The Timely Case of the Ali Farka Toure Tribute

Some of the Holy Grails of African music have just been reissued!!

I'm talking about the first 5 albums by Malian desert bluesman Ali Farka Toure. These albums were recorded at Radio Mali studios in the late 70s and issued by the French label "Sonafric." They are heralded as Ali Farka Toure's greatest work; as Bob Marley's first albums started the global craze for reggae, these albums are credited with sparking interest in the desert blues genre. Like Bob Marley, Ali Farka Toure did not invent the music he played (in fact, many of these compositions are centuries-old griot folklore). Both men possessed the talent and charisma to successfully bring their local musics to international audiences.

For decades these albums have been among the most sought-after LP titles from the continent. In spite of their popularity, they have never before been reissued (due to legal tape no doubt)... World Circuit released a selection of the songs on the 1996 CD "Radio Mali," but there has never been a CD or LP reissue of the complete original titles.

Until now.

They are available now. Get 'em while you can!!!

In honor of the occasion, I present an Ali Farka Toure tribute show. We'll open the show with 8 selections taken from the first 5 LPs that are currently reissued, then end the first hour with a few more recent cuts from the Malian legend.

The second hour today presents Ali Farka Toure's legacy: music in the desert blues tradition performed by current Malian artists. We will hear from Songhoy Blues, Bassekou Kouyate, Kasse Mady Diabate, Vieux Farka Toure, and a few more tracks from the fine new album by Sidi Toure.