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CD Review
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Giant Step, CD Review >>
--by Christophe Augros
The African continent has a storied music history with each country having its own indigenous instruments, styles and, naturally, stars. In Senegal, Youssou N’dour leads the pack, in Uganda it’s Geoffrey Oryema, in Algeria Cheb Khaled and his friends. But Mali may be the most diverse country among them. There, you will find eclectic artists such as Rokia Traore, Oumou Sangare, Toumani Diabate and the late Ali Farka Toure.
Did you know that Ali Farka Toure had a son? Well, it turns out the young Vieux Farka Toure is able to emulate his father’s playing, but not without adding his own touch, which is less bluesy and more traditional than his father’s. Vieux has crafted a global minded style all his own with flourishes of rock and reggae amidst Saharan Blues and traditional Malian melodies. By doing so, he ushers in the next generation of Mali blues and shows the new way to go.
Vieux’s self-titled album features the great kora musician Toumani Diabate (whose last album with Ali Farka Toure is a masterpiece) in addition to his late father on two tracks. The album also offers stirring performances by a number of veteran recording stars from Mali including Bassekou Kouyaté, Seckou Touré, and Hassy Sarré. Also featured are many of Mali’s brightest young talents in Mamadou Kone, Adama Diarra, and the sensational vocals of Issa Bamba, who has been respected by many in Mali. This album is like a reunion between two different generations – just like a bridge between the past and the present, between his father and his own music. It's a keeper. 01/25/07 >> go there
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