I imagine that being the son of the late legendary desert blues musician Ali Farka Toure, must be similar to being the son of the late American folk legend, Woody Guthrie--a double edge sword.  On one hand, doors automatically open with that kind of clout, but on the other hand, the musicians need to carve an identity separate from their fathers and strike out with their own talent.  Vieux Farka Toure debuts with an awesome and powerful recording that marries the desert blues with a youthful appeal.  The Malian musician tosses in reggae, rock and traditional fare that cause your feet to ache with longing and your heart to dance.

Vieux' debut album proves that guitar heroism runs in one's blood and DNA.  And if you're a fan of Ali Farka, no doubt, you'll be clambering to add this CD to your library, much less, your CD player.  Passionate vocals mingle with sweet sounding kora and chunky guitar, bass, flute, polyphonic percussion including the traditional calabash.  Typical of lyrics of the African continent, Vieux focuses on social issues and homeland pride.  Set over the musicianship of fellow Malian musicians, Ali Farka, Toumani Diabate (kora), Seckou Toure, Mamadou Fofana and others, this recording aims to please.  And a portion of the proceeds have been earmarked to fight Malaria, "a leading cause of death among young children in Africa."

On a final note, "Vieux Farka Toure is the only recording of father and son playing together.  The recording sessions, which took place in the storied Studio Bogolan in Bamako, Mali, had an especially urgent feel to them as Ali was about to make his final trip to Paris for medical attention."  Ali Farka Toure passed away last spring, but his legacy lives on. World Village
All quote from press release.

PLH (02/03/07)