Festival Au Desert: Live From Timbuktu

I spent some time in Mali back in the 80s, and back then, there was only one reason to go to Timbuktu; to get your passport stamped so you could have bragging rights once you got back home. There really is nothing there except fanatics trying to take over the country. Amazingly, they have concerts there (this year’s show has been cancelled due to the jihadists), and this 17 song collection features the wide range of music from this historically fascinating area. Larger names lke the Ali Farka Toure Allstars feature Mamadou Kelly” with some earthy vocals and chants, while more traditional material such as “Efes” is represented in plenty. Various stringed and reeded instruments weave in and out of the shows, and lilting guitar riffs make the neck supple as on “Wari.” Some yelping and rapping gets thrown in once in awhile as on “Odwa” and even a bit of influence from western rock and the Rolling Stones is hinted at on “Bisimillah.” The width and breath of styles here is quite impressive and there will be something for a fan of every persuasion. Isn’t that what music is supposed to do, get people together?  

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