Heritage, a phrase that’s all over the place today, comes no weightier than that borne by Vieux Farka Touré, son of Mali’s nice guitar grasp, the late Ali Farka Touré. Even for a teenage Vieux to choose up a guitar required the patriarch’s reluctant consent. Over the previous 15 years, Vieux has honoured his eminent father whereas exploring different connections: reggae, remixes, a stint with Israeli rocker Idan Raichel and, on 2013’s Mon Pays, an embrace of Mali’s wider tradition throughout its conflict-ridden years.
The nation’s civil wars are a main topic on Les Racines, which regularly requires peace and unity. “This music shouldn't be for the younger guys,” says Vieux, “it’s for individuals who bear accountability.” As recommended by its title – “The Roots” – the album can also be a return to supply, to the spare, haunting model of his father on tracks such because the beautiful instrumental L’Âme, which is supplemented by a dreamy flute.
Elsewhere, on Ngala Kaourene and Ndjehene Direne, each insistent calls for for peace, there are extra pressing grooves, with call-and-response vocals. A forged of dazzling musicians lends help all through a file that urgently places Mali, a musical powerhouse, within the world highlight. Excellent.
Post a Comment