Ali Farka Toure passed away today of bone cancer. A hard death for someone who gave so much joy to those around him. If you like string instruments, blues or West African music, you have to listen to his music. He was one of the progenitors of the African Blues sound. "Soukora" from his album with Ry Cooder "Talking Timbuktu" is on my all-time favorite list of music..
To get a taste of the music try NPR (with context and commentary) or Amazon.com. Heart of the Moon, his last album with Toumani Diabate is a great album as well.
For a remembrance of the man see this fond recollection from the former BBC correspondent in Bamako, Mali (only the Beeb), as well as an obituary.
.
Comments