Al Bilali Soudan - an ancient name for the city of Timbuktu - present an improvisational tour de force of traditional rhythms and scales. Their style is Tehardent, the Tamasheq name for their traditional stringed instrument. A precursor of the modern banjo, the Tehardent has accompanied griots, bards, dancers and vocalists for centuries. They hails from a well-known Tuareg family which has performed this music for generations.

Abellow Yattara, a master of the instrument, is the group leader. His uncle, Aboubacrine Yattara plays the bass tehardent. Other members of the group include Mohamed Ag Abellow, Tchiale Ag Aboubacrine, Mohamed Dicko and Abdoulaye Ag Mohamed. Their ease with one another is obvious in the verve of their relaxed performance. Their work represents cultural preservation renewed.