Fondo, Vieux Farka Touré’s newest effort and his Six Degrees debut, is more than a stirring mix of traditional instruments and modern production. More than a world music artist embracing the sounds of rock, it is the sound of a young man coming into his own. His self-titled debut, released in 2006, seemed to be the passing of a torch, as it included the last recordings by his legendary father, Ali Farka Touré and a healthy dose of traditional Malian songs from his father’s repertoire. But his new album has only one traditional song; everything else was written by Vieux himself. The album’s opening salvo, “Fafa,” has a bluesy rhythm and intricate guitar solos that may recall Eric Clapton’s glory days with Cream. In fact, Fondo showcases Vieux’s guitar playing in several different musical settings. He has mastered the short, stinging phrases of his father, but he reels off some extended guitar jams as well.

Vieux Farka Touré’s career in music would never have happened, if his illustrious parent, Ali Farka Touré had his way. Ali felt that the music business was a harsh place to work. But young Vieux found a mentor in Toumani Diabate, and his own guitar skills eventually convinced the elder Farka Touré that a second generation of family musicians was inevitable. This is music from a contemporary Africa ­ urban, sophisticated, globally connected but deeply proud of its ancient heritage. This is the old/new Africa that Vieux represents. Fondo is the music of an Africa that rocks, and yet still hears the camel’s tread in the sand.

Official website: http://vieuxfarkatoure.com