Khaira Arby – “Tchini Tchini”

Tchini Tchini

Khaira Arby last appeared on Splinters & Candy in November when we featured her collaboration with the Sway Machinery. Since then Khaira has been busy touring the United States with her talented band. Hailing from the region of Timbuktu in Northern Mali, Khaira is one of the Africa’s finest vocalists. She has been on the scene for a while, but made her splash in the U.S. when she released and supported Timbuktu Tarab, her full length release on Clermont Music, back in 2010.

After making quite the impression at Bonnaroo in June, Khaira and her band are back with a nice little EP entitled Tchini Tchini, also out on Clermont Music. The disc contains three previously unreleased tracks: “Tchini Tchini,” “Al Jama’a, Bisimillah” and “Oumousall.” Each track is magnificent. Continuing the sound of Timbuktu Tarab, this EP features Khaira’s incredible voice and her amazing electric band. Ali Farka Touré is Khaira’s cousin and you can hear his influence in her music as she grew up in awe of him. There are some terrific electric blazes from her impressive young guitarist, Dramane Toure, which harmonize well with Aballow Yattara’s ngoni flourishes. There may only be three tracks on this EP, but there is a lot of music in these songs. Keep an eye out for Tchini Tchini and get addicted to this music by listening to the title track above. Don’t miss the chance to see Khaira and her band live. They will be at Lincoln Center Out of Doors on August 1st with Yemen Blues and Ukandanz. The free concert starts at 7:00 at the Damrosch Park Bandshell. You can’t afford to miss it.