Nick Gold, World Circuit and Vieux Farka Touré unveil nine new compositions by the great Ali Farka Touré with the album Traveleravailable March 10.
In 2011, the posthumous album Ali & Toumani, in duet with the chorister of Bamako Toumani Diabaté wins a Grammy. Seventeen years following the death of the great Malian master Ali Farka Touré, his World Circuit label delivers – with parsimony – nine original titles. Compiled in the album Travelerthese compositions are added to the impressive discography of Farka, international icon of the Malian wallahidu.
From his native village of Kanau on the banks of the Niger River in Los Angeles, the late Ali Farka Touré planted the seeds of the world music on all continents. Yet in love with his land, this farmer and self-taught multi-instrumentalist never resisted the call of music for long. At 37, following ten of a group career with La Troupe 117, he released his first solo album, soberly named Wake. The impact is unprecedented, and the tour that follows takes him to Europe, the United States and Asia. But following several brilliant albums including Talking Timbuktu – in collaboration with the American guitarist Ry Cooder, and triumphant tours, the artist retires. Ali Farka Touré wants to devote himself to agriculture. However, he returned two years later with Niafunké, a blues gem recorded on his land. Until his death, the singer tried several times to break with the recording studios, without success. Music remains at the heart of his life, and the album Traveler retraces his last fifteen years of passion.
Produced by Nick Gold, founder of World Circuit, and Vieux Farka Touré, son of the renowned artist and musician, Traveler will be available on March 10. To wait, the single “Safari” gives an overview of the opus, carried by “ the clean and captivating melodies of Ali’s signature Songhaï, through the hymn refrains of fishermen and the thrilling rhythms of hunters “. All in a majestic Sahelian blues ensemble, at the height of the musical heritage left by one of the biggest names in African music.
Listen to “Safari” in our Songs of the Week playlist.
