Heritage, a word ubiquitous these days, carries no more weight than that worn by Vieux Farka Touré, son of the great Malian guitar master, the late Ali Farka Touré. Even for an adolescent Vieux, picking up a guitar required the reluctant consent of the patriarch. Over the past 15 years, Vieux has honored his prominent father while exploring other connections: reggae, remixes, a stint with Israeli rocker Idan Raichel and, in 2013, My countryan embrace of the wider culture of Mali during its years of conflict.

The country’s civil wars are a major topic on Roots, which often calls for peace and unity. “This music is not for the young,” says Vieux, “it’s for those who bear responsibility.” As suggested by its title – “The Roots” – the album is also a return to basics, to the stripped and bewitching style of his father on titles such as the exquisite instrumental L’Âme, completed by a dreamy flute.

Elsewhere on Ngala Kaourene and Ndjehene Direne, both insisting on peace, there are more urgent grooves, with voices of call and response. A dazzling cast of musicians lend their support throughout a record that urgently puts musical powerhouse Mali in the global spotlight. Exceptional.