Here are a list of albums heard on Afropop Worldwide's GlobalFest 2008 and Looking Down the Road Ahead:

Orchestra Baobab "Made In Dakar" Orchestra Baobab's second studio release since their 2001 reunion revisits their past with vividness and maturity. (World Circuit 2008)

Toumani Diabaté "The Mande Variations" A hypnotic, solo masterpiece from the world's most adventurous kora player. (World Circuit 2008)

Also look for these recommended titles.

Toumast "Ishumar" Tight, flowing arrangements, and pop aesthetics don't spoil the roots in this new entry to the ranks of Toureg folk rock from the Sahara Desert. (EMI Records Ltd. 2007, Real World 2008)

Chango Spasiuk "La Ponzona" (DBN Records 2007)

Puerto Plata "Mujer De Cabaret" Here's a find: contemporary recordings of veteran Dominican Republic musicians performing old-school sons, boleros, and meringues on acoustic instruments--and slaying them. (iASO Records 2007)

Fallou Dieng "Feuk Dieuf" (New African Productions 2006)