Ali Farka Toure Talking Timbuktu Raritan
Ali Farka Toure Radio Mali
One of the most internationally successful West African musicians of the '90s, was described as 'the African ' so many times that it probably began to grate on both 's and 's nerves. There is a lot of truth to the comparison, however, and it isn't exactly an insult. The guitarist, who also played other instruments such as calabash and bongos, shared with (and similar American bluesmen like ) a predilection for low-pitched vocals and midtempo, foot-stomping rhythms, often playing with minimal accompaniment.'
S delivery was less abrasive than 's, and the general tone of his material somewhat sweeter. Widespread success on the order of was somewhat elusive, though, as sang in several languages, and only occasionally in English. As he once told Option, his are songs 'about education, work, love, and society.' If he and sounded quite similar, it's probably not by conscious design, but due to the fact that both drew inspiration from African rhythmic and musical traditions that extend back many generations. Was approaching the age of 50 when he came to the attention of the burgeoning world music community in the West via a self-titled album in the late '80s. In the following years he toured often in North America and Europe, and recorded frequently, sometimes with contributions from and members of.
In 1990, retreated from music entirely to devote himself to his rice farm, but was convinced by his producer to again pick up the guitar to record 1994's, on which he was joined. It was his most well-received effort to date, earning him a Grammy for Best World Music Album, but it was also proof that not all Third World-First World collaborations have to dilute their non-Western elements to achieve wide acceptance. However, found success draining and again retreated to tend his farm. He didn't release a record on American shores for five more years; he finally broke the silence in 1999 with, which discarded the collaborative approach in favor of a return to his musical roots.
Ali Farka Toure Ai Du
Then, once again, stepped away from the limelight. In 2005, perhaps partly to keep his name familiar to music lovers, Nonesuch issued (for the first time on compact disc), two albums recorded in the early '80s, packaged together as a two-disc set. Was also released in 2005. Died on March 7, 2006, from the bone cancer that he had been battling for years; however, he was able to complete one last album before passing. His final album, was released posthumously in July 2006. It was later discovered that he had completed impromptu sessions a year before his death alongside Malian kora player in London. The results of these sessions were released in the simply titled 2010 record Ali & Toumani.
Guitarist has repeatedly bridged the gap between traditional African and contemporary American vernacular music, and this release continues that tradition. Features him singing in 11 languages and playing acoustic and electric guitar, six-string banjo, njarka, and percussion, while teaming smartly with an all-star cast that includes superstar fusion bassist, session drummer, longtime roots music great (who doubled as producer), venerable guitarist, and such African percussionists and musicians as on calabash and on congas.