The Mand‚ Variations is Malian legend Toumani Diabat‚'s first solo recording in 20 years and it is a stunningly beautiful, immediately accessible blend of traditional melodies, original compositions and breathtaking improvisations from the world-renowned virtuoso of the kora, the 21-stringed West African harp. According to London's The Guardian, 'Diabat‚ mixes fearsome technique with a deep humanism and a magical ability to improvise scintillating runs out of thin air.' American concertgoers who saw Diabat‚ with members of his celebrated dance band, the Symmetric Orchestra, on his spring-summer '07 tour in support of his previous World Circuit Nonesuch disc, Boulevard de L'Independanc‚, witnessed a performance that was nothing short of astonishing.