A-List: Vieux and Ali Farka Toure Talking Blues
ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Vusi Mahlasela:
I recently found myself jamming in a cozy living room in North London with the amazing and pioneering Vieux Farka Toure, son of the late legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure. Although many of you have probably heard the famed record that Ali made with Ry Cooder, Talking Timbuktu, I hadn’t heard that beautiful recording til that night. After a big meal together with some new friends who Vieux kindly introduced me to, we sat around their living room and popped on the Talking Timbuktu album and passed the guitar around with the CD spinning in the background as our guide and our soundtrack.
Vieux showed me some techniques he had learned from his father and we ended up jamming for several hours. Vieux speaks French and my French is very limited (to about three words). That night, however, we were able to communicate through music. Thanks to Ali Farka Toure for creating such a unique sound; thanks to Mali for producing such amazing musicians; and thanks to Vieux for passing along the tradition, making his own inspired new sound, and for teaching me to talk the blues.
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December 5, 2009 at 2:26 pm
OMG, Vusi – THANK YOU! Three of my favorite musicians in one thread – and some of the absolutely most BEAUTIFUL music to come from the Continent of Africa. I grew up listening to Ali Farka Toure’s music and am so pleased to see Vieux following in his tradition of Malian music.
And there’s not sufficient words for me to express my love for your music, Vusi. Great photo too!
All the Best, debbie
December 10, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I saw Ali Farka Toure in concert, while living in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It was, and will likely remain, my favourite concert ever; the setting was intimate (just a thousand or so in the audience), and the music, as always, divine. Here’s to hoping the tradition continues…