First of all, props to Numero Group for its dedication to putting out QUALITY compilations. This time, the Chicago label unearths music recorded and released during the cultural revolution of Burkina Faso from 1970-1979, a landlocked country in West Africa then known as the Republic of Upper Volta. Most of the musical output was concentrated in the country's cultural capital, Bobo-Dioulasso, and key artists of the city like Volta Jazz, Dafra Star, Echo Del Africa, and Les Imbattables Leopards left behind gems compiled on this 3LP boxset. Musically, the evocative tracks tap into a truly international sonic palette, as salsa, jazz, rock & roll, Cuban, Malian, and of course, African influences delightfully mingle. In addition to the sounds, the records are accompanied by archival photos of Sory Sanle, the photographer who experienced and was able to capture the cultural shifts that took place in Bobo-Dioulasso. Check out: "Were Were Magne," De Nwolo," "Dounya Te Soye," "Fintalabo," "Djougou Toro," "Air Volta," "Sie Koumgolo," "Bombossi," "Dja Tigui Kie" and "Boudou Nyida" to get a good sense of what the excellent compilation is about.

• includes archival photos by Sory Sanle
• music label: Numero Group 2016