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"Ana" from Vieux Farka Touré
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"Ma Hine Cocore" from Vieux Farka Touré
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Debut CD unites father and son

By DENNY DYROFF Staff Writer

Here in America, it's hard to imagine anyone warmly embracing "donkey" as a nickname. For Vieux Farka Toure, the nickname was a great honor.

Vieux Farka Toure is the son of Ali Farka Toure, one of Mali's greatest musicians, who died cancer last year. In the Sonrai language of the Niafunke region of Mali, "Farka" means "donkey." The name was originally bestowed on Ali Toure many years ago be cause of his stubborn nature.

Vieux Toure, who performs at the World Cafe Live tonight, had "Farka" added to his name not long ago.

When he was young, Vieux had a precocious talent as a drummer and calabash player. But his father instructed him to pursue different career. Years later, Vieux's musical talents created a father-son showdown.

"When Vieux was a child, he would watch his father's reherasals with the band," said Eric Herman, who produced Vieux's new album and also plays in Toure's band. "Gradually, he mixed in and began playing calabash and drum kit."

Ali, who had to endure lot of hardship while dealing with the music industry around the world, did not want his son to have similar problems. So he refused to allow Vieux to play music and decided that his son should become a soldier instead.

"When I was around started playing guitar and enrolled in the National Arts Institute in Bamako," Vieux said. "My father put his foot down. He was very opposed to it."

By the time Vieux completed his studies at the Arts Institute, he had be come a locally celebrated guitar virtuoso who was able to emulate his father's, style. Toumani Diabate, the world's premiere kora player, brought Vieux into his performing ensemble.

Recognizing Vieux's abilities, Diabate urged Ali to accept his son's decision to pursue a musical career. Eventually, the two were making music together.

"I always expected that he would come around," Vieux said. "Once I graduated, my father ceased to resist. He started to support my musical career and give me important advice."

Vieux put together his own band and set about rercording his debut album, "Vieux Farka Toure," which will be released on Feb. 13 on World Village Records.

At around the same time, Ali was diagnosed with bone cancer. He joined his son for several tracks on the album - "Tabara" and "Diallo." The album, which was completed after Ali's death, also includes "Dounia," which is Vieux's fare well song to his father.

Like his father, Vieux plays music that conveys the spirit of Mali, a growing nation in West Africa that sits on the edge of the desert and has the Niger River running through it.

"Growing up in Niafunke gives one a good sense of community," Vieux said. "It's a very simple town - very strong familial town with great respect for elders. It's also a desert town - very low-key and calm."

What: Vieux Farka Tour

When: Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Where: World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia

Tickets: $20

Information: 215-222-1400
 02/07/07
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