The journey is always with us. It begins at birth, and takes us to the end. The source of life and then, the inevitable mortality of all people. These themes, with their serious undertones, appear often in the songs of Alpha Yaya Diallo. They define his sensibility as much as the elegant and electrifying funkiness of his guitar playing.

On this section of the journey, Alpha is joined by another of West Africa's formidable guitarists, Ousmane Kouyate. His track record goes back to the late 70's when he played with the legendary Ambassadeurs, and he is chiefly responsible for the brilliant guitar work with Salif Keita during the 80's and 90's.

With Ousrnane in the producer's chair, Alpha enjoyed the guiding hand of experience, there to temper and complement his wildly creative temperament. And indeed they proved to be a good team. Check the beautiful acoustic duets 'For My Love' and 'M'Koro" if you need to be convinced.

During the making of this album another kind of journey was made as well. In March 2000, Alpha travelled back home to Conakry, Guinea where he visited family and met With his old friend and musical associate Doura Barry. Together with Doura's sister Sona Barry they recorded one of the album's sweetest surprises, a song called 'Mi Djedjema' . That recording session was also the centrepiece of a documentary film about Alpha and his journey, called The Best of Both Worlds'.

And so, nine new songs from the fertile musical imagination of Alpha Yaya Diallo. Guaranteed to make your journey more rewarding.