Ali Farka Touré "Savane" (2006)
I enjoyed this one. Touré had last shown up on this list with his
"Talking Timbuktu" collaboration with Ry Cooder (see day 774). I didn't
have a lot to say with that one but noted that Touré was accused of
ripping off the American blues though he was largely playing folk sounds
from his own country (which had in turn likely inspired the blues).
A similar thing could be said here, you can definitely hear the origins
of the blues in this music. Touré adds nods to the American evolution
of it, with the odd harmonica featured and with American musicians
playing on the album.
There's a good range of sounds here. Opening track "Erdi" has a rootsy celtic feel that somehow seems to evoke pioneer, wild west America. The title track almost has a reggae rhythm with blues guitar over it. "Soya" has a repetitive loop with an earthy African vibe.
The whole album is bursting with life and vitality, all the more amazing
considering Touré would not live to see it's release. He had died a few
months before from cancer. As closing statements go, it is a worthy
album.
