Episode 80: Deep in the Desert 2

Today’s episode is the second leg of a 2-week journey into one of my favorite regular themes here at Tropicology, music I refer to as psychedelic desert blues. These are sounds from Mali and neighboring countries, mostly from the 1970s, with a few modern tracks working in rootsy styles. This music bridges two very far apart worlds: on the one hand, rhythms and melodies from the ancient Malian Empire, traditions that have been passed down by many generations of griot musicians; on the other hand, modern electric instruments & modern international influences including Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. Today we will hear two hours of deep mystical music from this part of the world.