music Album". •"This is a deep and varied project which twines African and American roots in heretofore unexplored ways" - Tony Trischka, virtuoso banjoist.