CD Review: The Toure-Raichel Collective's 'The Paris Sessions'

The Toure-Raichel Collective
The Paris Sessions
Cumbancha

As a follow-up to their 2012 The Tel Aviv Sessions, The Paris Sessions continues to bridge the musical worlds of Israel and Mali together. The collective is Vieux Farka Toure and Idan Raichel. Vieux Farka Toure is the son of the late-Ali Farka Toure, and one of Ali's best guitar jams, "Diaraby," is included. Most of the songs are instrumental jams that are jazz and African-influenced. The collective is joined by musicians, Niv Toar, Daby Toure, Abdourhamane Salaha, Seckouba Diabate, Eyal Sela, and Dialimory Sissoko. The piano adds a plaintive touch to the music, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The vocals are not too showy or overdone. In fact, the entire production is quite poignant, mature, and timeless. The music was recorded in France over Mali, due to the societal/political instability. At any rate, the result is a fantastic overview of Israeli and Malian tunes coming together in a sort of fusion that works. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: JeConte & The Mali Allstars' 'Mali Blues'

JeConte & The Mali Allstars
Mali Blues
SoulNow

The rise of Mali blues music in the 1990s gave way to several notable performers in Africa and beyond. Perhaps, the best known is Ali Farka Toure. Ali is mentioned on a track, but his son, Vieux, adds vocals and guitar accompaniment on "Le Monde Pour La Paix." JeConte is a vocalist and harmonica-bluesman from the USA. JeConte is joined by a plethora of star-studded appearances by Souleymane Ann, Khaira Arby, Sidiki Camara, Doussou Koulibaly, Bassekou Kouyate, Moustafa Kouyate, Boubacar Sidibe, Adama Drame, Mahamadou Kone, Sekou Bah, and Vieux Farka Toure. The entire production is rather organic with laid-back, swirling rhythms and melodies marking the blues genre with an international flavor seldom-seen before. The project was recorded over a two-year period in Bamako, Mali. There are twelve tracks that showcase African blues music and the awareness of the people from Mali. The guitar work gets a little rambunctious at times, which is not particularly deleterious. Anyone into Malian guitar music and blues tunes will love JeConte & The Mali Allstars. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Vieux Farka Toure's 'Mon Pays'

Vieux Farka Toure
Mon Pays
Six Degrees Records

The late-Ali Farka Toure's son, Vieux, releases a new album, Mon Pays, which means, 'my nation.' The album was born in Mali and represents an audio examination of current troubles, situations, and traditional practices. This is a great Malian recording with all the charming folk instruments one can handle, including the calabash, djembe, ngoni, kora, shakers, turtle shells, bamboo, triangle, and kourignan. The upbeat melodies and North African rhythms set this recording apart from others, because there is such a scintillating texture of catchy, enthralling, and memorable tunes. There are ten tracks in all. There are instrumental and vocal moments throughout. The earthy vocals are as harsh as the Saharan sands at times, but that is part of the brilliance overall. The galloping music is perfect for fans of North African music, folk music, Saharan music, and Malian musicians. Own another fine piece of Malian music before it is too late. This is a fine addition to any musical reper-'toure'. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Idan Raichel Project's 'Quarter To Six'

Idan Raichel Project
Quarter To Six
Cumbancha

The Idan Raichel Project is back at it again with another impressive recording. Quarter To Six represents a compilation of sixteen songs mostly in Hebrew. However, Idan Raichel is joined by the famed Ana Moura and Vieux Farka Toure on two songs. The same piano melodies, symphonic orchestrations, and world fusion arrangements are still prevalent here. There is a mix of Egyptian, West African, Middle Eastern, and world pop elements that make Idan Raichel so enthralling. One of the album highlights include "Achshav Karov." The upbeat melody and soaring rhythms are reminiscent of "Mi'Ma'Amakim" from the last album. Though, "Ba'Layla" is close behind. Still, all of the songs possess the same musical fervor and catchiness that made his previous albums so popular. Some of the songs are a little more exploratory and not as structured as most of the songs on the previous albums, but they are still worth a listen. Fans of adventurous and catchy world music will find comfort here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Toure-Raichel Collective's 'The Tel Aviv Session'

The Toure-Raichel Collective
The Tel Aviv Session
Cumbancha

The combined musical talents of Idan Raichel (Israel), Vieux Farka Toure (Mali), Souleymane Kane (Mali), and Yossi Fine (Israel) represent a very experienced and cohesive group of musicians that shine effortlessly on The Tel Aviv Session. The African, Middle Eastern, and European-influenced compositions are produced with instrumentation as a paramount element. Though, a few vocals are present, but only on a few tracks. The melodies and rhythms are accomplished with calabash, guitar, piano, bass, tar, harmonica, and kamanche. The cultural diversity is rather unique, but most of the music centers on African and Middle Eastern music. The lilting melodies of the kamanche, calabash, and guitar, make the album shimmer with rich textures and moods. This is ideal for fans of Idan Raichel, Vieux Farka Toure, Yossi Fine, and Souleymane Kane. In addition, fans of African and Middle Eastern music and authentic instrumentation without electronic or dance elements will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Vieux Farka Toure's 'The Secret' Is Out!

Vieux Farka Toure

The Secret

Six Degrees Records

The third album in a classic vein of the late-Ali Farka Toure, The Secret, attempts to bridge Malian music with blues and pop. As a guitarist, vocalist, and percussionist, Vieux's talent lends itself perfectly to the production. The opening "Sokosondou" is a song with a quick rhythm and a style resembling modern Malian pop similar to fellow countryman Issa Bagayogo. "All The Same" is a wonderful ballad with some English vocals by Dave Matthews (of Dave Matthews Band-fame), who is originally from South Africa. The guitars, calabash, djembe, pandeiro, organ, bass, flute, ngoni, and drum kit create a relatively contemporary slew of melodies and rhythms from North Africa's Saharan region. Contemporary luminaries and blues guitar bands, including Tartit, Tinariwen, Toumast, and Tamikrest, come to mind. Though, Vieux's latest album is littered with bluesy, funky, and pop layers of musical goodness. Upon first listen, it soon becomes apparent nothing is secret anymore. The Secret is out! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mali's Vieux Farka Toure is LIVE!

Vieux Farka Toure

Live

Six Degrees

The desert blues guitar style popularized by Vieux's father, the late-Ali Farka Toure, is at the forefront of performance on this live CD. Anyone familiar with Vieux's songs should recognize these tracks from 2009's Fondo (Six Degrees) release. Best of all, a previously unreleased track, 'Maiga', is included as classic desert tune with certifiable groove appeal. The live performances are culled from various venues including the Thornbury Theatre, Colorado College, The Independent, and Brisbane Powerhouse. Surprisingly, the songs blend very well and do not sound pasted together artificially. The bluesy-electric guitar playing sometimes overshadows some of the more traditional instrumentation, but there are just as many instances where the quieter moments shine. For those seeking a more modern desert blues-rock sound, then check out Vieux Farka Toure's latest release, Live! ~ Matthew Forss