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Vieux Farka Touré review – Hendrix of the Sahara goes his own way
A surging, festival-ready set from the Malian guitarist straddles desert blues, exotica-rock, tradition – and his superstar father’s legacy
Two songs in, the calabash player Adama Koné transfers over from the traditional west African percussion gourd to a full drumkit, while Touré swaps his amplified acoustic guitar for an electric. Billed as the international premiere of Touré’s “traditional acoustic quintet” in the wake of his 2022 album Les Racines(Roots), in which the questing musician explored more storied regional forms – ngoni player Ousmane Dagno is a relatively recent star addition – the evening ends up offering a much wider palette than advertised. Photograph: Ellie SlorickBut although Mali, and Malian traditions, figure strongly – Yer Gando, from Vieux Farka Touré’s 2013 album, Mon Pays(My Country), implores rival ethnic groups to unite – this surging summer festival set seems made for dancing and sloshing drinks around.
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