The self-titled debut recording of Vieux Farka Touré, son of the late Ali Farka Touré

www.vieuxfarkatoure.com

As stated above, Vieux Farka Touré is the son of the late Ali Farke Touré. Although it was not his father's intentions to have his son follow in his footsteps, (in fact he actually forbade him before bowing to the inevitable) Vieux could not deny his own muse. Young Touré split his time between growing up on the family farm in Niafunke and the bustling capital city of Bamako in Mali (where the CD was recorded).

The 1st song, entitled "Sangare", sets the pace with pulsating electric bass guitar, sparse percussion, floating flute and Vieux's vocal and inspired finger-picked guitar playing front and center. Those familair with Ali Farke Touré's music will not be disappointed. The passing of torch from father to son is both obvious and also welcomed. In fact Ali himself appears on Tabara" and Diallo" - the only recordings of them together. Also, a bevy of musical compatriots who performed and recorded with his father give a musical hand. Toumani Diabate (kora), who was there for overall guidance performs on "Toure de Naifunke" and "Diabate". Vocalist Issa Bamaba sings on "Courage" with his distinct tonalities. In support roles are Bassejou Kouyate (ngoni), Hassey Sarre (njarka) and Mamadou Kone (tama). Others songs such as "Ana' reflect different influcnes that Vieux has picked up and added to his canon. With its funkified electric wah-wah'd guitar, dymanic Hammon organ and Kingston-style horns clearly Reggae and Jamaican spirits are being conjured up.

Vieux's debut recording bodes well for his future in keeping the flame of Malian guitar-based music alive in the 21st century.

- Cameron Blades -