All Together Now: Amadou and Mariam

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AMADOU AND MARIAM'S latest CD is called "Welcome to Mali," but it really should be called "Welcome to the World." It's the type of record that is so joyous and positive that it feels like it could bring together warring factions — take note, State Department — but it's really more of a sonic Evite to explore the diverse country in Northwest Africa.

"'Welcome to Mali' is an invitation to meet the various people and likewise to meet the richness of the music happening in Mali from the different ethnic [groups]," guitarist Amadou said through translator Thierry Picouret.

Amadou and his singing wife Mariam met and fell in love at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and the duo recorded its new album in France, England, Senegal and the couple's homeland. The music touches on Afro-pop, blues, electronica and more, and the rangy disc includes collaborations with everyone from kora player Toumani Diabate to Blur frontman Damon Albarn, who produced the CD's first single, "Sabali," which plays around with African melodies before breaking into an almost Pet Shop Boys-like thump. "'Sabali' is all about patience," Amadou said. "It's a golden way, in everything you do in life."

Patience has served Amadou and Mariam well. It wasn't until 2004's Manu Chao-produced "Dimanche a Bamako" — when the two were already in their 50s — that their music was heard by a wide swath of people outside of the Francophone world. The record was an international smash, and Amadou's psychedelic-rock-flavored guitar playing gained admirers who wouldn't normally pay attention to African music. Because of the album's crossover success, the duo has seen its profile rise and the musical partnerships kick up. Amadou, who has loved British rock bands since he was a child, was even able to collaborate with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour at a charity concert in late May.

"I never could have imagined I could have played with this person who has inspired me so much," Amadou said. "It was a great showing between our two guitars and I will never forget it. ... I can hear [African music] in his playing, so it's not that weird that we finally played together. ... I can definitely imagine Gilmour featuring on a future album; we have a lot to share together."

And as corny as it may sound to our jaded ears, Amadou and Mariam's frequent collaborations are an outgrowth of their earnest desire to show the commonality among races, culture and music. "People need to understand that music is universal," Amadou said, "and I can imagine there will be lots of new collaborations in the future."

If negotiating with North Korea were only this easy.

» Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; with Farafina Kan, Wed., June 10, 7:30 p.m., $35, 703-549-7500.

Photos courtesy Youri Lanquette